Shaker & Spoon

Shaker & Spoon partners with award-winning bartenders to create 3 original cocktail recipes each month, delivering all ingredients (except spirits) to make 12 bar-quality cocktails at home. Each box includes pre-measured syrups, bitters, garnishes, plus curated playlists and zero-proof options under 175 calories per drink.

About Shaker & Spoon

Shaker & Spoon launched in 2015 when designers Anna Gorovoy and Mike Milyavsky identified a frustrating pattern in home cocktail making: recipe books requiring specialty ingredients you’d use once, leaving bottles cluttering cabinets indefinitely. After buying orgeat syrup for a Mai Tai or Chartreuse for a Last Word, home bartenders faced the choice of making the same cocktail repeatedly or wasting expensive ingredients.

Their solution was subscription-based cocktail ingredient kits featuring three variations on a theme - using the same specialty ingredients across different recipes. For example, a box might include three gin cocktails using the same house-made tonic syrup, rose water, and edible flowers, but with different techniques and complementary flavors. This approach eliminates waste while teaching technique and expanding palate.

What distinguishes Shaker & Spoon from competitors is their mixologist partnership model. Rather than internal recipe development, they collaborate with award-winning bartenders from acclaimed cocktail bars nationwide. Co-founder Mike Milyavsky (animator background including Kanye West music videos and Sesame Street) and Anna Gorovoy (publishing and print design) brought design sensibility to cocktail education, creating a premium unboxing experience with thoughtful packaging, curated Spotify playlists, and storytelling around each recipe’s origin.

The company holds a BBB A+ rating with zero complaints filed in 10 years of operation - remarkable for subscription boxes where shipping delays, ingredient freshness, and subjective taste create abundant friction points. While they lack Trustpilot presence (zero Trustpilot reviews), aggregated feedback across other review platforms (My Subscription Addiction, Thingtesting, specialty blogs) suggests consistent quality and customer satisfaction.

Operating from Brooklyn, NY, Shaker & Spoon has maintained independence without major venture funding, allowing them to prioritize quality curation over rapid scaling. Their focus on mixologist partnerships, zero-proof options (all cocktails under 175 calories), and educational content reflects evolving consumer preferences for wellness-conscious entertaining.

Pricing Plans

Shaker & Spoon offers subscription tiers based on commitment length, with longer commitments providing better per-box value:

Plan Length	Price per Box	Total Charged	Frequency	Per Cocktail
3 Months	$66.33	$199 every 3 months	Monthly boxes	$5.53
6 Months	$63.17	$379 every 6 months	Monthly boxes	$5.26
12 Months	$59.92	$719 annually	Monthly boxes	$4.99

Pricing Details:

• Free shipping included on all plans
• Spirits NOT included (budget additional $20-40 monthly)
• Each box makes 12 cocktails (3 recipes × 4 servings each)
• Charged upfront for commitment period (not monthly)
• No ability to skip months during commitment
• Auto-renews unless cancelled before renewal date

Cost Breakdown: At $59.92/month (best value plan), you’re paying approximately $5/cocktail for ingredients (excluding spirits). For comparison:

• Bar cocktails: $12-18 each in major cities
• Home recipes (buying full bottles): $8-12/cocktail including waste
• Budget cocktail boxes: $3-4/cocktail (generic recipes)
• Premium cocktail boxes: $6-9/cocktail (similar quality)

Shaker & Spoon positions in the mid-to-premium range, justified by mixologist curation and ingredient quality. The value proposition assumes you’ll use all 12 cocktails monthly - occasional drinkers may find ingredients expire before use.

Additional Costs to Consider:

• Spirits: $20-40/month depending on recipes (vodka months cheaper than whiskey)
• Bar tools: $30-60 one-time if you lack shaker, jigger, strainer
• Glassware: Optional upgrades for presentation
• Ice: Large format ice or specialty ice molds for certain recipes

Gift Options: Prepaid subscriptions available as gifts, making Shaker & Spoon popular for weddings, housewarmings, and cocktail enthusiast presents.

How It Works

Shaker & Spoon’s monthly subscription follows a streamlined process:

1. Choose Subscription Length: Select 3-month ($66.33/box), 6-month ($63.17/box), or 12-month ($59.92/box) commitment. Longer commitments provide better per-box pricing. You’re charged upfront for the entire period.

2. Receive Pre-Shipment Email: Week before your box ships, receive an email with bottle recommendations (which spirits to buy), suggested bar tools, and a curated Spotify playlist matching the month’s theme. This allows you to purchase spirits in advance so everything arrives simultaneously.

3. Monthly Box Delivery: Box ships monthly containing pre-measured ingredients for 3 original cocktail recipes (12 total cocktails). Ingredients include house-made syrups, bitters, garnishes (edible flowers, citrus peels, specialty salts), and unique items like smoked cinnamon sticks or dehydrated fruit.

4. Meet the Mixologist: Each month features a different award-winning bartender or celebrity guest curator. Learn their philosophy, career background, and inspiration behind the recipes. January 2026, for example, featured Mamrie Hart creating food-forward cocktails with yuzu, nori, and herbs.

5. Follow Recipe Cards: Detailed recipe cards provide step-by-step instructions, including techniques like muddling, stirring vs shaking, proper straining, and garnish presentation. Instructions assume no professional experience - approachable for beginners while teaching technique.

6. Watch Instructional Videos: Access online videos showing the mixologist demonstrating each recipe, explaining technique nuances, and providing tips for customization based on personal taste preferences.

7. Make Your Cocktails: Each recipe yields 4 servings (12 total cocktails per box). Ingredients are pre-measured, so you’re primarily combining, shaking/stirring, and garnishing. Prep time averages 5-10 minutes per cocktail once you have your system down.

8. Try Zero-Proof Versions: Every recipe includes instructions for non-alcoholic versions using the same ingredients but substituting spirits for alternatives (sparkling water, tea, non-alcoholic spirits). Each mocktail contains under 175 calories.

9. Enjoy the Playlist: Pour your creation, queue the curated Spotify playlist, and enjoy cocktails elevated beyond “vodka cranberry” territory. Playlists match the theme - vibrant for tropical recipes, moody jazz for whiskey cocktails.

10. Manage Subscription: Log into your account to update payment info, change address if moving, or cancel before next renewal period. No month-to-month skipping during commitment, but you can cancel before auto-renewal.

What’s Included

Each Shaker & Spoon monthly box contains:

Physical Ingredients:

• House-made syrups (flavored simple syrups, orgeat, tonic syrup)
• Artisan bitters (aromatic, citrus, chocolate, specialty flavors)
• Fresh or preserved garnishes (edible flowers, citrus peels, specialty salts)
• Unique specialty items (smoked cinnamon, dehydrated fruit, flavored sugars)
• Pre-measured quantities for 12 cocktails (3 recipes × 4 servings)

Digital Content:

• 3 original cocktail recipes from award-winning mixologists
• Bottle recommendations (which spirits to purchase)
• Instructional videos demonstrating techniques
• Curated Spotify playlist matching month’s theme
• Zero-proof alternative instructions for each recipe
• Mixologist background and recipe inspiration stories

Educational Elements:

• Technique explanations (muddling, double-straining, fat-washing)
• Flavor pairing principles
• Glassware suggestions
• Garnish presentation tips
• Customization ideas based on personal taste

Member Benefits:

• Access to Shaker & Spoon online store for bar tools and glassware
• Member community and recipe sharing
• Ability to purchase past box ingredients (limited availability)
• Early access to special edition boxes or collaborations

What’s NOT Included:

• Spirits (you purchase separately - budget $20-40/month)
• Bar tools (shaker, jigger, strainer - one-time purchase if needed)
• Glassware (optional for presentation)
• Ice (large format or specialty ice for certain recipes)

Recipe Philosophy & Mixologist Partnerships

Shaker & Spoon prioritizes mixologist partnerships over generic recipes:

Curator Selection:

• Award-winning bartenders from top cocktail bars nationwide
• Celebrity guests (comedians, authors, musicians) with cocktail expertise
• Diverse perspectives (female bartenders, BIPOC creators, international influences)
• Rotating monthly curators prevent recipe fatigue

Recipe Design Principles:

• Creative techniques approachable for home bartenders
• Balanced flavor profiles (bright to savory to sweet progression)
• Ingredient efficiency (same specialty items across 3 recipes)
• Zero-proof options without sacrificing complexity
• Under 175 calories per cocktail (health-conscious positioning)

Recent Guest Curators:

• Mamrie Hart (January 2026): Food-forward cocktails with yuzu, herbs, nori
• Industry legends from acclaimed bars in NYC, LA, Chicago
• International bartenders bringing global cocktail culture

Who It’s For

Perfect For:

• Cocktail Enthusiasts: Home bartenders wanting to expand beyond Old Fashioneds and Margaritas
• Entertaining Hosts: Those who regularly host dinner parties or gatherings
• Gift Givers: Premium subscription gift for weddings, housewarmings, or cocktail lovers
• Technique Learners: People interested in mixology education and technique development
• Creative Explorers: Adventurous drinkers open to flavor combinations they wouldn’t discover independently
• Wellness-Conscious Drinkers: Appreciate zero-proof options and sub-175 calorie cocktails
• Playlist Curators: Those who value ambiance and multi-sensory experiences
• Couples: Splitting 12 cocktails monthly (6 each) at $5/cocktail is reasonable date night value

Not Ideal For:

• Occasional Drinkers: If you drink 1-2 cocktails monthly, ingredients will expire before use
• Budget Conscious: At $60+/month plus $20-40 spirits, this isn’t economical for casual drinkers
• Simplicity Seekers: If you’re happy with gin & tonics or vodka sodas, this is unnecessary complexity
• Immediate Flexibility Needs: Cannot skip months during commitment period
• International Customers: Ships only to US addresses
• Those Who Don’t Drink: Even with zero-proof options, non-drinkers likely won’t find value
• Bartenders/Professionals: Working bartenders may find the recipes too basic or already familiar

Trustworthiness and Customer Feedback

BBB Rating: A+ (Not Accredited, 0 Complaints) Shaker & Spoon holds a BBB A+ rating - the highest possible - with zero complaints filed since founding in 2015 (10 years). For a subscription business dealing with perishable ingredients and monthly shipments, this complaint-free record demonstrates operational excellence and responsive customer service. The company is not BBB accredited (voluntary paid program) but meets all trust standards.

Customer Review Aggregation: 4/5 Stars (Non-Trustpilot Sources) Across non-Trustpilot review platforms (My Subscription Addiction, Thingtesting, specialty cocktail blogs), Shaker & Spoon averages 4-4.5/5 stars. Note: The company lacks Trustpilot presence (zero Trustpilot reviews), which is unusual for e-commerce in 2026 but offset by their A+ BBB rating with zero complaints.

Common Praise Themes:

• “Notoriously great customer service” with quick replacement of damaged ingredients
• Clear, approachable recipe instructions for beginners
• Creative recipes users wouldn’t discover independently
• High-quality ingredients and thoughtful curation
• Makes entertaining easier and more impressive

Common Criticism Themes:

• Spirits cost adds up monthly ($20-40 on top of subscription)
• Cannot skip months during commitment period (less flexible than competitors)
• Only 3 recipes monthly (some competitors offer 4-5)
• Ingredient waste for occasional drinkers who can’t use all 12 cocktails

Customer Service Reputation: Multiple reviews highlight responsive customer service, particularly for damaged shipments or missing ingredients. Replacements ship quickly, suggesting they maintain buffer inventory for quality issues.

Longevity and Credibility: 10 years of operation (2015-2025) with consistent quality suggests sustainable business model and reliable operations. Unlike venture-funded startups that prioritize growth over profitability, Shaker & Spoon’s independence allows focus on curator quality and customer satisfaction.

Value Assessment

Shaker & Spoon’s value depends heavily on usage patterns and priorities:

Strong Value If:

• You regularly entertain and appreciate impressive cocktail presentations
• You’re genuinely interested in mixology education and technique
• You value zero-proof options and health-conscious cocktail recipes
• You drink 8-12 cocktails monthly (using full box contents)
• The curated playlist and ambiance matter to your experience
• You’re comparing to bar cocktail prices ($12-18 each) rather than vodka sodas at home

Questionable Value If:

• You drink 1-3 cocktails monthly (ingredients expire unused)
• Your priority is getting drunk economically vs experience
• You prefer simple two-ingredient drinks (gin & tonic, vodka soda)
• You’re extremely budget-conscious and spirits cost ($20-40) adds up
• You want maximum flexibility to skip months or cancel anytime
• You already have extensive cocktail knowledge and prefer developing your own recipes

For cocktail enthusiasts who entertain regularly, Shaker & Spoon delivers premium value through mixologist expertise, quality ingredients, and educational content. For casual drinkers or budget shoppers, simpler alternatives provide better alignment.