Differences Between Shaking and Stirring a Cocktail
It might seem odd if a cocktail recipe requires shaking rather than stirring, but there is a good reason for that. Here’s how shaking or stirring a cocktail can change the flavor and texture, and when you should apply each method.
As explained in this video from the Cocktail Chemistry YouTube channel , the main purpose of shaking and stirring cocktails is to cool and thin them. In addition, both mixing methods have their own subtle nuances. For example, when you shake a cocktail, you also aerate the drink, changing its texture. When the cocktail requires juice or citrus, it’s usually best to shake it over ice for 15 seconds.
However, stirring is used when you do not want to over-thin, supercool, or alter the texture of the cocktail. So it’s best for alcoholic cocktails like Manhattan or martinis, where the aroma of the alcohol makes the drink shine. However, unlike shaking, what really matters is the ice with which you stir the cocktail. Small ice cubes will cool and dilute the drink faster, while large ice cubes will slow down.