The Julep Strainer COPPER plated [MEZCLAR] is a cocktail strainer with a classic shape, immediately recognisable by its perforated, spoon-like body. Today, we associate it particularly with the Mixing Glass and cocktails prepared by stirring, but the story of this distinctive bar tool began long before the modern cocktail bar.

Made from stainless steel with an elegant COPPER plated finish, this model combines the tradition of a classic bartending tool with a contemporary appearance. Its perforated surface allows the cocktail to flow through in a controlled manner while helping retain ice inside the vessel.

Where does the name Julep Strainer come from?

The name of this type of cocktail strainer is connected with the historic family of drinks known as Juleps, which have been part of drinking culture for more than two centuries. Today, the word Julep immediately brings to mind the famous Mint Julep, but the history of the drink is older and more varied than the modern bourbon-based version.

One of the best-known early descriptions of an American Julep dates from the beginning of the 19th century and describes a spirit-based drink flavoured with mint. At the time, Juleps could be prepared with different spirits, including brandy, rum and whiskey.

Bourbon later became the dominant base, while the Mint Julep developed a particularly strong association with the American South and Kentucky.

What is a Mint Julep?

In its modern form, the Mint Julep is a classic American cocktail built around a deceptively simple combination:

• bourbon;
• sugar or sugar syrup;
• fresh mint;
• plenty of crushed ice.

It is traditionally served extremely cold, often in a metal Julep cup, packed with crushed ice and garnished generously with fresh mint.

The cocktail became an icon of American drinking culture and is particularly associated with Kentucky Derby traditions.

The connection between the Julep and the strainer is more interesting than it seems

Looking at the tool itself, it is easy to see its resemblance to a large, flat perforated spoon. That distinctive shape also provides an important clue to its origins.

The Julep Strainer developed during the 19th century from perforated spoon-like utensils, and its early use was different from the way bartenders generally use it today.

Rather than being used exclusively to strain a cocktail from a Mixing Glass, a perforated utensil could be held against the rim of the drinking vessel while drinking. Its purpose was to help prevent ice and mint leaves from a Julep reaching the drinker's mouth.

There are even historical anecdotes suggesting that this little barrier was appreciated by moustached gentlemen because it helped keep mint and ice away from their moustaches. It is an entertaining part of the lore surrounding the Julep Strainer, although it should not be treated as the sole explanation for the development of the tool.

From the guest's glass to the Mixing Glass

Over time, the role of the Julep Strainer changed.

A utensil once associated with the way a Julep was consumed eventually moved into the bartender's hand and became one of the classic strainer styles of the modern bar, alongside the Hawthorne Strainer and Fine Strainer.

Today, the Julep Strainer is particularly associated with the Mixing Glass and cocktails prepared using the stirring technique.

It is an interesting evolution: a tool historically connected with drinking an iced Julep became a professional bartender tool for controlling the pour of sophisticated stirred cocktails.

Why does a Julep Strainer look like a perforated spoon?

Unlike a Hawthorne Strainer, the Julep Strainer does not have a metal coil spring around its body.

Straining is achieved through the perforated metal surface. When positioned correctly inside a Mixing Glass, the cocktail passes through the perforations while the ice cubes remain behind.

The gently curved, spoon-like shape allows the strainer to sit naturally inside the Mixing Glass, while the handle provides control during pouring.

Julep Strainer and STIRRED cocktails

In modern bartending, the Julep Strainer is especially associated with cocktails prepared by stirring.

With this technique, the ingredients and ice are placed in a Mixing Glass and mixed using a Bar Spoon. The objective is controlled chilling and dilution without the more intense aeration produced by shaking.

Once the desired temperature and dilution have been reached, the Julep Strainer is positioned inside the Mixing Glass and the cocktail is poured into the serving glass while the mixing ice remains behind.

Which cocktails can you use it for?

A Julep Strainer can be used for numerous classic and modern stirred cocktails, including:

• Dry Martini;
• Manhattan;
• Negroni;
• Boulevardier;
• Martinez;
• Vieux Carré;
• Rob Roy;
• Old Fashioned when prepared in a Mixing Glass;
• stirred Signature cocktails.

In these applications, its primary purpose is to separate the chilled and properly diluted cocktail from the ice used during preparation.

Julep Strainer or Hawthorne Strainer?

Both are cocktail strainers, but their construction and traditional applications are different.

• Julep Strainer: perforated body without a coil spring; particularly associated with Mixing Glasses and stirred cocktails;
• Hawthorne Strainer: fitted with a flexible metal coil spring; commonly associated with shakers and shaken cocktails;
• Fine Strainer: fine mesh designed to catch pulp, seeds and very small particles.

This does not mean that a bartender cannot use a Hawthorne with a Mixing Glass or adapt a Julep Strainer to other situations. The choice ultimately depends on the construction of the tool, the preparation technique and the bartender's personal working style.

Why is a Julep Strainer well suited to a Mixing Glass?

A stirred cocktail generally contains liquid ingredients and relatively large ice cubes, without significant quantities of pulp, herbs or muddled fruit.

For this reason, the tighter filtration offered by the coil of a Hawthorne is not always necessary. The perforated surface of a Julep Strainer is sufficient to retain the mixing ice while allowing a controlled pour.

Its simple, elegant shape also fits naturally into the visual ritual of preparing and serving a cocktail from a Mixing Glass.

COPPER plated – a modern interpretation of a classic bar tool

The Julep Strainer has historical roots, but this MEZCLAR version gives the classic shape a more contemporary appearance with its elegant COPPER plated finish.

The warm metallic tone creates an attractive contrast with ice, the transparent glass of a Mixing Glass and the surfaces of other bar tools.

This can be particularly effective in bars where cocktails are prepared directly in front of the guest. In this environment, bar tools are not only functional equipment – they also become part of the presentation and serving ritual.

A classic tool for an elegant bar station

The Julep Strainer is one of those tools that demonstrates how much of modern bartending developed from traditions established more than a century ago.

Its perforated, spoon-like body recalls its historical origins, while its modern use places it naturally alongside a Mixing Glass, Bar Spoon and Jigger.

The COPPER plated version is particularly suitable for bartenders who want to combine this classic heritage with a more elegant and visually expressive set of bar tools.

How to use a Julep Strainer with a Mixing Glass

Once the cocktail has been properly chilled and diluted through stirring, position the perforated part of the Julep Strainer inside the Mixing Glass.

Hold the strainer securely with your finger while tilting the Mixing Glass towards the serving glass.

The cocktail passes through the perforations while the ice cubes used during stirring remain inside the Mixing Glass.

The movement should be controlled and natural. The compact shape of the strainer allows comfortable handling without unnecessarily complicating the pour.

Cleaning and protecting the COPPER plated finish

A coloured decorative finish requires more care than the untreated surface of a plain stainless-steel bar tool.

We recommend hand washing with water and a mild liquid detergent. Avoid abrasive sponges, metal brushes, scouring powders and aggressive contact with other metal tools.

Dishwasher cleaning is not recommended. High temperatures, detergents and repeated contact with other objects may gradually affect the appearance of the decorative finish.

After washing, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid storing the strainer while wet or throwing it into a container together with shakers, jiggers and other heavy metal tools that may scratch the surface.

Key features

• Brand: MEZCLAR
• Brand origin: United Kingdom
• Type: Julep Strainer
• Category: Cocktail Strainer
• Material: stainless steel
• Finish: COPPER plated
• Design: classic perforated, spoon-like Julep shape
• Coil spring: no
• Recommended use: Mixing Glass
• Associated technique: stirring
• Ideal for: stirred cocktails
• Recommended care: hand wash
• Finish protection: avoid abrasive surfaces and cleaning materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Julep Strainer?
A Julep Strainer is a cocktail strainer with a broad, perforated, spoon-like body. In modern bartending, it is particularly associated with Mixing Glasses and is used to separate a stirred cocktail from the ice used during preparation.

Why is it called a Julep Strainer?
The name is connected with the historic Julep family of drinks. Perforated utensils of this type were originally associated with serving iced Juleps before the Julep Strainer evolved into the professional bar tool we recognise today.

What is a Mint Julep?
The modern Mint Julep is a classic American cocktail generally made with bourbon, sugar, fresh mint and plenty of crushed ice. It is strongly associated with Kentucky and the traditions surrounding the Kentucky Derby.

Is a Julep Strainer only used for Mint Juleps?
No. In modern bartending, it is mainly used for straining stirred cocktails from a Mixing Glass. Its name reflects the history of the tool rather than limiting it to one particular cocktail.

What is the difference between a Julep Strainer and a Hawthorne Strainer?
A Julep Strainer has a perforated body without a coil spring and is particularly associated with Mixing Glasses. A Hawthorne Strainer has a flexible metal coil and is commonly used to strain cocktails from a shaker.

Which cocktails is it suitable for?
It is particularly suitable for stirred cocktails such as Martini, Manhattan, Negroni, Boulevardier, Martinez, Rob Roy and other recipes prepared in a Mixing Glass.

Can the COPPER plated Julep Strainer go in the dishwasher?
Dishwasher cleaning is not recommended. Hand washing with a mild liquid detergent and drying with a soft cloth helps protect the decorative finish.

How should I protect the COPPER plated finish?
Avoid abrasive sponges, metal brushes and aggressive contact with other bar tools. Rinse after washing and dry the strainer with a soft cloth before storage.