What size shaker do I need? A complete guide

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 50% of home bartenders prefer a cobbler shaker for its all-in-one design, but its size might be limiting. Determining what size shaker do I need depends entirely on its intended purpose, whether it's for mixing a post-workout shake or crafting cocktails for a crowd.

Quick Summary

This guide details how to choose the appropriate shaker size for various applications, including protein shakes and cocktails. It covers different capacity options, considerations for lifestyle and usage, and tips for selecting the ideal size for your needs.

Key Points

Small Protein Shaker: A 16–20 ounce shaker is ideal for quick, single-serving protein or pre-workout drinks, offering portability and convenience.
Large Protein Shaker: For bulkier meal replacement shakes, multiple supplement scoops, or added ingredients, a 24–32 ounce shaker provides the necessary capacity.
Boston Cocktail Shaker: Professionals and those making multiple drinks should choose a Boston shaker set (28 oz tin and 18 oz tin/glass) for its larger capacity and efficiency.
Cobbler Cocktail Shaker: Beginners and home bartenders making one or two drinks should opt for a Cobbler shaker (12–24 oz) due to its convenient all-in-one design.
Material and Insulation: Consider stainless steel shakers for durability and insulation, especially for travel or keeping drinks cold longer.
Usage Determines Size: Your choice of shaker size depends on your specific lifestyle needs, whether you're a serious athlete needing bulk capacity or a home mixologist creating small batches for guests.

Sizing Up Your Protein Shaker Needs

For fitness enthusiasts, the right shaker size can make or break your routine. The optimal capacity depends on what you mix and when you drink it. A single protein scoop typically requires around 8–12 ounces of liquid, but adding ice, supplements, or additional scoops changes the equation entirely.

Consider Your Workout Routine

Single-serving shakes (16–20 oz / 475–590 ml): If you only mix a single scoop of protein or a pre-workout powder, a smaller shaker is perfect. It's lightweight, fits easily in a gym bag or car cup holder, and is simple to clean. Just be mindful that it offers less room if you decide to add more ingredients.
Meal replacement shakes (24–32 oz / 710–950 ml): For bulkier meal replacement powders, multiple supplement scoops, or blending in ingredients like oatmeal, a larger capacity is necessary. This size provides ample room for the components to mix smoothly and effectively. While less compact, it offers more versatility for varied nutrition plans.
All-day hydration (32+ oz / 950+ ml): If you plan to use your shaker as a water bottle throughout the day in addition to your supplements, opting for a large capacity is the best choice. Insulated stainless steel models are great for this purpose, keeping your drink cold for hours.

Choosing a Cocktail Shaker by Capacity

The world of cocktails offers three main types of shakers: Boston, Cobbler, and French. Your choice of shaker size is linked to which style you prefer and how many drinks you typically make at once.

Boston Shaker: This two-piece set usually consists of a large 28-ounce tin and a smaller 18-ounce tin (or pint glass). It's the professional's choice due to its large capacity, quick mixing, and ease of cleaning. You can make two to three drinks at a time with a Boston shaker, but remember that it requires a separate strainer.
Cobbler Shaker: The classic three-piece shaker features a main tin, a built-in strainer, and a cap. Cobblers typically have a smaller capacity, ranging from 12 to 24 ounces, making them perfect for single servings or one to two drinks. Its all-in-one design is convenient for beginners, but the cap can sometimes get stuck.
French Shaker: An elegant, all-metal two-piece shaker that combines the aesthetic of a Cobbler with the functionality of a Boston, though it also requires a separate strainer. Sizes vary, but they often offer a capacity similar to medium-sized Cobbler shakers, making them suitable for one or two drinks.

The Final Shake: Making the Right Call

Ultimately, selecting the right shaker size is a matter of aligning your container with your usage habits. Consider not only the volume of liquid but also the physical size and ease of use. A smaller shaker might be more comfortable for smaller hands or for quick, light drinks, while a larger one provides the needed volume for heavy lifting in the kitchen or behind the bar.

For a practical, everyday option, a medium-sized shaker (20-24 oz) often provides the most versatile solution for both workout shakes and casual drinks. However, investing in both a medium protein shaker and a larger cocktail shaker (like a Boston) can cover all your bases if you're a serious hobbyist in both areas. The best fit is the one that comfortably and effectively meets your personal mixing needs.

Shaker Capacity Comparison


Shaker Type	Typical Capacity	Best For	Pros	Cons
Small Protein Shaker	16–20 oz	Single protein shakes, pre-workout drinks	Lightweight, portable, easy to carry	Limited capacity, not ideal for smoothies
Large Protein Shaker	24–32+ oz	Meal replacement shakes, multiple supplement scoops	Accommodates larger volumes, versatile	Bulkier, heavier, harder to carry
Cobbler Cocktail Shaker	12–24 oz	Single or double cocktails, home bar beginners	All-in-one with built-in strainer	Smaller capacity, cap can get stuck
Boston Cocktail Shaker	28 oz tin + 18 oz glass	Multiple cocktails, entertaining, professionals	Large capacity, versatile, fast to use	Requires separate strainer, needs skill to handle
French Cocktail Shaker	2-piece, medium size	1–2 drinks, home bar enthusiasts	Sleek design, durable all-metal construction	Requires separate strainer, can be hard to open

Conclusion

Choosing the correct shaker size is critical for both efficiency and satisfaction, whether you're at the gym or behind the bar. For protein shakes, match the size to your portion needs, opting for smaller sizes for single servings and larger ones for meal replacements or all-day hydration. For cocktails, consider your skill level and how many drinks you typically prepare, with smaller Cobbler shakers ideal for beginners and larger Boston tins better for entertaining. Ultimately, selecting a shaker that complements your habits will lead to a better mixing experience, every time.

Learn More About Mixology

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Frequently Asked Questions

A medium-sized shaker bottle, typically 20–24 ounces, is the most versatile option. It's large enough for a single protein shake with extra space for proper mixing and fits comfortably in most gym bags and cup holders.

In a standard cocktail shaker, you can typically mix two to three cocktails at once. However, some professionals push this, and larger Boston shakers can handle more, as long as there is enough room for ice and aeration.

Larger shakers, particularly cocktail shakers over 28 ounces, can be heavier and potentially harder to control, especially when full. However, their larger capacity is necessary for batch cocktails and catering to larger groups.

For a home bar, a 24-ounce shaker is a versatile choice for making two to three cocktails. Beginners may prefer a smaller, all-in-one Cobbler shaker (12–24 oz), while those entertaining regularly might opt for a larger Boston shaker.

Yes, if you plan to add extra ingredients such as oatmeal, fruits, or multiple scoops of powder, a larger capacity shaker (28–32 ounces) is recommended. This provides sufficient room for all components to mix without clumping.

The most common combination for a Boston shaker consists of an 18-ounce "cheater" tin and a larger 28-ounce tin. This size difference allows for a secure seal and efficient shaking.

To know if a shaker is the right size, consider your typical drink volume and the ingredients you add. Always choose a size that comfortably accommodates your liquids and powders, leaving enough space for ice and proper mixing action.