Doorstep Cocktails: Does Shaker & Spoon Deliver?

Though the origin of the cocktail - both the word and the drink - is still murky the present proliferation of cocktails and bar culture is alive and well. But it wasn’t always that way.

Prohibition lasted from 1919 to 1931 and there are still antiquated laws across the U.S. making some cities and counties “dry.” Now however, 100 years later we have cocktails delivered to your doorstep. Ah, progress.

The cocktail renaissance is undeniable. But not everyone has the time nor the inclination to be a proficient bartender at home. Shaker & Spoon changes that, allowing anyone to create cool mixed drinks. Think of it as Blue Apron for cocktails. Each month a box shows up on your doorstep, sans alcohol and bartending utensils, along with original recipes from bartenders across the U.S. Each box is themed for the month, and comes with three recipes allowing enough ingredients for approximately 12 cocktails per box, four for each recipe. I sampled the Rye Oh My - featuring rye whiskey - and the Austin Without Limits - featuring aged tequila recipes - to see if Shaker & Spoon shakes out. The recipes typically use 4-5 ingredients, some as many as 8. The instructions are easy to follow, clear and concise making it uncomplicated for anyone to craft a quality cocktail right in your own home. I had suspected that the boxes would be filled with unimaginative items, and I was wrong. Some of the ingredients included lapsang souchong syrup, candied fennel, dried star anise, fig-raisin syrup, bitters and extracts, which helped to create compelling drinks. Happily surprised by the quality of the ingredients and the recipes, being your own bartender has never been more fun, easier or foolproof. I highly recommend it. Monthly boxes run $40-50.

Shake It Off!! The Pourers Gonna Pour, Pour, Pour.

The craft cocktail movement is flooding the country. It’s one this to have a bartender do it all for you, but more and more people are assembling their own bars at home. Key to any and all of them is a shaker in which to meld that cocktail so it’s just right. I have a metal one at my house, and it works just fine. But there’s a new iteration coming to market, Shaker 33 and it’s aiming to have you replace your old shaker. I have a prototype, a clear plastic one (they are also available in black, frosted and steel but I much prefer to see my booze clearly) which is three parts. The long body, the snap in strainer, and the lid which also has a snap lock and silicon seal around it so nothing will spill out. I know this for certain as I shook it vigorously and held it upside down looking for any leaking, since no one wants a mess to contend with. The other nice thing about Shaker33 is that given it’s elongated body, it’s much easier to hold and shake with just one hand. Every house needs a shaker, even if your cocktails are infrequent, and the Shaker33 might just get you motivated enough to make even more cocktails. Shaker 33 has a Kickstarter campaign and it won’t be for sale on their website during the campaign but pledging bucks to fund the Kickstarter will get you a Shaker, (black, clear, or frosted) in a display box and a free cocktail recipe book. So check it out, shake it up and pour yourself a well deserved drink. SHAKER33