The 10 Best Cocktail Strainers
Special Honors
Star Shaker Based in Greece, this online retailer carries an interesting collection of bar implements, many of which are actually made in Japan. From square and triangle Hawthorne models, to enchanting bamboo sieves, their tasteful selection of strainers is worth a look, but can definitely get pricey. If you've got some extra time, you might even consider taking a gander at some of their more out-of-the-way offerings, like cocktail smokers and a cotton candy machine. starshaker.com
Bar Supplies Don't let the simple name fool you. This website has a load of interesting options to choose from, including strainers that look like tree branches, skulls, and octopuses, not to mention more practical offerings like replacement springs. At the bottom of each of their pages you'll also find links to the alternative sites they operate which supply bulk and customized orders for commercial enterprises. barsupplies.com
Editor's Notes
August 05, 2020:
More than anything else, cocktail strainers exist to remove pieces of ice and fruit pulp from vigorously shaken drinks that include fresh juice. For the best results, you’ll want to use a fine-mesh sieve to filter out the tiniest bits. However, if you’re only gently stirring liquids in a way that won’t break up your ice while making drinks that lack freshly squeezed juice like martinis and manhattans, a julep strainer should work just fine.
While julep strainers and sieves are great additions to any bartender’s tool set, this list is mostly dedicated to Hawthorne strainers since their versatile design catches a lot and is easy to use with both cocktail shakers and mixing glasses. Some drinks are even intended to be served with flecks of residual matter, and these models can accommodate.
The above being said, 3 pieces sets that included a Hawthorne strainer, a julep strainer, and a sieve like the Top Shelf Bar Supply Set and TheBarsentials Tool Set were shown some favor since they include pretty much everything you’ll ever need to filter a cocktail. Elsewhere, models with prongs were given preference over those without because they offer extra stability, except in the case of the Viski Warren, which is so wide that it can’t help but cover the opening of most mixing vessels.