The Hawthorne Strainer SKULL COPPER plated [MEZCLAR] is a cocktail strainer that transforms one of the bartender's classic tools into something with real personality. Its perforated metal body forms a stylised skull, while the copper-plated finish makes the design even more distinctive on the bar station.

Beyond its appearance, the construction remains familiar to a Hawthorne Strainer: a 304 stainless-steel body, flexible metal coil spring and a shape designed for straining cocktails directly from a shaker. The model measures approximately 19 cm in length, 9 cm in width and weighs around 80 g.

Why SKULL?

With this model, SKULL is more than a name on the packaging. The shape and perforations of the metal body are arranged to create the recognisable appearance of a stylised skull.

It is a different approach to the conventional Hawthorne Strainer, where the metal plate is usually almost entirely functional. Here, that same component becomes the main visual feature of the tool.

A Hawthorne that doesn't try to hide

Some strainers are deliberately minimalist, designed to disappear neatly into a professional bar station. SKULL takes the opposite approach.

The skull-shaped body and copper-plated finish make it immediately noticeable among shakers, jiggers and bar spoons. It can complement a themed cocktail bar, a distinctive workstation or simply the collection of a bartender who prefers less conventional barware.

The appearance may be unusual, but its purpose remains serious: straining the cocktail before it reaches the serving glass.

304 stainless steel with a copper-plated finish

The body is made from 304 stainless steel, a material widely used for bar tools due to its practical combination of durability and ease of maintenance.

A decorative copper-plated finish is applied over the stainless-steel base, giving the strainer its warm metallic appearance. This surface is an important part of the design, but it requires more careful handling than plain stainless steel.

The distinction between material and finish is important: the strainer is not made entirely from copper. Its main construction is stainless steel with a decorative copper-plated surface.

Removable coil spring – a practical detail

An interesting feature of the SKULL is its removable coil spring. The spring can be separated from the body of the strainer, making areas that normally collect cocktail residue easier to access during cleaning.

This is particularly useful because small pieces of fruit, herbs, pulp and other ingredients can become trapped between the coils after use.

The construction also allows the spring to be replaced, although compatibility with any replacement spring should always be checked before purchase.

How does the Hawthorne coil spring work?

The flexible metal coil spring is the defining functional feature of a Hawthorne Strainer. When positioned over a shaker, the spring follows the edge of the vessel and creates the primary straining area.

During pouring, it helps retain:

• ice cubes;
• larger ice fragments;
• pieces of fruit;
• herbs and aromatic leaves;
• other solid ingredients remaining after shaking.

The cocktail can therefore flow into the serving glass while most larger solid ingredients remain inside the shaker.

SKULL or a classic Hawthorne?

In terms of the basic straining principle, both perform the same job. The main difference is the design.

If you prefer a clean and minimalist workstation, a classic stainless-steel Hawthorne may be the more natural choice. If you want your working tools to contribute to the personality of the bar, the combination of the SKULL design and copper-plated finish offers something much more distinctive.

It does not need to appeal to everyone. That is part of its character.

Hawthorne Strainer or Fine Strainer?

A Hawthorne Strainer and a Fine Strainer perform different levels of filtration and should not be considered interchangeable.

• Hawthorne Strainer: primarily retains ice and larger solid ingredients;
• Fine Strainer: uses a fine mesh to catch pulp, seeds and smaller particles;
• Hawthorne + Fine Strainer: can be used together for Double Straining.

For many shaken cocktails, a Hawthorne Strainer is sufficient on its own. If fresh fruit, citrus, herbs or ingredients that produce fine particles are used, adding a Fine Strainer can provide a cleaner final texture.

Double Straining – two levels of filtration

When using the Double Strain technique, the SKULL is positioned over the shaker to perform the primary filtration. The cocktail then passes through a Fine Strainer held above the serving glass.

The first strainer retains ice and larger ingredients, while the fine mesh catches smaller particles. This technique is particularly useful when a cleaner texture and carefully finished presentation are desired.

Which cocktails can it be used for?

The Hawthorne Strainer SKULL can be used for numerous classic and modern cocktails prepared by shaking, including:

• Daiquiri;
• Margarita;
• Whiskey Sour;
• Cosmopolitan;
• Gimlet;
• Sidecar;
• Clover Club;
• Espresso Martini;
• Pornstar Martini;
• Signature cocktails.

The choice between standard straining and Double Straining depends on the ingredients used and the texture desired in the finished drink.

Designed for a bar station with personality

SKULL is the kind of tool that can become part of the visual identity of a workstation. The skull shape gives it an alternative character, while the warm copper finish adds a more refined element than a conventional plain-metal surface.

It can be an interesting choice for:

• cocktail bars;
• themed bars and pubs;
• hotel bars with a distinctive visual concept;
• events and open bars;
• bartenders who personalise their workstation;
• barware collections;
• Home Bars.

How to use it

After shaking, position the Hawthorne Strainer over the opening of the shaker with the coil spring facing towards the inside of the vessel.

Hold the strainer securely in place and tilt the shaker towards the serving glass. The spring helps retain ice and larger solid ingredients while the cocktail flows into the glass.

For Double Straining, hold an additional Fine Strainer above the serving glass and pour the cocktail through its mesh.

How to protect the copper-plated finish

The decorative surface requires more careful handling than plain stainless steel. To help preserve its appearance, we recommend hand washing only with water and liquid detergent.

Dishwasher cleaning is not recommended. High temperatures, aggressive detergents and repeated washing cycles may affect the appearance of decorative plated surfaces over time.

Avoid abrasive sponges, hard brushes, metal cleaning tools and aggressive cleaning products. These can scratch or visibly damage the finish.

After washing, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Immediate drying also helps reduce visible water marks on the decorative surface.

Protect against impacts and scratches

The stainless-steel body should not be considered fragile in the same sense as glassware. However, the decorative plated finish should be protected from impacts, scratching and repeated friction against other metal tools.

For this reason, avoid throwing the strainer loosely into a metal drawer or container together with other bar tools, and handle it carefully during washing and storage.

Cleaning the removable spring

The coil spring deserves particular attention because small pieces of fruit, herbs or pulp can become trapped between its coils.

Rinse the strainer promptly after use. For more thorough cleaning, the removable construction allows the spring and metal body to be accessed separately.

After cleaning, rinse both components thoroughly, dry them with a soft cloth and make sure the spring is correctly fitted before the next use.

Key features

• Brand: MEZCLAR
• Brand origin: United Kingdom
• Model: SKULL
• Type: Hawthorne Strainer
• Category: Cocktail Strainer
• Material: 304 stainless steel
• Design: stylised skull
• Finish: COPPER plated
• Straining system: flexible metal coil spring
• Spring: removable / replaceable
• Length: approx. 19 cm
• Width: approx. 9 cm
• Weight: approx. 80 g
• Primary use: straining cocktails from a shaker
• With Fine Strainer: Double Straining
• Recommended care: hand wash only

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called SKULL?
The perforated metal body is designed in the shape of a stylised skull. In this case, the model name directly describes one of the product's most distinctive visual features.

Is the strainer made from copper?
No. The main material is 304 stainless steel. Its copper appearance comes from the decorative copper-plated finish applied to the surface.

Can the coil spring be removed?
Yes. The model features a removable spring, allowing easier access to both components during thorough cleaning.

Can it replace a Fine Strainer?
Not completely. A Hawthorne provides primary filtration, while a Fine Strainer is designed to catch much smaller particles such as fine pulp and seeds.

What does Double Straining mean?
It means using a Hawthorne Strainer and a Fine Strainer during the same pour, providing two successive levels of filtration.

Can it be cleaned in a dishwasher?
Dishwasher cleaning is not recommended. To protect the copper-plated finish, wash the product by hand with liquid detergent and dry it with a soft cloth.

Why should the surface be protected from scratches?
Although the body is made from stainless steel, the decorative plated finish can be affected by abrasive materials, repeated contact with other metal tools or improper handling.