The Player vs 5050 CU: Which Alessi Cocktail Shaker Wins?
By ALESSI UK: Italian Design Home Accessories, Kitchenware & Gifts | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: Comparisons
Compare the ALESSI 5050 CU Boston shaker with The Player mixing kit. We break down the trade-offs between a classic copper shaker and a full cocktail set so you can pick the right one for your home bar.
Quick answer
If you want a professional Boston shaker with a striking copper finish, choose the 5050 CU. If you prefer an all-in-one mixing kit that includes a citrus squeezer, bar spoons, and tumblers, The Player is the better choice.
What each kit includes
The 5050 CU is a dedicated Boston shaker made of two 18/10 stainless steel glasses with a copper PVD coating. It focuses entirely on shaking technique and is ideal for mixologists who already own other bar tools.
The Player is a complete mixing kit that includes a stainless steel citrus squeezer/pestle, four bar spoons, and four long drink tumblers in crystalline glass. It lets you prepare cocktails from start to finish without needing extra equipment.
Material and design differences
Both products use 18/10 stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance. The 5050 CU adds a copper PVD coating that gives it a warm, premium look but also requires gentle hand washing to preserve the finish. The Player uses clear crystalline glass for the tumblers and uncoated stainless steel for the tools, which are easier to maintain.
Trade-offs at a glance
- 5050 CU – Dedicated Boston shaker: Best for experienced home bartenders who want a professional shaking tool with a unique copper aesthetic. Requires separate tools for measuring, straining, and stirring. Pair with the Our Roots set (measure, strainer, stirrer) for a complete bar toolkit.
Our Roots - The Player – All-in-one mixing kit: Best for beginners or hosts who want a complete set to muddle, stir, and serve cocktails immediately. The glass tumblers are elegant but fragile. Ideal for parties where you need multiple serving glasses and bar tools in one purchase.
- Consider the Anna Stop 2 bottle stopper: If you often open wine or spirits, the playful Anna Stop 2 stopper keeps bottles fresh and adds a design accent to your bar.
Anna Stop 2
Product facts
- 5050 CU: A reinterpretation of the classic American shaker, including two steel glasses, it smoothes the rapid and agile movement of the mixologist, even of the less experienced ones. Made of 18/10 stainless steel with PVD coating, copper. The copper finish adds a distinctive look but requires careful cleaning to avoid wear, and the two-piece Boston design demands a bit of practice to master.
- The Player: Mixing kit composed of a citrus-squeezer/pestle in 18/10 stainless steel, four bar spoons, and four long drink tumblers in crystalline glass. You get everything needed to muddle, stir, and serve cocktails in one box, making it a convenient starter set for home entertaining.
Which one fits you?
Best for
- 5050 CU: Home mixologists who value a classic shaking technique and want a standout copper shaker
- The Player: Hosts and beginners who need a complete cocktail-making set in one box
Not for
- 5050 CU: Anyone looking for an all-in-one kit with measuring and straining tools
- The Player: Purists who prefer a dedicated Boston shaker and already own separate bar tools
