Shaken vs. Stirred — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 27, 2023
"Shaken" involves vigorously agitating a mixture, usually in a cocktail shaker, while "Stirred" means gently mixing using a stirrer or spoon.
Difference Between Shaken and Stirred
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Shaken" and "Stirred" both pertain to mixing methods, often used in the context of preparing beverages, especially cocktails. When a drink is Shaken, it's poured into a shaker with ice and shaken vigorously. Conversely, when a drink is Stirred, ingredients are combined gently using a stirrer in a mixing glass.
The act of Shaking typically introduces more air into a drink, often resulting in a frothier and colder beverage. Stirring, on the other hand, maintains a clearer consistency, smoothly integrating ingredients without aerating them as much.
Many bartenders and mixologists have specific preferences between Shaken or Stirred methods depending on the drink. For instance, cocktails that have ingredients like fruit juices, egg whites, or cream are often Shaken to ensure thorough mixing. In contrast, cocktails that are primarily spirit-based are usually Stirred to preserve clarity and smoothness.
It's important to note that both Shaken and Stirred methods have their merits and are essential in the world of mixology. While Shaking can dilute a drink more due to the melting ice and result in tiny ice shards in the beverage, Stirring offers a more gentle incorporation, preserving the texture and strength of the drink.
The debate between Shaken and Stirred became notably popularized by the James Bond series, where the protagonist famously requests his martini "shaken, not stirred."
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Comparison Chart
Method
Vigorous agitation
Gentle mixing
Tool
Cocktail shaker
Stirrer or spoon
Result
Frothier, colder drink with possible ice shards
Clearer, smoother drink
Typical Ingredients
Fruit juices, egg whites, cream
Primarily spirit-based drinks
Popularization
James Bond's preference for martinis
Traditional method for many classic cocktails
Compare with Definitions
Shaken
To remove or dislodge by jerky movements.
He Shaken the dust from his clothes.
Stirred
Moved or affected emotionally.
His words Stirred deep emotions within her.
Shaken
Vigorously mixed using a shaker.
The bartender Shaken the cocktail until it was chilled.
Stirred
Caused to move in a swirling or agitating manner.
The wind Stirred the leaves on the ground.
Shaken
Upset or disturbed emotionally.
She was Shaken by the unexpected news.
Stirred
Awakened from sleep or inactivity.
The noise outside Stirred him from his nap.
Shaken
Causing to tremble or quiver.
The loud noise Shaken the windows.
Stirred
Brought about a specific reaction or feeling.
The news Stirred a lot of controversy.
Shaken
Moved back and forth rapidly.
The earthquake Shaken the building.
Stirred
To pass an implement through (a liquid, for example), usually in circular motions, so as to mix or cool the contents
Stirred the soup before tasting it.
Shaken
Past participle of shake.
Stirred
To use an implement to move or rearrange the fuel in (a fire) to increase light or heat.
Shaken
Past participle of shake
Stirred
To add or mix in (an ingredient, for example) into a liquid or mixture by moving an implement
Stirred a cup of sugar into the cake batter.
Shaken
In a state of shock or trauma.
We were left shaken by the revelations of abuse.
Stirred
To mix together the ingredients of (a liquid, for example) before cooking or use by moving an implement
Stirred up some popover batter.
Stirred the paint.
Shaken
A flat shuriken resembling a spiked wheel, as opposed to the longer stick-like kind.
Stirred
To move or pass (an implement) through a liquid in order to mix or cool the contents
Stirred her spoon in her coffee.
Shaken
Caused to shake; agitated; as, a shaken bough.
Stirred
To cause to move or shift, especially slightly or with irregular motion
A breeze stirred the branches.
Shaken
Impaired, as by a shock.
Stirred
To cause to become active; bestir
Stirred themselves to fix breakfast.
Shaken
Disturbed psychologically as if by a physical jolt or shock;
Retrieved his named from her jolted memory
The accident left her badly shaken
Stirred
To excite strong feelings in or rouse, as from indifference
The speaker stirred us to volunteer at the homeless shelter.
Stirred
To provoke deliberately; incite. Often used with up
Stir up trouble.
Stirred
To change position slightly
The leaves were stirring in the breeze.
Stirred
To start to move, especially in rising from sleep
The house was quiet, as no one had stirred yet.
Stirred
To move about actively or busily
People were stirring about the office.
Stirred
To move away from a customary or usual place or position
Instructed the guards not to stir from their posts.
Stirred
To stir or mix a liquid or mixture
Stood at the counter stirring.
Stirred
To be capable of being stirred
A mixture that stirs easily.
Stirred
To happen or begin
When the civil rights movement first stirred.
Stirred
To be roused or affected by strong feelings
"His wrath so stirred within him, that he could have struck him dead" (Charles Dickens).
Stirred
A stirring, mixing, or poking movement
Gave the fire a stir.
Stirred
A slight movement
Slept soundly and barely made a stir.
Stirred
An excited reaction or commotion
The news caused quite a stir in our family.
Stirred
Simple past tense and past participle of stir
Stirred
Emotionally affected;
Very touched by the stranger's kindness
Stirred
Emotionally aroused
Stirred
Set into a usually circular motion in order to mix or blend
Stirred
Mixed gently using a spoon or rod.
She Stirred the soup until it was well-blended.
Common Curiosities
Which method, Shaken or Stirred, introduces more air into a drink?
Shaking typically introduces more air.
Does Shaking a drink make it colder than Stirring?
Typically, yes, as Shaken introduces more melting ice.
Can the word "Shaken" also mean being emotionally disturbed?
Yes, it can indicate someone is upset or disturbed.
Are martinis always Shaken?
No, but James Bond popularized the "shaken, not stirred" preference.
Are all spirit-based drinks Stirred?
Not all, but many classic spirit-based drinks are Stirred for clarity.
Can the word "Stirred" imply causing a reaction?
Yes, it can mean provoking a specific reaction or emotion.
Is the main difference between Shaken and Stirred about intensity?
Yes, Shaken is vigorous, while Stirred is gentle.
Is there a right or wrong between Shaken or Stirred?
It depends on the drink and personal preference.
Are cocktails with egg whites usually Shaken or Stirred?
They're often Shaken to ensure thorough mixing.
Does Stirring dilute a drink as much as Shaking?
Typically, no, Stirring dilutes less than Shaking.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
