Bartender pouring cocktail with strainer

Cocktail Strainers

Using a cocktail strainer correctly is vital to achieving a visually appealing and well-balanced cocktail. Learn more about the history of the tool and best practices for using cocktail strainers when making drinks. 

 

Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes

The Ritual

The ritual of sipping a well-crafted cocktail is not just about the taste but also about the artistry and tools behind its creation. One such indispensable tool, the cocktail strainer, boasts an intriguing history, having evolved over time in both form and function. 

It's hard to imagine a world without cocktail strainers, but these tools haven't been around for as long as you might think. In the mid-19th century, as ice became a regular feature in drinks, straining went from being a luxury to a necessity. According to David Wondrich, strainers were initially modeled after sugar-sifting spoons but by the early 1870s, numerous patents were filed for various strainer designs, each striving to perfect the process of straining a cocktail. 

Types of Strainer

Over time, various styles of cocktail strainers emerged, each with its unique design and functionalities. Some of the most common types include: 

Hawthorne Strainer

The classic Hawthorne strainer remains the most widely used today and its versatility and ease of use make it a favorite among bartenders. This strainer features a coiled spring around its edge, allowing it to fit snugly into the mixing glass or shaker. The spring also acts as a stabilizing mechanism during pouring. Note that it won’t catch finer particles such as ice shards, fine fruit pulp, or herbs. 

Julep Strainer:

The julep strainer, with its shallow bowl and perforated design, is ideal for straining stirred cocktails and those served over crushed ice. Although not as commonly found in bars as the Hawthorne, its graceful appearance and historical significance often make it a must-have item for cocktail enthusiasts and serious bartenders.

Fine Mesh Strainer:

For drinks that require meticulous filtration, such as those containing fresh herbs or citrus pulp, the fine mesh strainer comes to the rescue. Its ultra-fine mesh effectively captures even the tiniest particles, ensuring a smooth and refined texture. 

Usage and Best Practices

Using a cocktail strainer correctly is vital to achieving a visually appealing and well-balanced cocktail. Here are some best practices for using cocktail strainers:

  1. Select the Right Strainer: Choose the appropriate strainer based on the cocktail you're preparing. A Hawthorne strainer is suitable for most shaken drinks, while a Julep strainer works well with stirred concoctions. Drinks containing large amounts of fruit pulp or crushed herbs should be double strained (see below).
  2. Positioning the Strainer: Place the strainer in the mouth of your tin or mixing glass. Hold the tin between your thumb and middle finger while placing your index finger over the top of the strainer to hold it in place. This should be a one-handed hold to allow you to hold a Fine Mesh Strainer with your other hand.
  3. Pouring Smoothly: Tilt the mixing vessel slightly while pouring the cocktail through the strainer to control the flow and prevent splashing.
  4. Double Straining (Optional): For drinks that require an extra-smooth texture, consider double straining by placing a fine mesh strainer over the cocktail glass in addition to using the main strainer.

Key Takeaways

  • Strainers appeared as bar tools in the mid-19th century, as ice became a regular feature in drinks. 
  • They were initially modeled after sugar-sifting spoons. 
  • Many patents were filed to create the perfect strainer, one name emerged victorious: the Hawthorne strainer - invented by William Wright. 
  • The name comes from the Hawthorne Café, a link forged as the bar’s owner held the rights to the patent. 
  • The Hawthorne strainer features a coiled spring around its edge, allowing it to fit snugly into the mixing glass or shaker 
  • The julep strainer is ideal for straining stirred cocktails and those served over crushed ice. 
  • The fine mesh strainer is for drinks requiring meticulous filtration 
  • Using a cocktail strainer correctly is vital to achieving a visually appealing and well-balanced cocktail. 

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