Bar Strainers & Funnels
Hawthorne strainers can be operated one-handed and fit atop most shakers, making it quick and simple to prepare many different cocktails on the fly.
Cocktail Strainer: What You Need to Know
Cocktail strainers come in a few configurations, each of which is best for different types of drinks. The most common drink strainer is the Hawthorne strainer, a multiuse prep tool that can be used for most straining applications. No matter the style, drink strainers are necessary to remove extra flavoring ingredients from mixed beverages before they're served, ensuring a smooth drinking experience.
Common Questions About Hawthorne Strainers
What is a Hawthorne strainer used for?
Hawthorne cocktail strainers can be found behind almost any bar and are a vital bartending tool for producing smooth, clean mixed drinks free of debris.
Featuring a distinctive coil or spring, a slotted or perforated flat cap, and a short handle, Hawthorne strainers trap large debris such as muddled fruit and herbs, pulp, and chunks of ice. Because of the flexible spring, these strainers can fit over many sizes of shakers and cups, and the springs are typically removable for quick cleaning in a fast-paced bar environment. For even quicker turnaround, some models include multiple springs or coils, offering users a choice of fine or coarse straining.
Many models feature two or four "prongs," which are extensions made of flat, rounded metal that prevent the strainer from slipping down into a glass or shaker as it's used. Some options also include a rubber or metal finger grip, enabling the user to operate the strainer one-handed.
What are bar strainers made of?
Most bartending strainers are made of stainless steel, since it's nonreactive with acidic juices and can withstand frequent drenching without easily rusting. Some options are finished in a gold, copper, or black hue, and they can feature decorative designs resembling flowers, leaves, seashells, geometric shapes, insects, or even octopus tentacles.
What is a bar funnel used for?
Bar funnels make it simple to decant liquors, bitters, oils, essences, and liqueurs from one container to another. Some product is decanted into a different container for visual appeal or to better match restaurant decor, or it may be moved into a bottle that's easier to pour from and less likely to spill. Several partially empty containers are often emptied into a single dispenser, condensing product and decreasing clutter. Using a funnel to move liquid from one container to another also greatly reduces the danger of spills, preventing slipping hazards behind the bar.