A strainer is an essential tool for a mixologist or bartender, a good strainer will help you create  delicious cocktails with ease, style and grace.

A strainer holds back the ice, citrus wedges, and herbs, allowing you to pour the good stuff from the mixer into your glass of choice. And if you get the best Hawthorne strainer, then you will be able to use it for many years to come.

So, if you are not sure where to buy Hawthorne strainers, we have got your back! In this article, we will review 10 of our most favorite Hawthorne cocktail strainers. We have also added some additional helpful information for you. Let’s get started!

Things To Consider Before Buying Hawthorne Strainer

To understand which Hawthorne strainer is the best fit for you, there are a few considerations that you should keep in mind when choosing a strainer. We start with the head design:

• Head Design

Hawthorne strainers are designed for Boston shakers, which do not come with strainers. Since they do not have strainers of their own, it is very important that the strainer you get fits any mixers you have.

And to fit various sizes of shakers well, a well-designed strainer head is a must. The spring of the Hawthorne strainer goes inside the vessel, while the metal prongs or wings attach to the top and keep the entire thing securely attached.

Now, the prongs and wings of the strainer must be long enough to attach to the edges of the larger drink shakers. Especially if you are a bartender who ends up using various sizes of shakers, this is a very important attribute to have in a Hawthorne strainer.

• Handles

The handles affect the ease of use of Hawthorn strainers. Our advice for the ideal handles and grips would be well-balanced, lightweight, and relatively short (3.5-inch or less) handles.

If the handle is too heavy and long, then it would disrupt the balance of the strainer, making it impossible for you to leave it on top of your shaker without needing to hold it in place. The improper balance would cause it to flip back and fall off of the shaker.

• Finger Grips

These are not necessary, but they are preferable as they too increase the ease of use. Finger grips allow the user a secure grip and superior control over the Hawthorn strainer. You will simply have to place your index finger over the tab and press it.

By pressing the strainer’s head, you can make it stay in position tightly against the shaker’s mouth. You can also control the opening of the strainer using the tab.

Top 10 Best Hawthorne Strainer Reviews

Now that you are informed and ready to find the top Hawthorne strainer for yourself let’s jump to the review section of our top 10 choices.

1. OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer

We are kicking off our review section with the wildly popular OXO Hawthorne strainer. It is a well-loved product for some very good reasons.

This little tool comes with everything we could ask for in a Hawthorne cocktail strainer. First off, it is made from strong stainless-steel. So, rest assured, it will keep on servicing you for years to come. And it is also very good at straining fruit, ice, herbs, and other items from the drinks you make.

To give you the maximum comfort when using this item, OXO has put a comfortable handle and non-slip, soft finger rest in this product. This way, you will have a better grip when pouring delicious drinks through this strainer. And it will also be easy on your hand, so prolonged use won’t strain them.

I also loved how this strainer effortlessly fits almost all the shakers I tested it with.

2. Winco Stainless Steel 4-Prong Bar Strainer

If you are working in a bar and just want something affordable that will strain well, then you cannot go wrong with this product. For the price, it provides good enough value and utility.

The Winco strainer has four prongs. This addition is made to make straining and pouring drinks easier for you. And it achieves that too. However, the two front prongs might be too short for larger cups, which is something to keep in mind if you tend to use bigger shakers.

Other than that, it fits most cups well. It also strains like it’s supposed to, no complaints there. It is not the most special product, but for regular bar use, it will work just fine.

Some users found the edges and handle to be too sharp or rough. So, to avoid any accidents, you should sand the edges down if you choose to get this product.

3. Barfly Heavy Duty Spring Bar Strainer

If you have a preference about the number of prongs on a Hawthorne strainer, then you’d be pleased to know that this product offers three different versions – classic Hawthorne strainer with no prongs, heavy-duty strainer with 2 prongs, and heavy-duty strainer with 4 prongs.

So, you get the freedom to choose whichever you prefer. But that is not where the versatility ends. You can also choose from 6 attractive finishes – antique copper, copper, gold, gun metal black, stainless steel, and vintage. Each of them looks absolutely beautiful, and my favorite is the copper.

So, if you are big on interior design, then you can easily find one that matches the décor of your home bar.

As for the performance, this is a solid, hefty, heavy-duty strainer that does its job so well that you will not need to double strain any cocktails. Also, as a cherry on top, Barfly offers spare springs, should you need any.

4. Boston Shaker Set with Hawthorne Strainer

In our list of Hawthorne strainer mixer reviews, this product is the only complete set for cocktail mixing. You will get everything you’d need to mix up a delicious concoction with this set.

If you are just starting out building a home bar or a career as a mixologist, then you should definitely splurge on this product. As already stated, it is a complete set. Also, all of the products are of very high quality. So, they are very easy and fuss-free to use. And last for a long time.

The shakers are a breeze to use, as they create a water-tight seal so you can shake away and mix your drink without worrying about any accidental drips. Its strainer is designed by a professional bartender, so you can expect nothing but the best performance.

5. A Bar Above Hawthorne Cocktail Strainer

A Bar Above is a popular brand among professional bartenders and mixologists for high-quality, top of the line cocktail making equipment and tools. Its creators are bar professionals too, which explains why they make some of the best bar ware you will come across in the market.

Do you care about ergonomics the most when shopping for bar tools? If the answer is yes, then this is the ideal product for you. It is made to reduce hand stress and provide a comfortable experience of straining. Even the busiest bartender working long hours will not have fatigue from using this product.

The build quality is equally top-notch. It is made with a patent-pending design, using food-grade stainless steel. The high-quality build ensures that this strainer will not bend, break, or rust and is perfect for prolonged use.

It is very versatile, too. You can use this strainer easily with any cocktail shaker, pint glass, and mixing glass.

6. Piña Barware Hawthorne Strainer

If you want professional quality tools, but the previous product was a little over budget, then check this one out! It will provide maximum durability for heavy use.

We often overlook one aspect of using a strainer, which is pouring. Sure, the main job of a strainer is to keep things out of the drink, but it also plays a big role in pouring.

This strainer comes with two coils. These coils allow you to choose the speed at which you want to pour. And this is a very useful feature to have, particularly for professionals.

And with the non-slip rubberized finger rest, there will be no accidental slipping or sliding. You can have a good grip when pouring drinks.

The Hawthorne strainer has been made with 100% stainless steel in a brushed finish. This finish helps the strainer blend in any setting – professional or personal/home.

7. SKY FISH Hawthorne Cocktail Strainer

At our 7^th spot, we have another 4-prong Hawthorne strainer, and this one is from Sky Fish. Having 4 prongs in a strainer is uncommon, and this unique design helps greatly with stability.

If having the smoothest cocktails with no small ice shards, pieces of herbs, or fruits whatsoever is your topmost priority, then I will highly recommend that you get this Hawthorne strainer from this list. It comes with a tightly coiled spring that lets nothing else other than the liquid pass through.

Add the four prongs to this, and you get really good stability to pour drinks with ease. So, you will be getting picture-perfect cocktails every time.

It is versatile, too, as it fits Boston shakers and classic 500mL cocktail shakers. That being said, the diameter of this strainer falls a bit smaller compared to most Hawthorne strainers.

8. Crafthouse by Fortessa Professional Hawthorne Cocktail Strainer

Crafthouse by Fortessa is a line of comprehensive bar ware products, the collection is designed by Charles Joly, a World Champion bartender. Fortessa is a renowned tableware designer. This Hawthorn strainer is made for everyone, professionals and aspiring home users alike.

Because this product is the brainchild of a collaboration of renowned designers, you can expect the best, most ergonomic performance possible. It did not disappoint us in that department.

If you love showing off your skills when making a drink, then you will love this product. Wondering why? Because this strainer comes with well-spaced wide openings. This will allow for a very beautiful and tasteful smoke pour. So, get crafty and show off!

And with the state-of-the-art stop tabs, there will be very minimal spills.

9. HIC Harold Import Co. Cocktail Hawthorne Strainer

Harold Import Co. is a company that makes products for tried-and-true kitchen basics as well as the latest cooking trends. Its mission is to provide the best cookware at the most affordable price rate possible.

This product reflects that, as it is not so cheap that you get poor performance but not so high that it goes over budget. You will be getting stellar value from it.

One problem you might face when using cheaper strainers is the flavor of the drink changing. Often times, the metal used to make the strainer reacts with certain ingredients in a cocktail, changing its taste. Cheaper products also tend to carry the flavor of a drink and add it to the next drink, which is a pain.

Luckily, the 18/8 stainless steel of this product does neither of these. It is also rust and corrosion-resistant.

The sticker on this strainer gave us a hard time when we tested it. But it did not affect the actual product itself.

10. Copper Hawthorne Cocktail Strainer by A Bar Above

We are ending our review with another gem from A Bar Above. Much like their previous Hawthorne strainer, this one, too, is an excellent, professional-quality product. Also, it comes in a very beautiful, mirrored copper finish.

So, if you would not mind splurging a little to get something even professional bartenders would love using, this right here is your ideal match!

If the comfort of use is the topmost priority to you, then A Bar Above has got you covered. The ergonomics of this product is outstanding. Bartenders working long shifts that require many drinks to be made will love this product, as it minimizes the stress and strain on their hands.

The food-grade stainless steel body is hardy enough to withstand even the most rigorous uses. So, it really is an amazing option for bartenders. Besides, the sleek mirrored copper will enhance the beauty of your home bar, too.

Top 10 Best Hawthorne Strainer Comparison Table

Also check: Top Rated Vessel Sinks

How to Use a Hawthorne Strainer?

So, you have found your ideal Hawthorne strainer and acquired it. What comes next? Using it, of course! But if you are a complete beginner who does not know how to use Hawthorne strainer, here is a brief summary for you –

Hawthorne strainers are made to be placed over the large part of a Boston shaker. They have a small metal tab up top, on which you can place your finger to control the strainer’s tightness.

Since Hawthorne strainers come with springs, they are able to fit a good variety of sizes of mixing glasses and shakers snugly.

To use the strainer, first, shake and mix your cocktail of choice. Then, place the strainer on top of the mixer, shaker, or glass, spring side down. Now, gently push the strainer so that the spring part gets inside your mixer and makes a snug fit.

Then, you can hold it in place with your hand and start pouring the liquid into a glass. During this time, you can use that metal tab we mentioned earlier to control the flow. Adjust till the pour rate matches your preference.

If the glass or shaker is too big for the strainer, then the spring won’t fit. You can still use the prongs on it to hold it firmly against the glass and use it.

When Would You Use a Hawthorne Strainer?

If you are a beginner who prioritizes the easiest use and cleaning, then you should use a julep strainer. They are very simple in design and easy to control. Also, they are usually meant for smaller glasses.

And if a professional bar-like smooth result with very little, if not none, fruit pulps, herb bits, and ice shards is what you are after, then use a Hawthorne strainer. They are compatible with a wide range of shakers, glasses, and mixers. So, if you tend to use several types of shakers, choose a Hawthorne strainer.

Is having a drink with absolutely no bits or parts whatsoever the most important to you? Go for a fine mesh strainer!

Which Mixing Equipment Is Used in Stir Method?

In the stir method, the cocktail is not vigorously shaken to mix like the shake method. It is a gentler technique to mix cocktails. The goal of this technique is to gently mix the cocktail’s ingredients and water the potent drink down by dissolving ice. Chilling the entire drink is also the main goal of this method.

To stir, bar spoons are used. A bar spoon is an elongated spoon made specifically for the stir method. The cocktail can be mixed in any vessel – traditionally mixing glass, otherwise straight-sided pint glass, the base glass of a cocktail shaker, or a highball glass.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Hawthorne Strainer?

The Hawthorne Strainer may be a kind of strainer used in the house or commercial bars making drinks (such as cocktails) around the globe. it is used to separate ice and other ingredients from mixed drinks before pouring into the glass.

2. Why does Hawthorne Strainer have spring?

Usually, drinks (such as cocktails) contain lots of ingredients like ice cubes, mint leaves, lemon, orange peel, etc.
Hawthorne strainers use spring to filters these ingredients while pouring drinks into a glass. The coil of spring is less than a millimeter which filters drinks very finely.

3. How to clean Hawthorne Strainer?

The traditional strainer is cleaned by hand and soap. Unlike Hawthorne strainers, traditional strainers do not have the same issues. Hawthorne strainer needs to be clean by dishwasher.
In fact, it is recommended to do so. The gap between the spring coil is a millimeter. So, a dishwasher trip will clean perfectly.
In case you do not have a dishwasher, you can use hand, soap, and sponge. But you have to be very careful not to leave any tinny dust particles in it.

4. Which strainer is Hawthorne?

Of course, there is a variety of cocktail strainers at present. Hawthorne strainer is a disk (known as “rim”) and a handle with prongs. A metal spring was fixed around it covering one-third edge. Spring filters the particles of the drinks.

5. Can I use a cocktail strainer for other things?

Yes. A cocktail strainer can be used for straining any kind of drink such as Old Fashioned, Margarita, Mojito, Whiskey Sour, Dark & Stormy.

 Final Words

Now that you know the factors you should be considering before getting the best Hawthorne strainer for yourself and also have ten superb options at your disposal, it won’t be long before you actually have the ideal product at hand.

Making cocktails and mixing drinks is an art. And the perfect Hawthorne strainer can help you showcase your mixing skills with finesse, impressing your friends and family alike! It will be your trusted companion for many years to come, providing the amazing quality support that you deserve.

I hope this article has been helpful to you in finding the best cocktail strainer.