How to Use a Hawthorne Strainer

A Hawthorne strainer is one tool that most home bartenders or professional mixologists use. It helps you strain cocktails so you can enjoy a smooth drink without getting pulp stuck in your teeth. Here’s a complete guide on how to use one properly.

What Are Hawthorne Cocktail Strainers?

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A Hawthorne strainer is a strainer that has a metal disc with a spring around the edge. You can use it to strain ice and other ingredients from your drink after shaking or stirring. It’s designed especially for straining shaken cocktails and can fit snugly over the top of a shaker.

When you use one, you'll notice that some coils on the spring are tighter while others are more open. The tighter coils are great for fine straining, while the open coils allow for faster pouring. Some strainers also have prongs to help balance the strainer on the glass for better control.

Fun Fact:The Hawthorne strainer was patented in the late 1800s. It's named after the Hawthorne Café in Boston, where it was first used.

How to Use a Hawthorne Strainer

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• Shake or stir your cocktail as you normally would. When you're ready to strain, grab your Hawthorne strainer.
• Place the strainer over the mouth of the shaker tin or mixing glass. The spring should be facing down and fit snugly inside the rim of the container.
• Grip the handle of the strainer with one hand. Use your index finger to press down on the top of the strainer.
• Tilt the shaker or mixing glass and slowly pour the drink into your serving glass or cocktail glass. The strainer will catch any ice shards, fruit pulp, or other solid ingredients.
• If you want to strain out even smaller particles, consider double-straining. Use a fine mesh strainer along with the Hawthorne strainer.

How to Clean a Hawthorne Strainer

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After each use, rinse your Hawthorne cocktail strainer under warm water. Use a mild dish soap if needed to remove any stubborn bits. Make sure that all cocktail remnants, especially sticky syrups or citrus pulp, are thoroughly cleaned off. To clean the spring coil, use a small brush dipped in liquid soap. When you're done, wipe it with a clean, dry cloth and let it air dry before putting it away. Moisture can cause rust, especially if the strainer is not made from high-quality stainless steel.

Do You Really Need a Hawthorne Stainer?

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It depends on how serious you are about making cocktails. Here are some reasons why having one can be a game-changer:

• The Hawthorne strainer offers better control over your pour. The spring fits snugly in your shaker or mixing glass, catching ice and solid ingredients.
• Unlike some other strainers, the Hawthorne strainer fits most mixing tins and glasses. You won’t need multiple strainers for different equipment.
• The spring can be adjusted for different levels of straining. This means you can control how much pulp or crushed ice makes it into your glass.

How Is the Hawthorne Strainer Different from the Julep and Boston Strainer?

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Each of the three strainers has a different design. You already know that the Hawthorne strainer has a metal disc with a spring around the edge. On the other hand, the Boston strainer is like a fine sieve, perfect. It's perfect for straining ingredients that require extra filtration, such as muddled fruits or herbs. Then there's the Julep strainer, which is a perforated, spoon-shaped strainer. It fits right inside the mixing glass and is great for straining stirred cocktails directly into the glass.

Summary

Hawthorne strainers are essential for straining cocktails. By following these simple steps and tips, you can make sure your drinks are smooth, professional, and enjoyable every time.

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