by Sean Brison |
Last Updated: June 11, 2022 Whether you’re a trained mixologist or aspiring home bartender, you need an instrument that prevents ice (and other solids) from entering your drink. If you’re tired of using a pint glass, an irregular-shaped
Let’s jump behind the stick.
The Best Cocktail Strainer
Before getting ahead of ourselves, let’s review the three types of cocktail strainers:
- Julep strainer
- Hawthorne strainer
- Fine mesh strainer
Each has its advantages. Understanding which is the best bar strainer depends on what the cocktail recipe calls for.
Hawthorne Strainers
The Hawthorne strainer consists of a flat piece of metal, four prongs, and a tight coil for catching ice before it hits your glass. It fits snugly atop both mixing glasses and shaker tins.
You’ll likely see more of this style of strainer behind bars worldwide due to its versatility. The coils are malleable and adjust to virtually any rim circumference without getting stuck while removing.
Its user-friendliness is one reason why it’s become so popular.
The Hawthorne strainer’s secure coil makes it easier for pulling off colorful techniques such as the split pour (pouring in two streams enabling you to fill two glasses simultaneously).
1. OXO Stainless Steel Cocktail Strainer
OXO is a reputable brand known for its high-quality products and this stainless steel bar tool is no exception. Featuring a "happy hands" soft, non-slip finger rest and raised lip for fewer drips, spills, and puddles. It's the perfect accomplice to your mixing glass or cocktail shaker. The short handle makes for easy storage with the bonus of being dishwasher safe.
2. Winco Stainless Steel Bar Strainer
Winco strikes a fine balance between utility and quality. The perforated stainless steel disc aided by its four-prong entourage and fixed coil makes for an easy pour. The perfect complementary tool when furnishing your next home bar. An ideal size without feeling shoddy.
3. Barfly Antique Copper Hawthorne Strainer
Careful, this tool might make you feel like a professional bartender when crafting Manhattans for your next dinner party. The Barfly team forged this corrosive-resistant core in 18/8 heavy gauge stainless steel. Its tight coils could give a fine mesh strainer a run for its money the way it captures ice chips, fruit, and herbs before they enter your drink. Dare we say you'll never need to double-strain again?
4. A Bar Above Hawthorne Cocktail Strainer
A Bar Above designs affordably priced, premium barware. It's tough enough to endure the most punishing high-volume setting yet sufficiently well-mannered to play nice on your home bar cart. Comes equipped with a high-density spring fashioned to fit any cocktail shaker. But don't worry, ABA designed this stainless steel superhero to reduce hand stress with an ergonomic straining experience.
5. Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Hawthorne Strainer
Don Lee engineered this Hawthorne strainer (which was in development for two years) and hailed as THE best in its class. Sporting an insanely tight coil letting you split pour like a charm. Compatible with every mixing tin under the sun and features a shiny, mirror-like finish. It's also dishwasher safe.
6. American Metalcraft Bar Strainer
You can always blame this strainer if you find yourself getting tipsy easier. American Metalcraft has been producing high-quality items for the foodservice industry since 1947. This stainless steel, two-pronged, fine-wire coiled bar strainer may not dribble with extravagance. But it's functional and the price is right. Best for the mixologist on a budget.
7. Swissmar Stainless Steel Cocktail Strainer
You may prefer to outfit your home bar with a long-handled strainer. Something forged in liquid fire birthing steel that feels thick and durable in your hand. Swissmar should fit the bill. This model comes with two prongs for balance and stability. It's small enough to fit a pint glass yet large enough to fit your best cocktail shaker.
Julep Strainers
The Julep strainer is a large, perforated, oval-shaped spoon designed to keep shards of ice out of your cocktail glass. It’s traditionally used when making spirit-forward, stirred classics (e.g., Manhattans).
In the 19th-century, bartenders would leave it in their patrons’ serving glass to keep crushed ice and mint at bay. Since then, this bar tool has evolved to become a cherished companion of modern mixology.
8. Julep Strainer by A Bar Above
A Bar Above engineers quality items for bartenders (its co-founder is a career bartender himself). The ABA team designed this model with ergonomics in mind. Built for speed and comfort, its rounded handle is attractively styled and easy to hold. Fits securely atop any mixing glass and transforms pouring drinks into a one-handed-task. Made with stainless steel 304 so your gear won't rust.
9. Winco Stainless Steel Julep Strainer
Winco has been providing high-quality products for the hospitality and service industries since 1992. They're recognized as an industry leader. This one is a top budget pick and makes an excellent addition to any barware collection. If you're new to bartending, this is a great starter piece.
10. Cocktail Kingdom Gold-Plated Julep Strainer
If you're looking to add a dash of flair while muddling your next mint julep, this premium item from Cocktail Kingdom shouldn't disappoint. It's based on a 1930's cocktail strainer considered to be the best. The brand is widely recognized as a premier manufacturer and distributor of professional barware.
Fine Mesh Strainers
A mesh strainer (aka a sieve) resembles a tightly woven, stainless steel net. You can filter finer particles through them that Hawthorne or Julep strainers miss.
When using a fine-mesh strainer, you’ll hold it beneath the first strainer as you pour the ingredients into your glass, “double-straining” your drink.
Some cocktails require a second strain to remove excess herbs or fruit.
For example, when making an Eastside (served up) with muddled cucumber and mint, you’d want to keep the extra seeds and leaves out of your glass. Double-straining preserves your drink’s velvety texture while maintaining its purity. It’s your cocktail’s last line of defense.
Here’s a look at some of our top picks.
11. Proto Future Tea and Cocktail Strainer
This anti-corrosive instrument is made with 304 stainless steel. Even though it was originally meant to strain tea, it works wonders for separating heavy pulp and herbs from cocktails. This gold-plated wonder is also safe for the environment with a PVD eco-friendly coating. So, start saving the planet and pour yourself another tipple lickety-split!
12. RSVP Endurance Stainless Steel Conical Strainer
RSVP was founded in 1984 with the singular goal to supply high-quality kitchen tools at affordable prices. This conical strainer is constructed of extra-fine, 18/8 stainless steel with a polished rim and 4 3/4 inch-long handle. It's recognized for its durability, practicality, and is dishwasher safe. Sidestep shopping at the overpriced, gourmet chef shop and grab this model instead.
13. OXO Steel Fine Mesh Cocktail Strainer
OXO continuously produces premium quality bar tools without the expensive price tag. This thoughtfully designed stainless steel, fine mesh strainer might be too sturdy for its own good. The bowl perimeter's heavy-duty lining prevents your mesh screen from warping. Its double-welded construction protects from nicks, scuffs, and scrapes. And its non-slip-grip handle feels good in your hand. If you enjoy mixology in a casual setting, this model exceeds expectations.
How Do You Clean a Cocktail Strainer?
Most Hawthorne and Julep strainers are dishwasher safe. If not, they can be hand-rinsed with soap and water.
When possible, give them a rinse after using — even if you’re planning to mix more drinks in a short period. It’ll make cleaning it at the end of the night more manageable.
Fine mesh strainers depend on the material. Some types aren’t as durable and would be better to hand wash (although most stainless steel should withstand a high-powered dish-cycle).
Typically, it’ll say on the packaging if it’s dishwasher safe. If you’re buying from an online store (e.g., Amazon), the product description tells you.
Tip: Try using a toothbrush or other fine-bristled device to remove excess debris.
The Last Word
Your barware is important, from your cocktail shaker to your
The Julep strainer is the cocktail world’s OG. More people used them when ice became a frequent mixed drink accomplice during the 1800s.
And when mixologists need to double-strain their potations, they turn to the fine mesh sieve. So, the best cocktail strainer depends on the required task. Each has its strengths. If you’re new to mixing drinks, start with the Hawthorne. It covers your basics — then you can expand from there.
Looking for more bar tools? Read this.