As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and sometimes recommend products from other sellers at no extra cost you. For more details see my disclosure policy and privacy policy.
If you’re looking to take your home cocktail game up a notch, you need to start using a cocktail strainer alongside your cocktail shaker. Cocktail strainers come in all shapes and sizes, and each one has its own unique purpose. In this blog post, we will take a look at the five best cocktail strainers for your home bar. We’ll discuss what each type is used for and how to choose the right one for your needs. Let’s get started!
Contents
The Best Cocktail Strainers
OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer
The OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer is an essential addition to every barware collection. The strainer has a raised lip that prevents liquids from dripping down the sides of the glasses, forcing the liquid to strain through the spring.
The strainer includes a unique handle that’s been created without an extended handle to work with your natural grip. This manufacturer caters to the expert bartender who values the long life of their bar equipment and the quality of their goods.
What we think:
- Long-lasting stainless steel is guaranteed by the OXO Steel guarantee.
- To prevent spills, it comes with a finger rest.
- Dishwasher-safe and stackable
Winco Stainless Steel 4-Prong Bar Strainer
For someone who is beginning work in the bartending industry, this would make a wonderful present. Because it is one of the most cost-effective on the market, it’s an excellent choice for a beginner bartender. This is a fantastic strainer for use at home bars. It’s ideal for individuals searching for something in the low-cost category.
What we think:
- Strainer with four prongs for simple straining and pouring
- Made of high-quality stainless steel that can be put in the dishwasher.
- Loose Spring
- The front prongs are far too short to be useful.
Hawthorne Cocktail Strainer
This strainer was designed by a professional bartender to alleviate hand strain and provide a pleasant straining experience for even the busiest of bartenders. The leather is flexible and durable, so you may sit on it for hours without feeling sore. We believe this bar stool is a fantastic addition to any bar area since the spring is tightly coiled and the rim is well-connected.
What we think:
- It’s made of high-grade stainless steel for endurance and quality.
- The rim is made of stainless steel, and a strong stainless steel spring has been riveted to it.
HIC Kitchen Julep Bar Strainer
The HIC Julep Bar Strainer is a beautiful and efficient way to capture every delicious droplet of liquid while keeping ice and flavours out of the drink. The Julep Strainer, as the outcome of its invention in the mid-nineteenth century to protect Julep enthusiasts’ delicate teeth from the cold, has become a part of other classic cocktail strainers used for straining beverages.
What we think:
- Made of rust- and corrosion-resistant stainless steel of the highest quality.
- Dishwasher-safe and long-lasting
- It’s ideal for using in mixing glasses.
OXO Fine Mesh Strainer
Another product from the OXO range, this one is a fine mesh strainer that also serves as a tea strainer and does a number of other jobs in the kitchen. It is made from strong stainless steel and has an ergonomic coated handle that makes it easy to grip. It is very strong in construction so it can handle being used regularly.
What we think:
- For a crisp, clean drink, stainless steel fine mesh effectively strains fruit pulp and ice chips.
- Conical shape has a huge capacity for straining because it is wide at the bottom.
- Constructed of robust, double-welded stainless steel, this sink is durable and resilient to regular use.
- For a non-slip grip, the handle is flexible and comfy.
- Measures 3-inches diameter.
What kind of cocktail strainers are available?
There are three types of cocktail strainer: a Hawthorne, a julep, and a fine mesh filter. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, especially for novices. Some cocktail shakers will have a built-in strainer but most professionals agree that these aren’t as effective as a proper stainer on the bar cart.
The Hawthorne strainer is the preferred of professional bartenders since it fits almost all Boston shakers and does not include a strainer. It is also quite long-lasting and simple to keep. Some more sophisticated models include a tab that may be used to push the strainer to the edge of the shaker tin, removing the need to double strain.
The julep strainer is suggested for novices since it’s easier to use. However, we like the Hawthorne strainer over it, but that is just our opinion. It isn’t directly related to the Mint Julep cocktail but is the perfect size if you are making one.
Fine mesh strainer: Many cocktail recipes instruct you to “double strain” your drink before serving it. You can accomplish this by using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer, as well as a julep strainer. Fine-mesh strainers mean this isn’t necessary, because designers created conical fine mesh strainers to minimize spillage. They’re generally constructed of a metal fine-mesh net and a metal handle and make for a cleaner cocktail when fine ingredients are involved.
What’s the best way to clean strainers?
Washing strainers by hand with warm soapy water is your best bet, whether they’re mesh or not. We recommend washing your mesh strainers in the dishwasher (if they’re labelled as dishwasher safe) because hand-washing mesh strainers (with a sponge) frequently leave small particles behind.
Why do Hawthorne strainers have springs?
The primary goal of the Hawthorne strainer’s springs is to securely fit inside the glass, as well as to trap large pieces of ice, leaves, fruit, or other ingredients and keep them from entering the glass.
How to use a julep strainer to strain a cocktail
It’s simple to strain a cocktail with a julep strainer. Cup the strainer to the top of your mixing glass, which should be in your dominant hand, with your non-dominant hand. Allow the ice to rest in the spoon’s bowl by hugging the glass rim, facing down.
Carefully remove the julep strainer from the glass and use your index finger and thumb to hold it in place. Pour your cocktail into a mixing glass through the strainer.
Which strainer is best for fine/muddled herbs?
Fine mesh strainers are ideal for finely muddled herbs. Simply pass through a mesh strainer below for double (and extra reliable!) strain if using a traditional Hawthorne or Julep strainer.
Finding the best cocktail strainer
If you’re a cocktail enthusiast or a career bartender alike, then the best way to ensure that your drink is as good as possible is with a high-quality strainer. The best strainers are made from stainless steel and have an ergonomic design for easy use. There’s no need to settle for a lower quality product if it can affect how great your drinks taste!
