Cocktail strainer facts for kids
A strainer is a special tool used by people who make drinks. It's usually made of metal. Its job is to separate ice from a mixed drink when it's poured into a serving glass. Think of it like a small sieve!
You place the strainer over the top of the glass or container where the drink was mixed. It has tiny holes that let only the liquid pass through, keeping the ice behind.
Types of Strainers
There are two main kinds of strainers used for drinks. Each one works a little differently.
Hawthorne Strainer
The Hawthorne strainer looks like a flat circle with a handle. It often has two or more small prongs to help it stay in place. Around the edge of the circle, there's a metal spring. This spring is important because it bends inward to fit inside the glass. The spring is what catches the ice, so the strainer itself doesn't need to touch the rim of the glass.
Julep Strainer
The Julep strainer is shaped more like a small bowl with a handle. It's designed to fit snugly inside a mixing glass or shaker when you put it in at the right angle. The liquid goes through small holes or slits in the bowl part, leaving the ice behind.
