Which Cocktail Strainer Should You Choose?

A well-made cocktail shouldn't just look beautiful, but also taste delicious. A cocktail strainer is an integral part of creating a great drink. Whether you're following a recipe or making your favorite drink freely, a cocktail strainer is an important tool to ensure the result is exactly as intended . It goes without saying that it's a fairly important bar item. That 's why in this guide we provide some of the details you need to know when choosing a cocktail strainer for your home bar.

What is a cocktail strainer?

In simple terms, a cocktail strainer is a bartender 's tool used to remove solids from liquids during the preparation of a drink . Also known as a bar strainer, the cocktail strainer is typically used after shaking or stirring a beverage to remove ice, fruit , or other solids that shouldn't end up in the final cocktail.

Types of cocktail strainers

There are three main types of cocktail strainers: the Hawthorne strainer , the Julep strainer , and the fine - mesh strainer . Each bar strainer has its own specific application, which we will discuss as we delve into the details of each type.

The Hawthorne colander

Perhaps the most recognizable, the Hawthorne strainer consists of a flat, perforated piece of metal lined with a flexible spring that catches ice and other solids. Named after a once - popular brand of bar strainer, the Hawthorne is the most popular type of cocktail strainer among bartenders and professionals.

The Hawthorne filter has strengths and weaknesses depending on your situation, including:

Overall, Hawthorne colanders are quite inexpensive, so price shouldn't be a major factor in your choice. Several other elements should be considered, such as comfort, durability, and ease of cleaning.

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The Julep colander

The Julep strainer appeared in the mid-1800s to help cocktail lovers avoid getting ice all over their faces while enjoying their Mint Julep. Believe it or not, the Julep strainer can be considered the precursor to today's drinking straw.

Featuring a bowl-shaped cup with a small hole and a long handle, the Julep strainer is designed to be easily held over a shaker . Once placed on the glass, the strainer is held in place by a slight depression when the bartender applies pressure with their finger.

Although not as common, the Julep strainer is suitable for most applications:

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The fine-mesh sieve

Whether you're using a Hawthorne strainer or a Julep strainer, sometimes you need a little extra help, and that's where a fine-mesh strainer comes in handy. Small ice shards, fruit pieces, and other solids can find their way through these strainers, which is why an additional filter is necessary. Available in various sizes, fine-mesh cocktail strainers are typically placed directly under the first strainer for proper filtration .

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The Hawthorne strainer or the Julep strainer?

There has always been a debate about which is better: the Hawthorne strainer or the Julep strainer. In our opinion, the question is moot; while each has its strengths and weaknesses, cocktail strainers are so inexpensive that you should buy one of each type. However, if you must choose only one, it will depend on your situation:

The Julep strainer if you're a beginner

For beginner bartenders , the Julep strainer might be a better choice . Combined with a simple shaker, it 's durable and easy to control.

The Hawthorne colander for added flexibility

More experienced bartenders might consider the Hawthorne strainer a better choice for several reasons. First, it easily accommodates blenders of various sizes, allowing you to create a wide variety of drinks. Second, it 's faster ; it filters drinks more quickly.

The fine mesh strainer for extra smooth drinks

Whether you use a Julep or Hawthorne strainer, sometimes they simply don't remove all the pulp, ice, and bartender 's mess. That's where a fine- mesh strainer comes to the rescue ! Just pass the liquid through the second strainer to ensure you get a perfectly smooth drink.

Conclusion

Creating a great cocktail isn't complicated, but a good cocktail strainer makes all the difference . It will help you achieve the ideal consistency, mouthfeel, and flavor to give you the best possible drink. Whether you start with a Julep strainer to hone your technique or go straight for the Hawthorne strainer, you're sure to love the results.