Strainer

A bar tool that separates ice and solid ingredients from the liquid cocktail when pouring into a serving glass.

The Hawthorne strainer is the most common type, featuring a flat disc with a coiled spring that fits snugly over a shaker tin. The spring catches ice and fruit pulp while allowing liquid to flow through. For stirred drinks in a mixing glass, bartenders typically use a julep strainer, which has a perforated bowl shape. Professional bartenders often use both a Hawthorne and a fine mesh strainer together for a crystal-clear pour.

💡 Pro Tips

• Press the strainer firmly against the shaker opening
• Use the gate (finger tab) to control pour speed
• Pair with a fine strainer for egg white cocktails

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Holding the strainer too loosely
• Using a kitchen strainer instead of a proper bar strainer
• Forgetting to strain drinks that need it

📚 Related Terms

Cocktail Shaker

A sealed container used to mix, chill, and dilute cocktails by shaking them vigorously with ice.

Fine Strainer

A small mesh strainer used in conjunction with a Hawthorne strainer to remove fine particles like ice chips, fruit pulp, and egg white foam from cocktails.

Shake

A cocktail mixing method where ingredients are vigorously combined with ice in a sealed shaker to rapidly chill, dilute, and aerate the drink.