Shaken and stirred are two terms that have similar meanings, as both are used to mix the ingredients in a drink and dilute the flavor. These terms are significant for bartenders, as guests often request cocktails that are either shaken or stirred. The phrase “shaken, not stirred” is a popular quote from the fictional character James Bond when ordering his martinis. This article aims to clarify the differences between shaken and stirred cocktails.
Stirred
Stirred refers to a cocktail prepared by placing the ingredients in a steel jar, then gently mixing them with a spoon. The long spoon should be held between the two middle fingers and rotated along the jar’s circumference for proper mixing.
Shaken
Shaken refers to cocktails prepared after placing the ingredients inside a jar, covering it with a larger jar, and vigorously shaking it a few times by the bartender.
Key Takeaways
- In a shaken cocktail, the temperature drops significantly as ice cubes melt and make the drink very cold. In contrast, a stirred cocktail is warmer as ice cubes do not melt enough to make the drink cold.
- A shaken cocktail is more diluted than a stirred cocktail, which tends to be more flavorful and strong.
- Shaken drinks are more violent than stirred drinks, and some people believe that shaken gin is “bruised,” while stirring is enough to retain its original flavor.
