What is a Hawthorne strainer for?

A Hawthorne strainer consists of a flat disc to which is affixed a coiled spring. The spring traps large chunks or slivers of ice and other solid ingredients, such as muddled fruit or mint leaves. Julep strainer—so named because it was originally meant to serve mint juleps.

When would you use a Hawthorne strainer?

The Hawthorne strainer is - obviously - used for straining cocktails. More specifically it is used for fine straining shaken cocktails which will have large chunks of ice in them. This cocktail strainer is used in the dispensing of many a classic and modern cocktail, and almost all cocktails that are served “up”.

What is the purpose of a cocktail strainer?

It's quite straightforward really; after mixing ingredients in a cocktail shaker, the liquid is poured through the strainer, into the prepared glass. Most commonly, the strainer is used to prevent ice from falling into the cocktail.

Why do Hawthorne strainers have springs?

Fixed around the edge of the rim, the Hawthorne cocktail strainer's metal spring rolls inward to fit inside the glass. Another purpose of this spring is to trap large chunks of ice and other solid ingredients like muddled fruit or mint leaves.

What is the difference between a Hawthorne and Julep strainer?

Traditionally, the julep strainer is used when straining a cocktail from a mixing glass, and the Hawthorne when straining from a mixing tin. The reason is simple: The julep strainer fits a mixing glass better than a Hawthorne does, and the Hawthorne's a better fit than a julep when using a tin.

How to Use a Hawthorne Strainer | Bartending Basics

Do I need a Hawthorne strainer?

If you are not using a Cobbler Shaker (which has a Hawthorne strainer built into the top portion of the set), you will need to use a Hawthorne Strainer. A Hawthorne strainer has tightly wound coils and perforated holes to keep ice and other large ingredients in the tins.

Why do you double strain cocktails?

Most cocktails that are shaken and served 'straight-up' (without ice) benefit from an additional 'fine strain' over and above the standard strain to remove small fragments of fruit and fine flecks of ice which rise to the surface so spoiling the appearance of a drink.

Why do bartenders use spring?

When in use, the metal spring will fit inside the mixing tin, helping to filter out ice and other solid ingredients so the rim of the strainer doesn't need to touch the rim of the mixing tin. This type of bar spoon has a simple design, a twisted handle and a red plastic cap placed on the end.

How do you strain?

Hold the strainer between the handle and bowl using your forefinger and firmly grasp the glass close to the rim. Slowly tip the mixing glass over the serving glass and pour the drink.

What is the difference between a strainer and a colander?

First, let's start with the difference between a strainer and a colander. The main difference between them is that a colander is usually a larger, bowl-shaped utensil with big holes at the bottom, while a strainer is bowl-shaped but with a fine mesh in it. As for uses, both can be used to drain water from pasta.

What do you serve in a lowball glass?

The old fashioned glass, otherwise known as the rocks glass and lowball glass (or simply lowball), is a short tumbler used for serving spirits, such as whisky, neat or with ice cubes ("on the rocks"). It is also normally used to serve certain cocktails, such as the old fashioned, from which it receives its name.

What is the difference between a Boston shaker and a cocktail shaker?

It's the cocktail shaker of choice for most bartenders and true cocktail apprentices. The Boston shaker consists of a shaking metal tin and a mixing glass tin but has no built-in strainer. For the Boston shaker, a strainer must be purchased separately, which is a Hawthorne strainer.

Should an Old Fashioned be strained?

Technique: The most balanced Old Fashioned is made by stirring the drink with ice for about 20 to 30 seconds and then straining that mix over fresh ice. Garnish: Orange twist, lemon twist, or both.

What's a Nick and Nora glass?

The Nick & Nora glass is part of the latest revolutionary collection from RIEDEL Barware, named Drink Specific Glassware. This glass was named after the characters in the timeless thriller “The Thin Man”, and ensures an effortless and chic sip, delivering the drink without forcing the tilt of the head.

Do you strain a sour?

As well as separating out any lemon pulp and ice shards, this also helps ensure a smooth, even texture to your egg white. For best results, you should actually double strain any time you're shaking a cocktail, especially if it contains citrus.

Why are bar spoons so long?

A bar spoon will typically be 12 inches long though some varieties are even longer. Their length ensures they can reach the bottom of any vessel so they can properly combine all the ingredients inside.

Can you use shaker as mixing glass?

Purpose of Using a Cocktail Shaker

Shaking cocktails with ice aerates, mixes, dilutes, and chills the drink. If you're using egg whites or dairy, it also adds a nice foam on top of the cocktails. You can also use the tumbler side of the mixer as a mixing cup or glass to create stirred drinks.

Which glasses is used for straight spirits like vodka and tequila?

Old-fashioned glasses hold between 6 and 8 ounces. They are also available as a double old-fashioned (or double rocks), holding up to 10 or 12 ounces. Common for drinks like the rusty nail, the smaller glasses are also used to serve a straight or neat pour of liquor—typically a dark spirit like whiskey.

What is bartender strainer called?

There are 3 different strainers: the Hawthorne, the Julep, and a fine mesh strainer. The Hawthorne is the most common strainer you'll see behind the bar. It fits over a variety of different mixing glasses, and is typically used with a Boston shaker. It has a distinct metal coil, which traps pulp and ice.

Why is it called a julep strainer?

The first was the julep strainer, a curved disc of perforated steel that looks kind of like a flattened thimble with a handle. The julep strainer (no relation to the Mint Julep) likely evolved from the slotted spoon and was originally placed atop a drink to keep ice from crashing into your sensitive 19th-century teeth.

How long should you stir a martini?

How long should you stir a martini with ice to achieve optimal flavor? Most recipes for a classic martini advise stirring with ice for about 30 seconds. To see if extra stirring was worth it, we made four martinis, adding 1 1/4 cups of ice, 3 ounces of gin, and 1 ounce of vermouth to each of four cocktail shakers.