A perfectly made cocktail not only looks good but also tastes great. A key component in crafting a perfect drink is the cocktail strainer. This essential tool removes solid materials from the liquid, ensuring the drink is exactly as intended. Whether you’re a professional bartender or a home bar enthusiast, selecting the right cocktail strainer is essential. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know to make an informed decision when selecting a cocktail strainer.

What is a Cocktail Strainer?

A cocktail strainer is a tool used in bartending to remove solid materials from a drink. Also known as a bar strainer, once you’ve jostled your drink in a tin or shaker, you’ll use a strainer to remove, fruit, or other solids that shouldn’t find their way into the cocktail.

Types of Cocktail Strainers

There are three primary types of cocktail strainers: the Hawthorne strainer, the Julep strainer, and the fine mesh strainer. Each bar strainer has its own application, which we’ll address as we get into the details surrounding each type.

Hawthorne Strainer

Perhaps the most recognizable, the Hawthorne strainer looks strange but has a flat, piece of metal that is lined with holes (its a strainer after all) with a spring that catches ice or other things that are floating in your cocktail. Named for a once-popular brand of bar strainer, the Hawthorne is the most popular type of cocktail strainer in both home and professional bartending.

Strengths:

• Better fit for mixing tins
• Can adapt to different sizes
• Inexpensive

Weaknesses:

• Difficult to clean
• Easily damaged

Although Hawthorne strainers are pretty inexpensive, there are several other considerations to keep in mind, such as comfort, durability, and ease of cleaning.

Julep Strainer

The Julep Strainer emerged in the mid-1800s to help keep the contents of the tin inside when enjoying their Mint Julep (Noone like ice in their face).

With a bowl-shaped cup perforated with small holes and a long handle, the Julep Strainer is designed to be easily held over a mixing glass. Once placed over the glass, the strainer is held with the help of a depression when the bartender can apply pressure with their finger.

Strengths:

• Better fit for mixing glasses
• Durable
• Easy to clean

Weaknesses:

• Can be slow

Fine Mesh Strainers

The biggest differences between fine mesh strainers are in the size of the mesh, the comfort of the handle, and the overall size of the strainer. No matter which fine mesh strainer you choose, you’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it makes in the quality of your cocktails. If you’re using a Julep or Hawthorne strainer, sometimes they simply don’t remove all the pulp, ice chips and collateral damage created by bartending. That’s where the fine mesh strainer comes in – simply pass the liquid through the second strainer to ensure that you’re creating a drink that’s as smooth as a baby’s bottom.

Strengths:

Removes smaller particles and debris

Can be used to filter out herbs and spices

Easy to clean due to its small size

Highly durable

Can be used with a wide variety of drinks, including hot or cold beverages.

Weaknesses:

Mesh can clog quickly depending on the drink

More expensive than other strainers

Let’s face it: It can be tricky to decide which strainer is best for each drink. But, with a little practice and knowledge, you’ll be able to serve up the perfect cocktail every time. From the standard Hawthorne to the elegant Julep or even the classic Mesh, there are strainer options for drinks of all kinds. Pick one that suits both your needs and your style. Don’t forget to take into account what kind of container you’re using and make sure that whatever size or shape of your strainer fits well with other elements in the glassware before mixing up a tasty drink. And most importantly, have fun experimenting with different strainers in the pursuit of your favorite drinks! What kind of strainer do you use most in your home bar? Let us know in the comments below!