Look Sharp

• Cocktails that combine several clear liquors should be stirred to maintain their translucent appearance. Shaking introduces air bubbles that would cloud such beverages. Drinks made with fruit or cream benefit from shaking. The aeration gives them a frothy or foamy appearance. Cocktails featuring egg whites take on a meringue-like appearance when shaken.

Feel Good

• A cocktail's mouthfeel can be effected by mixing technique in two ways: temperature and texture. Shaken drinks are colder than stirred ones because the strong movement of the liquid around the ice during shaking promotes heat transfer. This melts the ice, lowering the overall temperature of the drink. Liquors with volatile flavor oils, such as non-premium vodkas, may have a slightly oily texture. Shaking emulsifies these oils, reducing the oily mouthfeel. Cocktails made with carbonated ingredients, such as Champagne or soft drinks, should always be lightly stirred; shaking reduces the carbonation, resulting in a flat beverage.

Taste Great

• Cocktails made with non-premium vodka benefit from shaking. The emulsification and lowered temperature reduces the drinker's ability to perceive the subtle flavors of potato or grain in the alcohol. This gives a purer flavored martini from less expensive ingredients.

Hold Your Liquor

• If you prefer a lighter drink, shaking is a good way to enjoy the flavor without as much booze. Shaking, rather than stirring, a cocktail significantly reduces the alcohol content of the finished drink. The act of shaking causes some of the ice to melt, diluting the cocktail. Also, when you pour the drink into a glass, some liquid remains in the shaker. If you prefer your cocktails stronger, stir them.