Review: Shaker 33 Cocktail Shaker

Editor’s Note: This product was provided to us as a review sample by Shaker 33. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. 

As a bartender, I have somewhere around seven cocktail shakers (not including shaker tins). They are all different in design, but they serve a purpose. Recently, a new shaker has entered the market. Created by Michael Liebowitz, Shaker 33, has a unique design, but will it become my new favorite shaker?

At first glance, the size is shocking. The Shaker 33 is the size, if not bigger, than a venti-sized tumbler. However, it is sleek and streamlined in its design. Without liquid and ice, it is fairly light to handle. I am a little skeptical about a shaker made from BPA-free Tritan. Shaker 33 seems geared toward commercial bartending since it is shatter-proof, leak-proof, and dishwasher safe.

The strainer locks in, and it can rest on top of the lid when not in use. However, the lid comes to an almost point, which makes it easy to knock over. The Tritan material keeps your hands warm, but I find this a nuisance even though the liquid gets just as cold. With metal tins and shakers, I know when my cocktail is ready to pour without being too diluted once frost develops.

The trickiest part of using Shaker 33 is locking the lid. The strainer part locks in one way, and the lid locks in the opposite way. Once you figure it out, it becomes easier. Still not as fast as using a shaker tin and a pint glass, but it does not leak, and the lid opens when you need it to. You can make four cocktails at once with the Shaker 33. Perfect for when you have company. It does strain well since it has a side with larger holes and a side with smaller holes. When using fruit juice, I still recommend using a fine mesh strainer for clarity.

Shaker 33 may state that it is shatter-proof, but it is NOT durable. While shaking up some cocktails to test the product, Shaker 33 slipped out of my hand because of its awkward size. It busted a large hole in the bottom with a sharp chunk of shard. While, I am happy that it was not glass and in a million pieces, I think I will stick to my metal shakers. Normally, I make a demonstration video, but unfortunately, you will not get to see my reaction to the Shaker 33 breaking and dumping a whiskey Bees Knees all over my floor.

For a cocktail shaker, it is priced more than I would like to pay for some bar gear. The BPA-free Tritan versions are $29.95, and the stainless-steel version is $39.95. Shaker 33 comes in black, frost, clear, and stainless steel. You can buy versions with different colored strainers, too. However, I say skip it.