Japanese Cocktail Tins: The Ultimate Guide for Bartenders and Home Mixologists

Japanese bartenders are respected around the planet for their expertise behind the stick, but the craftspeople who forget their instruments deserve some of the credit.

The tools in a Tokyo bar differ from the schlocky piece, combining dust in many American watering holes.

Best Japanese Cocktail Tins in 2024

Are you seeking the perfect Japanese cocktail tins to elevate your home bar game? Look no further.

We’ve scoured the market and tested various options to bring you our top picks for the best Japanese cocktail tins available.

Whether a professional bartender or a home mixologist, these tins will help you create perfectly balanced and delicious cocktails every time.

Check out our list below to find the perfect tins for your needs.

Here are the best Japanese cocktail tins to buy:

Koriko Shaker Tin Set

When mixing one cocktail, you may not think about the balanced shaker tins, but after preparing about a hundred, your arms will tell you if your off-balance shaker is doing more harm than best.

Like this beautiful duo from Koriko, a rightly weighted shaker set will make shaking just a tad simpler, mainly because the pieces lock quickly and securely.

 

Yarai Mixing Glass

Put your ear to an expert Japanese bartender mixing glass as they stir, and you will barely hear anything.

That lighting, quick, nearly silent stirring, is thanks to a standard mixing glass.

The yarai glass represents the gold standard: best width for ornate, stirring decoration, robust glass construction.

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Wadasuke Fork/Smash Set

Japanese bar spoons generally pull double duty, with the tail end acting as a muddler or a trident-like skewer for retrieving garnishes from rigid containers.

This model from Wadasuke goes above and beyond with the same ends, like a Swiss Army Knife for cocktail making.

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Maru-T Bitters Bottle

Amazing-looking bitters bottles do more than store your custom elixirs and infusions in a pretty package.

The dasher tops on Japanese-style bottles restrict the flow of liquid matched to the plastic cap on a bottle of Angostura, which permits bartenders to include bitters and other potent ingredients even more rightly.

This bottle is cut from trusted Otsuka glass, making it attractive and powerful.

Fantastic-looking bitter bottles perform more than store your custom infusions and elixirs in a small package.

The dasher tops on Japanese-style bottles restrict the flow of liquid matched to the plastic cap on a bottle of Angostura, which permits bartenders to include bitters and other potent ingredients even more rightly. This bottle is cut from trusted Otsuka glass, making it attractive and powerful.

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What is a Japanese Style Cocktail Bar?

The Japanese have an entirely different drinking culture, which regards being with value. Bartending is well thought out, and excellent work there.

This means that while bars in the UK or the States can style themselves based on Japanese culture, they cannot fully replicate Japanese cocktail bars as the cultural differences would not permit it.

Despite the inability to rightly transplant Japanese bars, those that recreate the standard style have become very famous, with new ones popping up everywhere.

The UK has Happiness Forgets in London and Lost in Tokyo in Manchester. The latter is mainly adept at capturing the more special feeling of a Japanese cocktail bar.

Finally, if you genuinely want to experience the right Japanese cocktail bar, it is better than the Japanese. In the Ginza area of Tokyo, which is famous for its bars, you will find Bar Hoshi, Bar High Five, and Ginza Tender.

Ginza is mainly famous for its bars, so this is the location if you find yourself in Tokyo. These are some top examples of why the Japanese are so well thought of for their bars. They are tucked away, pretty hidden, and have a calm environment.

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What makes them so unique?

Japanese-style cocktail bars are not your average bars. They do not just throw some liquid combined, stick a lemon on the side,e and call it a cocktail.

They think about how it should be performed and how they can achieve respect.

This is a big theme in Japanese culture, the harmony between nature and man, and they strive for it in all walks of life.

With their cocktails, everything is exact and to the point. Nothing is frivolous. The taste must work combined in a delicate cohesion.

Japanese spirits are almost highly used to make cocktails in Japan, meaning many exceptional and fantastic experiences exist. The cocktails themselves are something to behold. There are many cocktails made exclusively from Japanese Spirits, with Whiskey high and sake on the list of ingredients.

A famous lemon sour is made from Lemon Juice, Shochu, and Club Soda. Similar to this is the Matcha Hai, also made with Schohu but with Matcha powder or tea included.

Cassis is also hugely famous and generally mixed with other fruit juices, such as plum liqueur and Umeshu.

The Japanese also provide typical cocktails with an Asian twist, using Japanese items.

Here are some of the best Japanese cocktail tins to buy:

Yukiwa Cobbler Shaker

If you are practicing to master Kazuo Uyeda’s famous challenging shake technique, you will need a powerful cobbler shaker.

While the Koriko set is an initial example of Japanese craftsmanship translated to Western tools, the bartenders in Tokyo favor the three-piece cobbler shaker, mainly for vigorous hard shakes. This complex squat model from Yukiwa will never fail you as you shake your hardest.

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Barfly Basics Cocktail Bar Set

Barfly makes professional-grade barware that attracts both the pro bartender and the home drinkware.

This set has all the instruments you need to equip your bar: two shaking tins, a double-sided Japanese jigger, a Hawthorne strainer, and a bar spoon.

The two weighted shaker tins (18- and 28-ounce capacity) can take on the rigors of the top-volume ba, thanks to its heavy-duty 18/8 stainless steel construction with a satin-finish interior that hides wear and tear.

Both tins combine for a watertight seal and are simple to separate after shaking. This set is accessible in 5 different finishes: copper, antique copper, gold, stainless steel, and gunmetal black.

There is also a wide range of sets on offer, from the fundamental four pieces to a luxury set that contains thirteen pieces and a “mixology bag” to take the show on the road.

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So which is better?

It is difficult to say because each has features, but Japanese-style bars genuinely take off across the plane, not just in America.

There is a certain reverence for bartending art in Japan, where exclusive bars tend to be relaxed and have fewer crowds. The bartenders themselves respect and treat cocktail-making like a real craft.

The influence from both cultures is proven in American Japanese-style bars, which is best because it keeps the spirit of American bartending just as much as it holds the Japanese side.

Cocktails came to Japan from America in the late 1800s, but the nation made its own from here.

During prohibition, cocktails increased in the states but swiftly died in the decades after. Japanese cocktail culture remained the same, with the expertise and techniques handed down without change.

But when AngelesSharee opened in NYC, it was a revelation. Cocktails had not become famous after prohibition in America, but in Japan, they had thrived. From this, the American cocktail scene was reborn, and people thrilled them and started adapting how the Japanese made them.

Japan has been insular about its cocktail culture, keeping things between themselves and sticking to the tradition. This permitted the culture to stay safe from outside influence and to grow.

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Buying Guide

When choosing a Japanese cocktail tin, several factors must be considered to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look out for:

Material

Japanese cocktail tins are typically made from either stainless steel or copper. Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to rust and corrosion. On the other hand, copper is an excellent conductor of heat and adds a touch of elegance to your barware collection. However, copper requires more maintenance than stainless steel and can tarnish over time.

Size

Japanese cocktail tins come in various sizes, ranging from 350ml to 800ml. Your size will depend on the type of cocktails you plan to make and the amount of liquid you need to mix. A larger tin is ideal for making multiple drinks simultaneously, while a smaller tin is great for single servings.

Shape

Japanese cocktail tins come in the classic “cobbler” shape and the more modern “Boston” shape. The cobbler has a built-in filter and a cap doubling as a measuring cup. The Boston shape, on the other hand, is a two-piece set that requires a separate filter. Professional bartenders prefer The Boston shape for its larger capacity and versatility.

Design

Japanese cocktail tins come in various designs, from plain and simple to ornate and decorative. Consider the overall aesthetic of your bar and choose a tin that complements your style.

Considering these key features, you can choose a Japanese cocktail tin that meets your needs and enhances your cocktail-making experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the distinguishing features of a high-quality Japanese cocktail shaker?

Japanese cocktail shakers are known for their high-quality construction and unique design. A high-quality Japanese cocktail shaker is typically made from stainless steel, has a tight-fitting lid, and features a sleek, elegant design. Additionally, many Japanese cocktail shakers are designed with a tapered shape, which makes them easy to grip and shake, even when your hands are wet.

How do I choose the best shaker for my home bar between different styles?

When choosing a Japanese cocktail shaker for your home bar, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences and the types of drinks you’ll be making. Some shakers, such as martini or cobbler shakers, are explicitly designed for cocktails. Others may be more versatile and suitable for a wide range of drinks. It’s also important to consider the size of the shaker and any additional features, such as a built-in filter or a weighted bottom.

What are the advantages of using a weighted cocktail shaker?

A weighted cocktail shaker can be great for home bartenders and professionals. The added weight helps to create a better seal between the shaker and the lid, resulting in a more efficient and effective shake. Additionally, a weighted shaker can help prevent spills and leaks, making it a safer option in a busy bar or restaurant.

Can you explain the difference between a Boston shaker and a Koriko shaker?

A Boston shaker is a two-piece shaker that consists of a large metal tin and a smaller glass or metal tin. A Koriko shaker, on the other hand, is a two-piece shaker that consists of two metal tins of different sizes. While both shakers can make a wide range of cocktails, many bartenders prefer the Koriko shaker for its sleek design and ease of use.

What should I look for when purchasing a cocktail shaker for professional bartending?

If you’re purchasing a cocktail shaker for professional bartending, choosing a durable, easy-to-use, and efficient shaker is essential. Look for a shaker made from high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, with a tight-fitting lid and a weighted bottom. Additionally, consider the size and shape of the shaker and any additional features, such as a built-in filter or a tapered design.

How do I properly maintain and care for my Japanese cocktail shaker?

To maintain and care for your Japanese cocktail shaker, it’s essential to clean it thoroughly after each use. Rinse the shaker with warm water and dish soap, and use a soft sponge or cloth to remove any residue or stains. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as these can damage the finish of the shaker. Additionally, thoroughly dry the shaker after cleaning to prevent rust or corrosion.

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