What is the main difference between shaken and stirred cocktails?

Shaken cocktails are distinguished primarily by the method in which they are prepared. When cocktails are shaken, they are combined with ice and shaken vigorously. This technique not only chills the mixture quickly but also adds aeration and can create a frothy texture, which enhances the mouthfeel of the drink. Additionally, the vigorous shaking helps to fully integrate ingredients, particularly those that are more viscous or thick, such as juices or syrups, allowing for a more uniform flavor profile in the final cocktail.

The other aspects of shaken cocktails, such as temperature, alcohol content, or sweetness, do not define the shaking method itself. Shaking is simply a means to achieve a specific texture and temperature rather than influencing the drink's foundational characteristics like its alcohol percentage or inherent taste sweetness. Thus, the characteristic of vigorously combining cocktail ingredients with ice to achieve cooling and integration makes the definition of shaken cocktails very clear and distinct.