What is the primary difference between shaken and stirred cocktails?

The primary difference between shaken and stirred cocktails lies in the technique of preparation, which significantly affects the drink's temperature, texture, and overall flavor profile. When cocktails are shaken, ice is introduced vigorously, leading to a rapid mixing of ingredients. This method not only incorporates air into the drink, creating a frothy texture, but also causes greater dilution due to more contact with ice. As a result, shaken cocktails tend to be colder and can have a lighter mouthfeel compared to stirred ones.

In contrast, stirring is a gentler method that primarily combines the ingredients while minimizing aeration and dilution. This method is typically used for spirits that are intended to maintain clarity and a silky texture, such as martinis. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes that shaking contributes to both aeration and greater dilution, significantly altering the final beverage's makeup compared to stirring.