1. Key Features
The Hawthorne strainer is one of the most commonly used strainers in bartending, a must-have in both professional bars and home bars. Its unique design allows you to filter drinks easily and efficiently.
🔹Spring Coil
The signature feature of the Hawthorne strainer is its spiral spring along the edge. This spring fits snugly against the rim of a shaker or mixing glass, effectively blocking large ice cubes and solid ingredients. You can also remove the spring and place it in any container to make drinks containing eggs, cream, or other similar ingredients.
🔹Oval or Round Strainer Head
Most Hawthorne strainers come with a perforated metal strainer head, a design that allows liquid to pass through while blocking solids. The strainer's pore size is carefully designed to effectively block ice cubes, pulp, vanilla, or fruit puree.
🔹Easy-to-Control Handle
The short handle design allows for better control of the strainer and helps maintain balance while filtering. It allows you to hold the filter securely on the shaker with your other hand while pouring.
🔹Lever or Clip
Many Hawthorne filters have a small clip or lever on the side of the head for locking it in place or adjusting the tightness.
2. How to Use
Once you get the hang of it, using a Hawthorne filter is very simple:
Step 1: Shake or Stir the Drink
Prepare your cocktail in a shaker. Once the drink is well mixed and cooled, you can filter it.
Step 2: Place the Hawthorne Filter
Place the filter on the shaker or mixing glass. The filter's spring coil should fit snugly against the edge of the container—this creates a seal.
Step 3: Hold Firmly
Give the filter head a gentle press with your thumb or forefinger to ensure it's firmly against the shaker. This prevents the filter from slipping while pouring.
Step 4: Pour into a glass
Til the shaker to allow the liquid to flow through the mesh of the strainer into the glass—ice and solid particles will remain in the strainer. For a finer filtration, use a second fine-mesh strainer for a smoother texture.
Common Uses:
- Filtering shaken cocktails, such as margaritas or daiquiries
- Removing ice from stirred drinks
- Filtering fruit pulp or vanilla bits
3. Types and Materials
While the basic design of Hawthorne strainers is consistent, there are some differences:
🔸 By Strainer Head Shape
Oval strainer head: The most traditional shape, suitable for standard-sized shakers.
Round strainer head: Commonly used in cocktail glasses and certain sizes of shakers.
🔸 By Handle Style
Short handle: The most common, allowing for precise control.
Long handle: Suitable for larger shakers or deeper cocktail glasses.
🔸 By Material
Stainless Steel: The most popular choice – durable, rust-resistant, and easy to clean.
Copper-plated Steel: A stylish option, adding a warm texture and visual appeal.
Brass/Gold-plated: Adds a visual highlight to a sophisticated home bar, but may require extra care to prevent oxidation and discoloration.
Why Professionals Love Hawthorne Strainers
- Efficient: Quickly separates solids without affecting serving speed.
- Versatile: Suitable for both shaken and stirred drinks.
- Durable: The durable stainless steel material can withstand nightly heavy use.
Home Bartender Tips
- Place the strainer with the spiral side down in the shaker to effectively collect ice.
- For drinks containing pulp or ground ingredients, use a second fine-mesh strainer.
