Making cocktails at home is not easy. A lot of times, you end up with ice chunks and fruit bits floating in your drink. The key to getting a perfect cocktail is using the right tools. To get rid of all these bits and pieces, you need to use a cocktail shaker strainer. Here's how to use one.
What is a Cocktail Shaker Strainer?
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A cocktail strainer is a tool used to keep ice, fruit pulp, and other ingredients from getting into your final drink when you pour it from a shaker. It’s typically placed on top of the shaker. It can be used for any type of shaker like Boston shaker, French shaker, and cobbler shaker. There are three types of cocktail strainers that mainly bartenders use:
Hawthorne Strainer: This is the most common type. It has a flat metal disk with a spring coil around the edge that fits snugly into your shaker. The spring helps catch large pieces, like ice or muddled fruit.
Julep Strainer: This is a more old-school option. It looks like a large spoon with holes in it. It's great for stirred or mixed drinks. It's perfect for straining out large ice cubes and herbs, but it won’t catch super fine ingredients.
Fine Mesh Strainer: This one isn’t as well-known but is super useful for extra smooth cocktails. You use it alongside the other strainers to catch even the tiniest bits, like small pieces of herbs or fruit pulp.
How to Use a Hawthorne Strainer
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What you'll need:
- Hawthorne strainer
- Cocktail glass
- Shaker tin, Boston shakers, or any three-piece cocktail shaker
How to use the tool:
- After a vigorous shake, open the cocktail shaker and remove the built-in strainer if there's one.
- Place the strainer over the mouth of the shaker. The spring coil should be facing down.
- Hold the shaker with your dominant hand and tilt it towards the glass. Your index finger should be holding the strainer in place.
- If the fit feels loose, press the strainer tighter against the shaker to prevent crushed ice or solid ingredients from escaping.
- Slowly pour the liquid through the strainer.
Suitable for:
- Shaken cocktails like Margaritas, Daiquiris, and Whiskey Sours.
- Drinks with larger ice cubes or solid ingredients that need to be filtered out.
How to Use a Julep Strainer
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What you'll need:
- Julep strainer
- Cocktail glass
- Mixing glass or cocktail shaker
How to use the tool:
- The Julep strainer is used differently than the Hawthorne. It’s mostly paired with a mixing glass (instead of a shaker) for stirred drinks.
- After stirring your cocktail, place the Julep strainer inside the glass. The concave or bowl side should be facing up
- Hold the strainer by the handle and use your index finger to keep it in place.
- Pour the liquid into your serving glass.
Suitable for:
- Stirred cocktails like Manhattans, Martinis, and Negronis.
- Suitable for drinks made in a mixing glass.
How to Use a Fine Mesh Strainer
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What you'll need:
- Hawthorne strainer
- Cocktail glass
- Shaker tin or cocktail shakers
- Fine mesh strainer
How to use the tool:
- Shake vigorously the cocktail in the shaker. Open the shaker.
- Place the fine mesh strainer over the glass.
- Place the Hawthorne or Julep strainer over the strainer.
- Now pour your cocktail from the shaker with the Hawthorne strainer into the glass with the fine mesh strainer. This catches anything the first strainer missed.
- Give the mesh strainer a gentle shake or tap it on the glass to speed up the process if the flow slows down.
Suitable for:
- Cocktails like a Whiskey Sour or Clover Club.
- Best for cocktails that are shaken with citrus or egg whites.
How to Choose a Strainer
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Here’s what you should consider when choosing a strainer:
- Look for a tight, flexible spring on the Hawthorne strainer. A tighter spring provides better control when straining. Also, look for Hawthorne strainers that let you remove or adjust the spring.
- For a Julep strainer, check if the handle is comfortable to hold and long enough to grip firmly. A longer handle gives you more control when pouring. You’ll also want to make sure the bowl has enough holes, as fewer holes can slow down your pour.
- The fineness of the mesh is key for the fine mesh strainer. A finer mesh catches tiny particles like citrus pulp or ice chips. If the mesh is too coarse, it won’t filter out small bits, so it’s worth getting one with tightly woven material.
- Make sure your strainer is made from stainless steel or another durable material. Cheaper strainers might warp or lose their shape after a few uses.
Summary
Now that you know how to choose and use each type of strainer, you’re ready to make cocktails like a pro! Whether you’re shaking up a classic Margarita or stirring a smooth Martini, using the right strainer can make all the difference.
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