The Boston cocktail shaker is not directly named after the city of Boston, Massachusetts, despite the name. The origin of the name "Boston shaker" is somewhat unclear, but it's believed to have emerged from the practice of using two separate containers—a mixing glass and a metal tin—to shake cocktails.

The Boston shaker typically consists of two main components: a metal tin and a mixing glass. Bartenders place the ingredients of a cocktail in the metal tin, cover it with the mixing glass, and then shake vigorously to mix and chill the ingredients. The name "Boston shaker" likely became associated with this style of shaker due to its popularity in bars and cocktail culture in Boston and beyond.

While the exact origins of the Boston shaker's name are uncertain, it has become a widely used tool in bartending and cocktail making around the world. It offers versatility, ease of use, and the ability to efficiently mix and chill cocktails, making it a staple in bars and home kitchens alike.