Collection: HAWTHORNE STRAINERS

This Chinese tea strainer-inspired tool is called the Hawthorne strainer . They're made of stainless steel metal designed to be flat with a round body and handle. On the body of the strainer, you'll find perforation, a finger tab, a coil, and prongs or wings attached at the edge.

It was initially called a Julep strainer, but people didn't seem to like that since that name already exists for another strainer. They instead named it Hawthorne strainers after a Boston bar, the Hawthorne Cafe. Denny Sullivan owns both the patent and the establishment.

How to Choose a Good Hawthorne Strainer

Universally fits. Hawthorne strainers should fit every kind of shaker and mixing glass. The prong or wings are designed to keep it in place and prevent any residue from getting into the final product.

Tight Coils. When you're shaking , mixing, or muddling drinks , there's a high chance that ice fragments may form in your mix. You need to strain this, or it'll ruin your drink. The tight coil can prevent seeds, herbs, and ice fragments from falling into your serving glass; if you have a loose coil, you'll end up with a dirty-looking drink.

Finger tab position. Some Hawthorne strainers are crafted better than others. The finger tab should be placed near the center to control better the open and closed gate method of straining. If the finger tab is too high, the harder it is to control.

The open and close gate helps you control the flow of your pour and the level of filtration you want for your drinks. Open gates have a high flow rate and regular filtration, while closed gates have a slow flow rate and extreme filtration. You could end up with an open pour if the tab is near the handle and sully your cocktail.

When would you use a Hawthorne strainer?

A Hawthorne strainer is a type of cocktail strainer that is commonly used to strain cocktails that are shaken or stirred with ice. Here are some situations where you would use a Hawthorne strainer:

1. After shaking a cocktail: When you shake a cocktail, small ice shards are created that can make the drink cloudy and less enjoyable. Using a Hawthorne strainer allows you to strain out these small ice particles, ensuring a clear and smooth cocktail.

2. After stirring a cocktail: When you stir a cocktail, you are chilling and diluting the drink without creating any small ice shards. However, you may still want to strain out any unwanted ingredients, such as fruit or herbs, using a Hawthorne strainer.

3. When pouring from a large container: If you are making a large batch of cocktails in a large container, such as a pitcher or punch bowl, you may want to use a Hawthorne strainer to ensure that no ice or large solids make it into the glasses.

Overall, a Hawthorne strainer is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of cocktail-making situations. It is a staple in most bar setups and is an essential tool for any home mixologist who enjoys making cocktails with ice.