🥇 ShopSavvy Best Picks

Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.

Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.

Best Barware for Making Cocktails at Home in 2025

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: August 6th, 2024

🍹Making a great cocktail at home isn't just about getting the recipe right – you also need the perfect tools to nail it. We've spent time digging into the world of barware and sorted through heaps of info to bring you the ultimate list of must-haves for your home bar.

Whether you're just starting or already a home cocktail pro, these picks will definitely up your bartending game!

🥇
Overall Best: Barillio Elite 23-Piece Bartender Kit

For the ultimate barware set, look no further than the Barillio Elite 23-Piece Bartender Kit. This all-inclusive set features everything you need to mix, shake, and garnish a wide variety of cocktails. Inside, you'll find a premium shaker, jigger, bar spoon, muddler, strainer, pour spouts, and even a corkscrew, all crafted from high-quality materials designed to last. It's perfect for beginners and seasoned mixologists alike who want to ensure they have all the essentials in one stylish package. Though the stand could be more stable, the overall quality and comprehensiveness make this kit a fantastic investment for serious cocktail enthusiasts.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$50.99 at Amazon

🥈
Runner-up: Cocktail Kingdom Usagi Cobbler Shaker

The Cocktail Kingdom Usagi Cobbler Shaker is a top-notch choice for those who seek both style and functionality. This sleek cobbler shaker is crafted from durable stainless steel, providing excellent insulation while keeping your hands comfortably warm. Its high capacity is ideal for making multiple drinks at once, and it fits together snugly to prevent leaks, a common issue with many other shakers. While it does come with a higher price tag, the quality and superior performance justify the cost. This is an excellent pick for anyone looking to elevate their home cocktail-making experience with a professional touch.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

💸
Budget Pick: OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker

If you're just starting to build your home bar, the OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker is your best budget-friendly option. Priced around $23, this shaker offers excellent value without sacrificing quality. It features a sleek design and a spacious body, complemented by a jigger cap to enhance its versatility. The single wall construction makes it easy to handle and ensures thorough mixing of your cocktails. Perfect for novice bartenders, this shaker is a fantastic first addition to your home bar collection, offering reliable performance at an affordable price.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$22.49 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the OXO Steel Cocktail Shaker? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🍸

How leak-proof is the OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker?

The OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker is pretty decent in terms of being leak-proof. One of its big selling points is how easy it is to clean, which is a huge win for anyone who loves making cocktails without the hassle of a tough cleanup. According to the manufacturer's description, this shaker is dishwasher safe, so if you're not a fan of hand washing your cocktail gear, this could be a nice perk. It's made from stainless steel too, so it should keep its shiny look after many washes. From what we've found, a lot of people are happy with how easy it is to maintain. It seems to live up to the manufacturer’s promises, staying shiny and clean after dishwasher use. This feature is especially valued by both casual and serious cocktail makers who like to keep things clean with minimal effort. When it comes to actually mixing drinks, some have mentioned that it handles the job without major spills—though your shaking technique might play a part in that. Just like with any shaker, making sure everything is tightly secured helps prevent leaks when you're really getting into your shake. One of the things some folks specifically appreciated is being able to toss it in the dishwasher, especially after making drinks with pulp or herbs. A little tip: give it a quick rinse before you put it in the dishwasher to avoid anything sticking to it. In short, if you're looking for something that's easy to clean and generally reliable for your cocktail nights, this shaker seems to do well. Just make sure everything's snug and tight before you start mixing, so it keeps performing and looking good.

🍹

What are the measurement markings on the OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker cap?

The OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker is pretty sleek and practical, especially if you like making cocktails at home. According to the manufacturer, it's made from stainless steel, so it not only looks modern but also holds up well. One handy feature is the built-in strainer and jigger. Our research shows that you can use the markings on the jigger cap to measure your ingredients without having to dig out another tool. This is especially nice if you're just starting with cocktail-making or even if you're a seasoned enthusiast. But, heads up—some people have noted that it might leak a bit if you don't seal it tightly. Our data suggests this is more of a problem if you're shaking vigorously, like with egg whites in the mix. Just make sure you've got a good seal before you start shaking to avoid spills. Also, since it's a single-wall design, it can get pretty cold when you're shaking with ice—kind of a thing with stainless steel shakers. Because of this, some folks might use a towel to hold it, or you could look into double-walled options if you're concerned about icy fingers. On the flip side, that single wall does help cool your drink quickly, which many people appreciate. All in all, it's popular for being easy to use and clean. It's got an elegant look, and it’s both functional and stylish, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to step up your bartending game. Just keep those minor issues in mind and you'll likely be pretty happy with it.

🍸

Does the OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker get very cold when shaking?

You're curious about whether the OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker gets chilly during use, huh? Well, based on what we've found, it does get quite cold. Stainless steel is great for conducting temperature, which means when you're shaking up your favorite cocktails, your hands will definitely feel that chill. Some people actually like this since it helps keep their drinks cool, but if you're someone who's sensitive to cold, it's worth noting. This shaker is well-liked for its sleek and easy-to-use design, even if it's a bit cold to the touch. The lid is pretty handy too, with built-in measurement markings that many cocktail fans find convenient. But, not everything's perfect. It seems there are a few reports about it leaking, especially when making frothy drinks or shaking really vigorously. Despite having two silicone gaskets meant to prevent leaks, some folks have mentioned that the lid doesn't always seal tightly, which can lead to spills. Because of this, it could be a good idea to look into the return policies in case there are any issues. Cleaning is a breeze, though, since it's dishwasher safe. It's mainly praised for simpler cocktails, so if you tend to make more complex drinks, just be cautious about the possible leaks. Overall, if you're okay with a bit of cold and the occasional leak, the OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker could still work for you. Just thought I'd give you a heads up on its few quirks before your next cocktail adventure!

View All Answers for

Best for Travel: W&P Design Cocktail Canteen

For cocktail enthusiasts who love to mix drinks on the go, the W&P Design Cocktail Canteen is an unbeatable choice. This compact, TSA-compliant set doubles as an insulated thermos, making it perfect for traveling mixologists. It includes essential tools like a shaker, jigger, strainer, and spoon, all of which fit neatly inside the canteen. Easy to pack and convenient to carry, this versatile set ensures that you have everything you need to craft quality cocktails wherever your adventures take you. It's a must-have for any cocktail lover who values portability without compromising on the tools' quality.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

Best Design: Picnic Time Complete Home Bar Set

The Picnic Time Complete Home Bar Set is ideally suited for those who value both aesthetics and functionality. This impressive bar-in-a-box features 19 essential bar tools, all beautifully housed in a wooden case that can be closed and stored stylishly. The set includes everything you need to create a wide range of cocktails, from shakers and strainers to jiggers and more. It's an excellent choice for those looking to create an impressive home bar setup that is as visually appealing as it is practical. While the higher price point might be a consideration, the comprehensive tool collection and elegant design make it a worthy investment for any home mixologist looking to make a statement.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$86.99 at Amazon

Get ShopSavvy

ShopSavvy is totally free and works on all popular phones and browsers