Cocktail & Bar

Hawthorne Strainer

A spring-loaded strainer that holds back ice and pulp

Serve stage
Hawthorne Strainer — illustrated reference plate
Specification
What it doesSits over the mouth of a shaker or mixing glass and strains the drink into the serving glass while holding back ice and solid pieces.
The springThe coiled spring is the whole design. It fills the gap between the disc and the rim of the vessel, and it catches fine pulp that would otherwise slip past. A strainer without a spring leaks.
FitThe spring lets one strainer fit a range of tin and glass diameters. A very small or very large vessel may still need a matched size.
Double strainingFor drinks with muddled fruit or herbs, strain through the Hawthorne into a fine mesh strainer held over the glass.
CleaningThe spring traps pulp. Rinse it out immediately and give it a proper wash — a dirty spring taints the next drink.
TabThe small tab opposite the handle holds the strainer steady on the rim.

Overview

A flat perforated disc with a coiled spring around the rim. The spring is what makes it fit any shaker and catch the small pieces.

Cold Brew
Safety

The spring and the perforated disc have thin edges. Wash them by hand with a brush rather than a sponge you will also use on your hands, and check the spring for loose coils.

Technical parameters

At a glance
DiameterDisc 90–110 mm typical
SpringCoiled stainless, removable on good models
FitFriction, one size fits most tins
UseStraining from shaker or mixing glass
CleaningRinse immediately; wash the spring

What actually goes wrong

  • Rinse the strainer before use so it does not stick to the tin.
  • Angle it slightly and pour steadily — a wide-open pour splashes.
  • Remove the spring weekly and scrub inside the coil.

What it has to match up with

  • Boston shaker
  • Mixing glass
  • Fine mesh strainer for double straining

This guide is an independent educational reference. It is not a substitute for the instructions supplied with your own equipment, and nothing here is sold, sponsored or endorsed by any brand.

Related guides

Read next

Boston Shaker — illustrated reference plate

Cocktail & BarServe3D

Boston Shaker

Two tins that seal by friction and never seize

Serve stageRead the guide
Jigger — illustrated reference plate

Cocktail & BarServe3D

Jigger

The measuring tool that makes a recipe repeatable

Serve stageRead the guide
Bar Spoon — illustrated reference plate

Cocktail & BarServe

Bar Spoon

A long twisted handle for stirring and layering

Serve stageRead the guide
Mixing Glass — illustrated reference plate

Cocktail & BarServe

Mixing Glass

A heavy glass for stirring drinks that should stay clear

Serve stageRead the guide