Mixing it up.

I am in a sunny mood today, my new cocktail shaker has arrived. I have had my trusty lounge shaker for a good long while now, and it has served me well. The cap on it serves as a perfect and handy 25ml measure (the fact I don't use it since my free pouring training isn't important - it's a feature and we love each and every one)and I have flung many a Martini, many a mile in it. But I was given my lounge shaker by a Diagio rep at a spirits expo, it is a Smirnoff promo and is blood red with chrome detailing, and I have missed my old style. So, as an indulgent treat for myself and my concoctions, I have splurged on a glorious, shining Boston shaker. It is luxury in your hand, a monument to everything alcohol should be. A heavy base to the mixing glass will allow muddling for mojitos, without risking crack or chips, and gives a smooth and easy rhythm to the shake. People assume you just throw eveything in and jiggle it about, but an easy and regular shake is important to ensure the ice cracks properly. The back and forth of the wrist needs to be steady and firm -ask any man who's just had an afternoon to himself.
It also has a beautiful, shiny, stainless steel beaker, one of the new breed of easy strain tins with holes in the rim to allow easy straining without the need for a Hawthorne strainer. To the bar!