Professionals prefer the two-piece Boston shaker to mix cocktails. This glass-and-tin combination shaker takes a little effort to learn how to use, but once you do, it's quick, versatile, and rarely gets stuck shut.

Measure your ingredients into the glass and add cracked ice. On a firm surface, cover glass with the inverted mixing tin and give the bottom of the tin a tap to seal it.

Pick up the whole thing and flip it over; be sure your thumb is pressing down on the base (now the top) of the glass. Move the whole thing swiftly up and down in a slight oval, to a quick count of 16.

Break the vacuum by holding the shaker in one hand (index and middle finger on the glass, ring finger and pinkie on the tin) and whacking the point where glass meets metal with the heel of your palm. Place strainer over the shaker, spring-side down, pour, and enjoy!