The Hawthorne Strainer ANTIQUE [MEZCLAR] is a spring cocktail strainer used to separate ice and solid ingredients as a cocktail is poured from the shaker into the serving glass. Its characteristic spring helps retain ice cubes and larger ingredients while giving the bartender control over the pour.
The ANTIQUE version stands out through its classic appearance, making it an interesting choice for a bar station where functionality and distinctive barware styling are both important.
What is a Hawthorne Strainer?
A Hawthorne Strainer is a cocktail strainer recognised by the metal spring fitted around its body. It is one of the most widely used types of bar strainers and is particularly associated with straining cocktails from a shaker.
During pouring, the body of the strainer covers the opening of the shaker while the spring creates a filtering barrier that helps retain ice and solid ingredients, allowing the liquid to flow into the serving glass.
What does the spring on a Hawthorne Strainer do?
The spring is the defining feature of this type of cocktail strainer. Positioned around the edge of the body, it helps retain solid ingredients while the cocktail is being poured.
Depending on the drink and preparation method, the spring can help retain:
- ice cubes;
- larger pieces of broken ice;
- pieces of fruit;
- solid ingredients used inside the shaker;
- larger pieces of herbs.
For very small particles such as fine fruit pulp, seeds or tiny ice shards, an additional Fine Strainer can be used.
Hawthorne Strainer vs Fine Strainer – what's the difference?
Although both tools are used for straining cocktails, a Hawthorne Strainer and a Fine Strainer perform different functions.
The Hawthorne Strainer provides the primary filtration and helps retain ice and larger solid ingredients. A Fine Strainer uses a much finer mesh to catch smaller particles that can pass through the first strainer.
- Hawthorne Strainer: ice and larger solid ingredients;
- Fine Strainer: small ice shards, pulp, seeds and fine particles;
- Hawthorne + Fine Strainer: Double Straining.
What is Double Straining?
Double Straining is a cocktail technique in which the drink passes through two strainers during the same pour.
The Hawthorne Strainer is positioned on the shaker for the first stage of filtration, while a Fine Strainer is held above the serving glass to catch smaller particles that pass through the spring.
This technique can be particularly useful for cocktails containing fresh juice, fruit, herbs or other ingredients that may leave fine particles in the drink.
Hawthorne Strainer vs Julep Strainer
Another important type of bar strainer is the Julep Strainer. Unlike a Hawthorne Strainer, it does not use a spring and instead features a perforated, spoon-shaped body.
A Hawthorne Strainer is primarily associated with cocktails poured from a shaker, while a Julep Strainer is commonly used for drinks prepared by stirring in a mixing glass. The appropriate strainer depends on the vessel, preparation technique and bartender's preferred working method.
When should you use a Hawthorne Strainer?
The Hawthorne Strainer ANTIQUE [MEZCLAR] is particularly useful for cocktails prepared by shaking, when the drink needs to be separated from the ice used for chilling and dilution before serving.
Depending on the recipe and preparation method, a Hawthorne Strainer can be used for many classic and modern cocktails, including:
- Daiquiri;
- Whiskey Sour;
- Margarita;
- Cosmopolitan;
- Sidecar;
- Gimlet;
- Espresso Martini;
- Signature cocktails prepared by shaking.
The appropriate straining method should always be selected according to the recipe, ingredients and preparation technique rather than simply the name of the cocktail.
How do you use a Hawthorne Strainer?
After shaking the cocktail, position the Hawthorne Strainer over the opening of the shaker. Hold the strainer securely while pouring so that the liquid flows into the serving glass while the ice and larger solid ingredients remain inside the shaker.
The pour can be controlled through the position of the strainer and the angle of the shaker. When additional filtration is required, hold a Fine Strainer above the serving glass to perform a Double Strain.
ANTIQUE design for a distinctive bar station
In addition to its practical function, the ANTIQUE [MEZCLAR] model offers a classic visual character that differs from the minimalist appearance of standard stainless steel bar tools.
It can be an attractive choice for bartenders and venues that prefer barware with a more distinctive appearance, including classic or vintage-inspired cocktail bars, restaurants, hotels and Home Bars.
Do you also need a Fine Strainer?
Not for every cocktail. When the goal is simply to separate the drink from ice and larger solid ingredients, a Hawthorne Strainer can often be sufficient.
If the cocktail contains fruit pulp, seeds, herbs or very small ice fragments produced during shaking, adding a Fine Strainer provides a second, finer level of filtration.
For this reason, Hawthorne Strainers and Fine Strainers are complementary tools in a professional cocktail station rather than direct alternatives.
How to choose a Hawthorne Strainer
When choosing a Hawthorne Strainer, consider the shape of the body, construction of the spring, how it sits on the shaker, handle design and overall comfort during use. In a professional environment, quick and stable positioning during service is also an important consideration.
Appearance can also influence the choice when bar tools are visible to guests. The ANTIQUE model is particularly suitable for those who prefer a classic barware aesthetic rather than a modern minimalist finish.
Who is it suitable for?
- professional bartenders;
- cocktail bars;
- restaurants and bistros;
- hotels and hospitality venues;
- events and catering services;
- bartending schools and training;
- cocktail and mixology enthusiasts;
- Home Bars.
Cleaning and caring for a Hawthorne Strainer
The spring of a Hawthorne Strainer can trap pieces of fruit, herbs and other ingredients. For this reason, it is advisable to rinse the strainer promptly after use before residue dries between the coils.
When cleaning, pay attention to both the body and the spaces between the spring coils. Avoid unnecessarily stretching, bending or deforming the spring, as it is an important functional component of the strainer.
Hand washing is recommended with water and liquid detergent. Avoid abrasive sponges and aggressive cleaning methods.
Key features
- Brand: MEZCLAR
- Model: ANTIQUE
- Type: Hawthorne Strainer
- Category: Cocktail Strainer
- Straining system: body with metal spring
- Primary use: separating ice and solid ingredients during pouring
- Associated technique: straining
- Can be used for: Double Straining together with a Fine Strainer
- Style: ANTIQUE / classic appearance
- Use: professional and Home Bar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hawthorne Strainer?
A Hawthorne Strainer is a spring cocktail strainer used to separate ice and solid ingredients when pouring a drink from a shaker.
What does the spring do?
The spring helps retain ice and solid ingredients and forms the main filtering area around the edge of the strainer.
What is the difference between a Hawthorne Strainer and a Fine Strainer?
A Hawthorne Strainer primarily retains ice and larger ingredients, while a Fine Strainer catches smaller particles such as pulp, seeds and fine ice shards.
Can I use a Hawthorne Strainer and Fine Strainer together?
Yes. Using both during the same pour is known as Double Straining and provides two successive levels of filtration.
What is the difference between a Hawthorne Strainer and a Julep Strainer?
A Hawthorne Strainer uses a spring and is primarily associated with shakers, while a Julep Strainer has a perforated body without a spring and is commonly associated with drinks prepared in a mixing glass.
Do I need a Fine Strainer for every cocktail?
No. A Hawthorne Strainer is often sufficient for retaining ice and larger ingredients. A Fine Strainer is added when smaller particles also need to be filtered.
Can I use it for an Espresso Martini?
Yes. A Hawthorne Strainer can be used when pouring an Espresso Martini from the shaker. Whether an additional Fine Strainer is used depends on the bartender's technique and desired result.
How should I clean the spring?
Rinse it promptly after use and pay particular attention to the spaces between the coils, where pieces of fruit or herbs may become trapped. Avoid unnecessarily stretching or deforming the spring.