Why does a cocktail strainer have a spring

June 07, May 28, We design innovative, visually stunning, easy to use bar tools that elevate the experience of mixing cocktails. Ecommerce Software by Shopify. For bartenders, the use of a strainer is a simple no brainer. But why is it essential? Hawthorne Strainer The most common strainer found behind a bar, but not the earliest straining tool.

Julep strainer The Julep is the original strainer. Fine Strainer In more recent years, a fine mesh strainer has been used by bartenders to strain their cocktails through.

When to use which strainer? Shape, size and composition all combine to affect the resulting drink. There are three primary types of cocktails strainers; the Hawthorne Strainer , the Julep strainer and the fine mesh strainer.

Several other consideration that you may want to considerations are comfort, durability and ease of cleaning. With a bowl-shaped cup perforated with small hole and has a long handle, the Julep Strainer is designed to be easily held over a mixing glass. Once placed over the glass, the strainer is held with the help of a depression when the bartender can apply pressure with their finger.

Regardless here are two options we have or would consider:. Overall the biggest differences are in the size of the mesh, the comfort of the handle and the size of the strainer.

Given our focus on bartending here are two we feel are the best options for a home bar:. Once the necessary ingredients are present and mixed, you may not quite understand the next step.

Most commonly, the strainer is used to prevent ice from falling into the cocktail. Any other chunks that may be floating about in the shaker are also caught before they reach the glass, like food parts. It may be a pretty simple cocktail accessory but there are actually a couple of different types of drink strainer to choose from.

The most popular are:. In the 19th century, the Julep strainer emerged as the first bar tool designed specifically to separate crushed ice from a drink. According to European Bar School , before the Julep strainer was invented, people were using tea strainers or spoons to hold back ice whilst sipping their drink. It has small holes that allow the liquid to pass through. The preferred option for home hobbyists and bartenders alike, the Hawthorne strainer is a much more advanced tool.

Unlike the Julep strainer, the Hawthorne strainer is flat, making it easier to press firmly against the rim of a shaker and preventing any gaps that might allow for unwanted bits of fruit or peel to slip through.