The Process of Straining Cocktails

The straining process for cocktail lovers is as old as the shaker. Learn the best practices for cocktail straining below.

Straining a Cocktail

Stirring a Cocktail with a Mixing Glass

Cocktail straining is a simple process that can help you get the best cocktails without diluting them with additional ice once poured. 

The original strainer was a Julep strainer until the Hawthorne strainer came out in the market in 1894. This new patented design is what we typically see now with the coil which assists with easier control. 

There are three primary designs for strainers. They include the julep strainer, the Hawthorne variety strainer, and the fine mesh strainer. These three tools in any bar collection are necessary for producing the best cocktails. The process of how to use these strainers are below with our products!

 

Fifth & Vermouth is Canada’s leading supplier of cocktail strainers. We sell beautiful, high-quality tools delivered directly to your door. Our success comes from our dedication to customer service and quality. An impressive cocktail strainer is an essential tool for a bar. With many finishes and styles to choose from, Fifth & Vermouth provides its customers with versatile cocktail strainers that fit any bar. Make your bar the best it can be with the help of Fifth & Vermouth.

Boston Shaker Set Stainless Steel Tin on Tin with Box Fifth & Vermouth

The original strainer was the Julep Strainer. This strainer sits on the glass and traditionally was drunk from to avoid ice chips damaging teeth. As a bar tool, this strainer can be used to avoid large pieces of ice from entering your cocktail during the straining process. This type of strainer was considered a traditional wedding gift and has since been replaced in many bars by the Hawthorne style strainer. However, these strainers are still great tools as they are easy to clean quickly and for some bartenders, are great when dealing with drinks that have pulp.

The Julep Strainers we offer at Fifth and Vermouth are the Bourbon County Julep Strainer, Professional Series Julep Strainer, and the New Orleans Julep Strainer. 

Boston Shaker Set Stainless Steel Tin on Tin with Box Fifth & Vermouth

The Hawthorne Style Strainer was introduced later in 1894. The huge benefits that came from this strainer are the reason why they are used in modern bartender’s and bar collections alike. The patented coil helps fit the strainer onto any cup, especially shaker cups, and can control different types of flow, as well as blocking out things like fruit bits, ice or shreds. 

The name of this particular cocktail strainer came from the name of a Boston Bar called the Hawthorne Cafe. 

We have different designs available that have the Hawthorne style straining process including the Professional Series Hawthorne Strainer, the Half Moon Strainer, the St. George Strainer, and the Cat Ear Strainer. 

The Double Straining Cocktail Method

Boston Shaker Set Stainless Steel Tin on Tin with Box Fifth & Vermouth

A very popular straining process was implemented when Bartenders wanted to provide a beautiful cocktail without any ice bits, fruit leftover bits or anything else that could potentially spoil the appearance of the cocktail. 

The process is simple. When you pour your cocktail out of your shaker with the Hawthorne Strainer, you’ll have a tool called the Fine Mesh Stainer sitting on top of your glass. As the cocktail pours through both straining methods, you should end up with a consistent, chip-free, fruit-free cocktail. 

 

 

Cocktail Straining Process in Action

Beautiful Cocktail in a Rothkos Collins Glass
Martini in a Professional Series Coupe Glass
Old Fashioned Cocktails in Aztec Cocktail Glasses
Serving a cocktail in an Aztec Cocktail Glass

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