The Fine Strainer COPPER plated [MEZCLAR] is a fine mesh cocktail strainer designed to filter small particles that may remain in a drink after shaking or mixing. Its fine stainless steel mesh helps catch ice shards, fruit pulp, seeds, pieces of herbs and other small particles before the drink reaches the serving glass.

It is particularly useful for double straining, when a cocktail is poured first through a Hawthorne Strainer and then through the Fine Strainer. The two tools perform different functions and work together to provide an additional level of filtration. The COPPER plated finish also makes this version suitable for coordinated professional bar tool sets.

What is a Fine Strainer?

A Fine Strainer, also known as a fine mesh cocktail strainer, is a bar tool with a fine metal mesh used to catch small particles that can pass through the primary cocktail strainer.

Its function differs from that of a Hawthorne Strainer. The Hawthorne primarily retains ice and larger solid ingredients, while the Fine Strainer provides a second, finer stage of filtration.

What does Double Straining mean?

Double straining is a cocktail technique in which the drink passes through two levels of filtration before serving.

In a typical setup, a Hawthorne Strainer is positioned on the shaker while the Fine Strainer is held above the serving glass. The cocktail passes through both strainers during the same pour.

• Hawthorne Strainer – retains ice and larger solid ingredients;
• Fine Strainer – helps catch smaller particles that pass through the first strainer.

The result can be a cocktail with a cleaner texture and fewer small solid particles in the serving glass.

What can the fine mesh filter?

Depending on the ingredients and preparation technique, the Fine Strainer can help catch:

• small ice shards;
• fruit pulp;
• seeds and small pieces of fruit;
• pieces of mint, basil and other herbs;
• particles produced during muddling;
• other small solids remaining after shaking.

Fine Strainer vs. Hawthorne Strainer

A Fine Strainer and a Hawthorne Strainer are different types of cocktail strainers and, for double straining, they are complementary rather than interchangeable tools.

The Hawthorne Strainer is normally used directly on the shaker to retain ice and larger ingredients during pouring. The Fine Strainer is held above the serving glass to provide additional filtration for smaller particles.

If you regularly prepare shaken cocktails with citrus, fresh fruit, herbs or muddled ingredients, the two tools can be used together for double straining.

When is fine straining useful?

The Fine Strainer COPPER plated [MEZCLAR] can be particularly useful for:

• cocktails shaken with ice;
• cocktails served without ice;
• recipes containing fresh citrus juice;
• cocktails prepared with muddled fruit;
• drinks containing mint, basil or other herbs;
• ingredients processed with a muddler;
• recipes where fewer small solid particles are desired in the finished drink.

Which cocktails can it be used for?

The need for a Fine Strainer depends primarily on the ingredients, preparation technique and desired texture, rather than simply the name of the cocktail.

Depending on the recipe and technique, it can be useful for cocktails such as:

• Daiquiri;
• Whiskey Sour;
• Gimlet;
• Margarita;
• Sidecar;
• Cosmopolitan;
• Clover Club;
• Signature cocktails prepared with fruit or herbs.

The bartender can decide whether double straining is appropriate for each recipe according to the ingredients and desired result.

How do you use a Fine Strainer?

For double straining, position a Hawthorne Strainer on the shaker and hold the Fine Strainer above the serving glass. Pour the cocktail so that the liquid passes through both strainers in sequence.

There is generally no need to press the ingredients trapped in the mesh. Allow the liquid to pass through while the solid particles remain in the strainer.

Why is the fine mesh important?

Shaking a cocktail with ice can produce small ice shards that may pass through the openings of a Hawthorne Strainer. Fruit pulp, seeds and small pieces of herbs can also remain in the drink.

The fine mesh provides an additional filtration stage, allowing the bartender greater control over how many of these particles reach the serving glass.

COPPER plated finish for a coordinated bar tool set

The COPPER plated finish gives the Fine Strainer a distinctive appearance and makes it easy to combine with other bar tools featuring a similar finish.

For a coordinated bar station, it can be paired with:

• Jigger;
• Hawthorne Strainer;
• Julep Strainer;
• Bar Spoon;
• Shaker;
• other cocktail tools with a COPPER plated finish.

The exact shade may vary slightly between products depending on the material, finish and production batch.

For professional bars and Home Bars

The Fine Strainer COPPER plated [MEZCLAR] complements the tools used for cocktail preparation and filtration and is suitable for both professional and home use.

Suitable for:

• professional bartenders;
• cocktail bars;
• restaurants;
• hotels and hospitality venues;
• events and catering;
• bartending schools and training;
• cocktail enthusiasts and Home Bars.

How to choose a Fine Strainer

When choosing a Fine Strainer, consider the density and size of the mesh, the shape of the strainer, how comfortably it can be positioned above the glass and the types of cocktails you prepare most frequently.

For users who also want a visually coordinated bar station, the finish can be an additional consideration. The COPPER plated version is suitable for bar tool sets built around this finish.

Cleaning and care

Hand wash only. Both the fine mesh and the COPPER plated finish should be handled carefully. Dishwasher cleaning, abrasive products or aggressive scrubbing may damage the finish and deform the fine mesh.

• Wash with water and liquid detergent.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth.
• Do not use abrasive sponges.
• Avoid hard brushes and objects that may scratch the surface.
• Do not use abrasive cleaning products.
• Rinse the mesh thoroughly after filtering fruit or herbs.
• Dry with a soft cloth after washing.
• Do not clean in a dishwasher.

After preparing cocktails containing fruit pulp, seeds or herbs, rinse the mesh promptly to prevent particles from drying inside the fine openings.

Key features

• Brand: MEZCLAR
• Type: Fine Strainer / Fine Mesh Cocktail Strainer
• Finish: COPPER plated
• Mesh: fine stainless steel mesh
• Primary use: fine filtration of small cocktail particles
• Recommended technique: double straining
• Use with: Hawthorne Strainer
• Suitable for: professional and Home Bar use
• Care: hand wash only

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Fine Strainer?
A Fine Strainer is a fine mesh cocktail strainer used to catch small particles that may remain in a drink after shaking or the first stage of straining.

What does double straining mean?
Double straining means passing a cocktail through two levels of filtration, typically first through a Hawthorne Strainer and then through a Fine Strainer.

Does a Fine Strainer replace a Hawthorne Strainer?
No. For double straining they are used together. The Hawthorne retains ice and larger solids, while the Fine Strainer helps catch smaller particles.

Is it useful for cocktails containing fresh fruit?
Yes. The fine mesh can help retain fruit pulp, seeds and small particles from muddled or shaken fruit.

Can it filter small ice shards?
Yes. This is one of the common uses of a Fine Strainer after shaking a cocktail with ice.

Can it be used for cocktails with mint and other herbs?
Yes. The mesh helps catch small pieces of leaves and other plant particles before serving.

Is a Fine Strainer required for every cocktail?
No. Its use depends on the recipe, ingredients, preparation technique and desired texture.

Is the Fine Strainer dishwasher safe?
No. Dishwasher cleaning may affect the COPPER plated finish and deform the fine mesh. Hand washing with liquid detergent and a soft sponge or cloth is recommended.

How should I protect the COPPER plated finish?
Avoid abrasive sponges, hard brushes and aggressive cleaning products. Rinse thoroughly after washing and dry with a soft cloth.