You know the scene. You slide onto a cool barstool, catch the bartender’s eye, and order a martini. Then it comes. The question. The one that has launched a thousand Bond impersonations:

“Shaken or stirred?”

It’s the cocktail equivalent of “Paper or plastic?” But let’s be real, do most of us really know why we pick one over the other? Let’s break it down, no tuxedo required.

Shaken: The James Bond Special

• Pros: This method is vigorous! It chills your drink down super fast and creates a refreshing, slightly diluted sip that goes down easy. It also gives your cocktail a wonderfully cloudy look and a frothy top layer that’s just… chef’s kiss.
• Cons: All that aggressive shaking can “bruise” the spirit (a fancy way of saying it might mask some of the finer flavors of your fancy gin or vodka). Purists will clutch their pearls.

Stirred: The Classic Move

• Pros: Stirring is smooth, silent, and sophisticated. It chills and dilutes your drink gradually and evenly, preserving the clarity and the complex character of the spirits. It results in a silky-smooth, stronger-tasting cocktail.
• Cons: It can be seen as a bit… stuffy? And if you prefer a more mellow, less potent kick, stirring might not be your jam.

But here’s the real tea: the best version is the one you like most. The question shouldn’t be a test! A great bartender might instead ask, “Do you prefer it strong and silky, or light and frothy?” Now that’s a question we can all answer.

So, let’s settle this once and for for all. I’m putting the question to you, but without any pressure. No right or wrong answers at this bar!

Alright, let’s hear it: are you Team Shaken or Team Stirred?