This page may contain affiliate links. Please see our Disclaimer for more information. Always drink responsibly and adhere to your local legal drinking age.
Whether you’re a professional bartender or just like to make cocktails at home, you need a Hawthorne strainer in your toolkit.
These handy devices are essential for separating solids from liquids, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 15 of the best Hawthorne strainers on the market right now. Plus, we’ll provide a complete guide to using and cleaning them!
What is a Hawthorne Strainer?
A Hawthorne strainer is a bar tool that’s used to strain cocktails. It has a metal coil or spring that fits snugly around the rim of a glass, and it helps to separate solids from liquids.
These are different from other types of strainers because they don’t have a fine mesh strainer. That means that they’re not ideal for straining out small pieces of fruit or herbs.
These devices are essential for making many popular cocktails, including martinis, negronis, and old-fashioneds.
History of The Hawthorne Strainer
The Hawthorne strainer was invented by a Boston bartender named Jerry Thomas in the 19th century.
Thomas was a prolific inventor, and he also created the first written recipes for cocktails like the Tom Collins and the Blue Blazer.
The Hawthorne strainer is named after the Hawthorne Hotel in Boston, where Thomas worked.
Appearance and Types
These bar tools have a metal coil or spring that fits around the rim of a glass, to strain the cocktail, while also keeping a tight fit.
The handle is usually made of metal or wood, and it has a small hook on the end so that it can be hung up when not in use.
Some also come with plastic handles, but these are less common and not recommended.
The size of the Hawthorne strainer can vary, but most are about four inches long.
The shape of the strainer can also vary, but they all have a curved edge to fit snugly around the rim of a glass.
How to Use a Hawthorne Strainer
Now that you know a little bit about the history and appearance of Hawthorne strainers, let’s talk about how to use them.
Using a Hawthorne strainer is relatively simple. After you have fully mixed or shaken your cocktail. You’ll need to insert the strainer into the top of a glass or cocktail shaker. Make sure that the coil fits snugly around the rim and the flat part is facing up. This is the essential part to ensuring a mess free pour.
Now while holding the cocktail strainer tightly with one hand onto the top of the glass, with your index finger in the center. Pour and strain the cocktail into the drinking glass.
Here is a great tutorial video to show you how to properly use this cocktail strainer:
You can also use a Hawthorne strainer to double-strain cocktails. This means that you’ll strain the cocktail twice to ensure that all of the solids are removed.
To do this, you’ll need to use a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer. First, you’ll strain the cocktail through the Hawthorne strainer to remove the large pieces of ice or fruit. Next, you’ll strain it again through the fine mesh strainer to remove any small pieces of debris.
Q&A
Difference Between Hawthorne and Julep Strainer
The Hawthorne strainer and the julep strainer are both bar tools that are used to strain cocktails. The main difference between these two strainers is their shape.
A Hawthorne strainer has a coil or spring that fits around the rim of a glass, while julep strainers have a large disc that sits on top of the glass.
The Julep strainer is typically used for mint juleps, while the Hawthorne can be used for any type of cocktail.
How Do You Clean The Strainer?
To clean your Hawthorne strainer, you’ll need to remove the metal coil or spring and wash it with soap and water. You can also put it in the dishwasher.
The handle can be wiped down with a damp cloth. If it’s made of wood, you should avoid getting it wet as this could cause the wood to warp.
You can also buy ones that are made of stainless steel, which make the cleanup super easy and fast.
Why Do They Have Springs?
The metal coiled springs are there to help keep the strainer in place while you’re pouring the cocktail. They also help to create a snug fit so that all of the liquid is strained.
Can Hawthorne Strainers Be Used For Anything Else?
They can also be used to strain tea, coffee, and other beverages. They can also be used to remove solids from soup or sauce.
Which is Better Metal, Wood, or Plastic?
The type of Hawthorne strainer you choose is a matter of personal preference. Metal built are the most common and most preferred, but you can also find ones made of wood or plastic.
Metal strainers are the most durable and easy to keep clean. Wood Hawthorne strainers are less common, but they can add a touch of sophistication to your bar. Plastic is the least expensive option, but they’re not as durable as metal ones and not recommended.
15 Best Hawthorne Strainers for 2022
If you’re looking for a Hawthorne strainer, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best ones in 2022.
What Should I Look For When Buying a Hawthorne Strainer?
When you’re looking for a Hawthorne strainer, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, you’ll want to make sure that the strainer is made of high-quality materials. Metal is the most durable, but you can also find ones made of wood or plastic. For our list, we focused solely on metal strainers, because they are by far the superior material for these tools.
Second, you’ll want to make sure that the strainer fits snugly on the rim of your glass. The strainer should also have a tight-fitting coil or spring so that all of the liquid is strained.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the strainer is easy to clean. Metal strainers are the easiest to keep clean.
Here Are Our Top Picks For 2022
This is one of our top picks and is the best overall of the Hawthorne cocktail strainers.
The strainer is made of high-quality materials and has a four-prong design that will grip onto your shaker or glass tightly. The Buswell Hawthorne strainer also has a long handle that makes it easy to use and comfortable to hold.
This is a top Hawthorne cocktail strainer that is sure to make your life easier when making drinks. This fits perfectly on any mixing glass or shaker tin.
Pros:
- Made of high quality materials
- Has a double coil spring that is designed to fit snugly on a variety of glasses and shakers
- Comfortable grip
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- None that we could find! But they may be out of stock a lot.
This Hawthorne strainer from A Bar Above is one of the best on the market. It’s made of stainless steel and has a double-coil that is designed to fit snugly on a variety of glasses. The strainer also has a comfortable grip and is easy to clean.
This is a highly versatile strainer that can be used for any type of cocktail. It’s also affordable and would make a great addition to any home bar.
Pros:
- Made of stainless steel
- Double-coil spring
- Fits snugly on a variety of glasses and shakers
- Comfortable grip
Cons:
- Short handle
Star Wars fans will get a kick out of this cocktail strainer, which is shaped like the Millennium Falcon. The Smuggler Strainer is made of stainless steel and is dishwasher safe. Really you have any of the normal cocktail strainers, but why wouldn’t you want this?
Pros:
- Shaped like the Millennium Falcon
- Come on! It is really shaped like the Millennium Falcon!
Cons:
- May be too large for a mixing glass
- Some users find the design to be too complicated
This Japanese-made Hawthorne strainer is one of the best on the market, and for good reason. The Koriko Hawthorne strainer is made of high-quality stainless steel and has a polished finish that makes it look great in any home bar. This fits easily on a mixing glass for ease of use.
If you’re looking for a Hawthorne strainer that is both stylish and functional, the Koriko Hawthorne strainer is a great option.
Pros:
- Made of high-quality stainless steel
- Has a polished finish
Cons:
- Might be slightly overpriced
This Hawthorne strainer from Cocktail Kingdom is modeled after the classic style of strainer, with a coil spring and a disc perforated with small holes. The strainer is made of stainless steel and has a polished finish.
Cocktail Kingdom is a trusted name in bartending supplies, so you can be sure that this is an excellent choice for professional and at home bartenders. If you’re looking for a classic strainer that will get the job done, this is the one for you.
Pros:
- Coilspring and disc design is classic and effective
- Made of stainless steel for durability
- Polished finish
Cons:
- Some may prefer a different finish
This is our top pick for high-end designer strainers that will be sure to impress and enhance any barware collection.
If you want a Hawthorne strainer that looks like it belongs in a professional bar or museum, then pick up the Tepotztli Hawthorne strainer. This is made of exquisite handcrafted pieces of copper and handpainted.
It has a double coil design that makes it sturdy and durable. The Tepotztli Hawthorne strainer also has a fine mesh screen that will catch all the tiny particles, making sure that your cocktails are perfectly strained.
This strainer is expertly and exquisitely designed and will make a great addition to any home bar. It also does an excellent job of straining large chunks of muddled fruit or ice chips.
Pros:
- Design that makes it look like a masterpiece of art
- Made of high-quality stainless steel
- Double coil design is sturdy and durable
- Fine mesh screen catches all the tiny particles
Cons:
- These are on the high-end and are expensive
This Hawthorne strainer is made of stainless steel and it has a double spring for durability. The strainer also has a polished finish for a sleek look. This Hawthorne strainer is also dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Made of high quality stainless steel
- Has a double coil spring that is designed to fit snugly on a variety of glasses and shakers
- Comfortable grip
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Short handle
This Hawthorne strainer from Barfly is made of heavy duty stainless steel and features a double action that makes it easy to use. It also has a snug fit that ensures no cocktail ingredients will be left behind.
It is easy to pour you cocktail and deliver the best cocktail and dining experience.
Pros:
- Heavy duty construction
- Tight fit
- Sleek Look
Cons:
- May be smaller than expected
The BarProducts.com No Prong Cocktail Strainer is our favorite cost effective strainer. Anyone can afford this super helpful bar tool.
This is one of the best tools on the market and perfect for those who want to make cocktails. It has a sleek design and is made of to last. This strainer is also dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Low Price
- Sleek design
- Made of stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Lack of Prongs
- Not for bigger glasses
The OXO Steel Hawthorne Strainer is one of the most popular on the market. It is made from stainless steel and has a comfortable grip.
This strainer will fit most standard sized cocktail shakers and is perfect for straining any cocktail. It will do a fine job of straining any shaken cocktail or muddled mint leaves.
Pros:
- Comfortable grip
- Dishwasher safe
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Some users find the strainer difficult to use
This is one of the best bar tools on the on the market and perfect for cocktails of all types. The design is simple and elegant, and it works great.
It is also dishwasher safe and very easy to clean. Overall, this is a great product and would highly recommend it to anyone.
If you are looking for a great product that does what it says it will, then this is the one for you. It is very reasonably priced and will handle any job you throw at it.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Very easy to clean
Cons:
- Lacks the weight some of the others have
If you are looking for a sophisticated, unique, and girly look for your bar collection that other strainers lack, this is our top pick.
This Hawthorne cocktail strainer from Barfame is rose gold-plated. It has a double mesh that is designed to filter out even the smallest of particles. The strainer is also dishwasher-safe. With heart shaped designs on the strainer, this is both stylish and functional.
Pros:
- Rose gold plating makes it look elegant
- Double mesh ensures that no particles get through
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the rose gold plating chips off easily
This strainer from Williams Sonoma is made of brass and has a sleek, modern design. It’s perfect for straining cocktails and Williams and Sonoma is known for their quality kitchen products.
You can’t go wrong with the Williams Sonoma brand. These cocktail strainers work perfectly on any mixing glass and are an essential part of any bar tools collection.
Pros:
- Made of brass
- Sleek, modern design
Cons:
- The price is on the higher end, but you are paying for quality
This set comes with three different cocktail strainers, each designed for a specific type of cocktail. This is great for straining out ice cubes and fruit pulp, while the julep strainer is perfect for cocktails that need to be strained multiple times. The third strainer, the tea strainer, is perfect for those who like to make iced tea or coffee cocktails.
If you are looking for a set for all your cocktail straining needs, this is the one for you. Never again will you have to search for the best barware or bar tools to fit any cup or drink.
These will work well with any stirred cocktail or all kinds of shaken cocktails. This will also allow you to double strain any drink or bar cocktail.
Pros:
- Comes with three different strainers
- Julep strainer is perfect for those Kentucky Derby parties
Cons:
- Some reviewers found it to be too small
- The 3 strainers take up more room than the single strainer
This is a highly popular choice for professionals and at home enthusiasts . It is made of sturdy metal and has a copper finish. The Art of Craft Hawthorne Strainer is an excellent strainer for all your cocktail needs.
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Copper finish
- Excellent strainer
Cons:
- No Prongs
Final Thoughts:
The Hawthorne Strainer is an essential tool for any bartender or mixologist. It is perfect for straining cocktails and can be used with most standard sized cocktail shakers. This is a simple bar tool to use and will bring your bartending game to the next level.
There are a lot on the market, but these are some of the best. If you are looking for a quality strainer that will last, then these are the ones for you. Choose the right strainer for your needs and enjoy making cocktails at home. Cheers!
Do you have a favorite Hawthorne strainer? Let us know in the comments below. Happy mixing!
Popular Cocktails That Use A Hawthorne Strainer
Now that you have a shiny new strainer and you know how to use it, here are some tasty cocktails to break it in.
