How to Use a Bar Strainer: The Ultimate Guide for Bartenders
In the world of mixology, a bartender’s tools are just as important as their skills and creativity. Among these tools, strainers are essential for crafting perfectly balanced cocktails. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, understanding the different types of strainers—like the cocktail strainer, bar strainer, and even a bar sink strainer—and how to use them effectively can elevate your bartending game. This guide will explore the various types of strainers available and their unique purposes in the cocktail-making process.
Hawthorne Strainer
The Hawthorne strainer is one of the most popular types of cocktail strainers you’ll encounter behind the bar. It consists of a flat, perforated metal disc with a coiled spring around its edge, designed to fit snugly over the top of a shaker tin or mixing glass.
How to Use a Hawthorne Strainer
- Place the strainer over the opening of your shaker or mixing glass with the spring facing downward.
- Hold it in place with your fingers while you pour the cocktail into the serving glass, allowing the strainer to catch ice shards and solid ingredients.
Ideal for Shaken Cocktails: Like Margaritas, Daiquiris, and Whiskey Sours, where you need to filter out ice and larger solid components.
Advantages
- The spring adjusts to the shaker’s diameter, providing a tight fit and effective straining.
- It captures fine ice chips and pulp, giving a smoother finish to your cocktails.
Julep Strainer
The Julep strainer resembles a large, perforated spoon with a slightly curved shape. Unlike the Hawthorne strainer, it lacks a spring and is specifically designed to fit comfortably inside a mixing glass.
How to Use a Julep Strainer
- Position the strainer inside the mixing glass with the curved side facing down.
- Hold the handle and pour the stirred cocktail into a serving glass, allowing the strainer to catch ice while letting the liquid flow smoothly.
Ideal for Stirred Cocktails: Such as Martinis, Manhattans, and Negronis, which are served without ice.
Advantages
- The spoon-like design conforms to the mixing glass’s shape, making it easy to control the pour.
- It is simpler to clean and maintain than a Hawthorne strainer.
Fine Mesh Strainer
A fine mesh strainer, often resembling a small sieve, is used alongside other strainers like the Hawthorne or Julep to provide a finer level of filtration. It ensures a smooth texture free from any tiny particles that might remain after initial straining.
How to Use a Fine Mesh Strainer
- Hold the mesh strainer over your serving glass with one hand while pouring the cocktail through it with the other.
- This “double straining” technique ensures any remaining fine particles, such as pulp or ice shards, are removed.
Ideal for Fruity and Herb-Infused Cocktails: Like the Clover Club, Pisco Sour, or any cocktail with muddled ingredients.
Advantages
- Provides the finest straining for ultra-smooth cocktails.
- Essential for drinks that require a refined presentation and texture.
Tea Strainer
A tea strainer is a small, fine mesh strainer designed for individual drink portions. While it’s not a traditional cocktail tool, it functions similarly to a fine mesh strainer.
How to Use a Tea Strainer
- Hold the tea strainer over the serving glass while pouring the cocktail through it.
- Ideal for single servings, it ensures even the smallest particles are removed from the drink.
Ideal for Cocktails with Delicate Ingredients: Such as the Mojito or Bramble, where small seeds and fine pulp need to be filtered out.
Advantages
- Compact size makes it easy to use and handle.
- Offers a finer strain than standard mesh strainers, perfect for drinks with delicate flavors.
Conical Strainer (Chinois)
The conical strainer, or chinois, is less common in everyday bars but is indispensable for cocktails that require heavy-duty straining. Its conical shape and fine mesh make it ideal for thorough filtration.
How to Use a Conical Strainer
- Position the conical strainer over a container or pitcher and pour the cocktail or infusion through it.
- It’s ideal for filtering large batches or complex ingredients like infusions or syrups.
Ideal for Batch Cocktails and Infusions: Particularly when working with fresh juices or homemade syrups that require fine straining.
Advantages
- Provides the finest level of straining available, perfect for professional-quality cocktails.
- Versatile for use in both cocktail-making and kitchen applications.
Choosing the Right Strainer for Your Bar
When deciding which strainers to include in your bar setup, consider the types of cocktails you frequently prepare and the level of finesse you aim to achieve. Here’s a quick summary to guide your selection:
Hawthorne Strainer: Best for shaken cocktails with ice or large solid ingredients.
Julep Strainer: Ideal for stirred cocktails that require a smooth pour without ice.
Fine Mesh Strainer: Perfect for double-straining cocktails to achieve a refined texture.
Tea Strainer: Handy for individual drinks requiring extra-fine straining.
Conical Strainer: Best for batch cocktails, infusions, or anything requiring heavy-duty filtering.
