There are three key types of strainer you need…well, you can get away with just two, but you’re going to want all three.
Each one has a different role when it comes to straining, depending on the drinks-making technique and ingredients being used. Texture is really important in any cocktail, and the humble strainer makes a huge impact on both the texture and look of the final drink.So, here’s what you need to know:
(Below see Hawthorn strainer in action, double straining and a Julep strainer being used.)
The boss of them all. If you only get one strainer, this is it.
These days there are all sorts of styles, but they all comprise a round perforated metal disc, with a spring and a handle. Some have ‘ears’, some have no ‘ears’ and some even look like the Millennium Falcon! Luckily there are photos below!
Hawthorn strainers
They’re the most versatile of all strainers. The best ones are made from heavy duty stainless steel, and have a good quality, tightly wound coil / spring.
The tighter the coil the less fragments the strainer will let through. The coil is also there to hold the strainer in place, which should be a good clue as to which way up the Hawthorne strainer is used! This is also what makes the Hawthorne strainer so flexible, as the coil can expand and contract. This means that it can fit a variety of differently sized shaker tins, mixing jugs or any other vessel you need to strain ingredients out of.
Cocktail KingdomKoriko two prong hawthornBuy here
Bar ShoNo prong strainerBuy here
When picking a Hawthorne, feel the balance of it. Some have long, heavy handles that can look very pretty, but are actually very unbalanced when you try to use them.
Some have none, 2 or 4 ‘ears’ – Ears are metal tabs that stick out from the main body of the strainer. These stop the strainer from falling into the container you’re straining out of which, especially in your early days, makes the process of straining a little easier.