The right cocktail strainer is essential for anyone who wants to improve their home bar-making skills. We consulted the pros and found that solid tools are necessary if you want an excellent drink at your next gathering.
A cocktail strainer is an often-overlooked bar tool that has many important uses. Whether you’re a professional bartender or just enjoy making cocktails at home, it’s important to have the right strainer on hand. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at 11 of the best cocktail strainers available on the market today. We’ll discuss what makes each one unique and how they can be used to make your cocktails even better. So whether you’re looking for your next must-have bar tool or just want some ideas for new cocktails to try, read on.
What is a Cocktail Strainer?
A strainer is an inverted cone- or a bowl-shaped object that’s used to separate solid particles from fluids. Strainers are commonly available in plastic, steel, and mesh materials. Most strainers have a handle attached to the top end, but others may come with a built-in hook for easy hanging.
Most strainers are designed for a specific purpose. For example, kitchen strainers are often used to separate solids from liquids in soups or stocks. Tea strainers are used to separate tea leaves from brewed tea. And, of course, cocktail strainers are used to remove ice and other solid ingredients from mixed drinks.
Why Use a Cocktail Strainer?
There are a few key reasons why you might want to use a cocktail strainer in your next drink. First, a strainer can help to ensure that your drink is smooth and free of any unwanted solids. Second, using a strainer can help to create layered cocktails by allowing you to layer different ingredients one on top of the other. Lastly, strainers provide a convenient way to serve drinks with less mess or hassle than if you were to serve them without using a strainer.
List of 11 Best Cocktail Strainers Reviews
1. Crafthouse by Fortessa Professional Metal Cocktail Strainer
- The Crafthouse by Fortessa by Charles Joly Oval-shaped mixing glass is the perfect tool for creating stirred drinks. It’s shaped to fit perfectly into a drinking glass, making it easy to stir up your drink. Plus, its oval shape makes it easy to see what ingredients are in your drink while shaking it around.
- The Smash Cup is a beautiful design with a Crimp in Handle to guide its strainer along the edge of the mixing glass to hold back ice and ensure a smooth pour. The opening allows for straws and herbs to be added, creating a classic presentation with this cup. It measures 6″ by 3.75″, is made of heavy gauge stainless steel, and can be dishwasher safe.
2. Blue River Water 24oz Cocktail Strainer Set
- Shaker and accessories are dishwasher safe, so you can be sure that your purchase will last a long time. The sleek and polished look of the bar kit makes it certain to stand out from other products in this category. Plus, it is made from 18/8 grade stainless steel which is durable.
- This set of cocktail mixers has everything you need to make delicious cocktails. The shaker with a built-in lid strainer and the muddler is perfect for making smooth drinks. The twisted mixing spoon is great for stirring up all kinds of mixes, while the measuring jigger makes it easy to measure ingredients accurately.
- Whether you are a new bartender or experienced mixologist, shaking your way to perfect cocktails and mocktails is an impressively versatile way to enjoy a drink. It can be used as an introduction to bartending or as an opportunity to explore different drinks.
- This bartending experience is hassle-free – just dip and rinse for a quick and easy drink-making experience. They know how important it is to make your guests feel at ease, so they have made everything simple and easy to follow.
3. FineDine 14-Piece Cocktail Strainer Set, Pour Spouts
- This complete bar set includes a 26 oz cocktail shaker with a lid and filter, a double jigger of ¾ and 1 ¾ oz, a muddler, a beer and soda opener, 2 bottles of pourers, and a velvet bag to store it all. It’s perfect for achieving the perfect smooth drink. The ingredients are integrated perfectly into this set so you’ll get flawless cocktails every time.
- This Stainless Steel Cocktail Set is an entire set made of beautiful, matt stainless steel that’s anti-smudge and fingerprint-free. It’s durable, leakproof, and scratch-proof. The Coffee Table also has a brushed finish which will last for many years adding a modern sophistication to your home bar.
- Starting your own bar is easier than you think! You don’t need any expensive equipment or complicated gadgets to make a good job of it. In fact, all you need is a few supplies and some basic cocktail recipes to get started. Included in our kit is everything you need- from the tools needed to start making cocktails, to a recipe guide with basic cocktail recipes.
- The set is easy to clean by hand, just rinse it with warm water and soap. The parts are dishwasher safe and won’t rust or corrode. The set is also incredibly easy to clean- all the parts can be cleaned in just a few minutes.
4. Barfly Fine Mesh Cocktail Strainer, Copper
- The Barfly Fine Mesh Cocktail Strainer is perfect for removing small amounts of pulp, herbs, and ice from your drinks. The fine mesh allows for double straining of drinks to remove small amounts of pulp, herbs, and ice, making it easy to remove any small amount of alcohol from your beverage.
- The copper color will reflect light and make your drink look beautiful. The comfortable rod handle with a front rest loop to sit on the glass for one-handed operation makes it easy to use. The cone-shaped bowl for the funneled flow of liquids makes it easy to pour your drink while keeping it safe from spilling.
5. Viski Professional Metal Stainless Steel Cocktail Strainer
- When it comes to strainers, bartenders today use julep strainers. These strainer devices are a classic design dating back to the first use of ice in professional cocktails. Bartenders today mix glass shakers with julep strainers and thereby obtain a more even distribution of flavors among their drinks.
- You need a cocktail strainer that will maximize performance, not limit it. This strainer has perforations that drain liquids fast, while effectively working to remove any unwanted ingredients such as ice and seeds.
- This julep strainer is designed to be comfortable and easy to use, so you can relax and enjoy your favorite drink. The round handle ensures that it won’t cause wrist issues, while the soft-grip silicone material prevents any slipping or movement.
- The julep strainer is a sturdy and versatile tool that fits most cocktail shakers and glasses. Its oval shape makes it easy to place the drink into the strainer, ensuring perfect cups of coffee or cocktails every time.
- The 304 stainless-steel strainer with handle is built to last, even during the most intense bar shifts. It is designed to be hand-washed only and can survive being cleaned in the dishwasher.
6. Top Shelf Bar Supply A Bar Above Cocktail Strainer Set
- This Hawthorne strainer is a high-quality, tightly-coiled spring bar strainer. It features a high-quality, highly durable cut-away design that prevents fruit pulp and ice shards from making their way into your cocktail. The Hawthorne strainer is lightweight and easy to use, perfect for any bartender looking for an effective and stylish strainer.
- This trusty julep strainer has you covered. It is designed to fit perfectly in any standard mixing glass, and it allows you to pour quickly while filtering out ice particles. Plus, its design makes it easy to use- just place the filter on top of your drink and wait for your drink to show up.
- This fine mesh strainer is way fancier than the standard fine strainer you’re used to. It’s bigger, stronger, and has a more fancy-looking welded handle. Plus, it’s perfect for strainers for various purposes such as tea sieving or Kombucha making!.
- A bartender’s essentials include a stainless steel strainer set, cocktail strainer, and Hawthorne strainer. These pieces of equipment are designed to help you strain your drinks perfectly. The stainless steel mesh strainer set has two meshes that can fit any type of drink, the Julep cocktail strainer is made from durable 304 stainless steel, and its ergonomic design makes it comfortable for bartenders to use, while the bar Hawthorne strainer is perfect for bacteria-free brewing.
- These bartender tools are designed to ensure your drink is perfectly filtered in record time. They spared no expense making them that will last a lifetime. This strainer stainless steel bar tool is also designed for use in busy bars and will meet all your training needs.
7. A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer for Cocktails
- This professional-grade Hawthorne strainer is perfect for making perfectly strained drinks, every time. It is made of stainless steel 304 and has an ergonomic design for comfort and speed. The A Bar Above Hawthorne steel cocktail strainer measures 8-1/4 inches long by 2-3/4 inches wide by 1 inch deep.
- The Hawthorne stainless steel strainer is a very expensive gift for men and women. It is made from polished food-grade SS304. It features a high-density spring, making it durable and long-lasting. The strainer also cannot rust, break or bend over time.
- This steel-finished stainless strainer is perfect for straining shaking cocktails or drinks made with muddled fruit and herbs. It features a high-quality tightly-coiled spring which helps keep the fruit pulp and ice shards from making their way into your drink.
- This Hawthorne bar strainer is lightweight and has a patented cut-away design that reduces abrasion against the side of your hand. The finger grip on the cocktail strainer creates closer proximity between your hand and thrilled steel, reducing cramping or fatigue.
- If you are going to make a cocktail, use this trusty steel strainer. This Hawthorne drink strainer will withstand years of use and abuse and even be able to strain into two different glasses at the same time.
8. Zulay Stainless Steel Small Cocktail Strainer (Silver)
- The Zulay Kitchen Cocktail Strainer is a professional quality piece of kitchen equipment that helps keep your cocktails smooth and well-made. The 304 stainless steel Rim is polished with a classic mirrored finish making it look elegant and high-end. This essential tool can also help increase the look of your home bar setup by keeping the ice, pulp, and herbs out of your drinks.
- The stainless steel fine mesh strainer is designed with a conical shape net that strains beverages quickly and efficiently while preventing spillage all over your countertop. The filter Plus also has an anti-clog feature, meaning it will not clog up during use.
- The light and ergonomic design of this tool will provide you with a comfortable experience when using it. It is made with a 3.35-inch wide rod handle and a front rest loop or hook that provides extra support for placement over a shaker or mixer glass. The dimensions are 9 inches in diameter by 3.35 inches long.
- This strainer is efficient and versatile, being used for a variety of tasks such as filtering coffee grounds, straining tea leaves, straining juice, sifting flour, dusting baked goodies, etc. To clean it quickly and easily – just place it in running water and wash with a soapy cloth or pop it in your dishwasher.
9. Fine Mesh Sieve Strainer Stainless Steel Cocktail Strainer
- The Fine Mesh Sieve Strainer is a professional-grade cocktail strainer that helps to sift crushed ice and fine mesh for softer drinks. The 3.3-inch diameter, professional-grade 18/8 stainless steel strainer is designed to meet the needs of those who mix a thick drink with pulp and lime seed.
- The sieve is made of heavy-duty, durable material that will help to get your drinks softer while lifting the appearance of your kitchen or home bar. The fine mesh strainer is also plated in silver, making it easy to find and easy to use.
10. OXO Steel Fine Mesh Cocktail Strainer, 3-inch, Stainless Steel
- The perfect gift for that special someone who loves a great drink, this OXO Steel Fine Mesh Cocktail Strainer is the perfect way to get that perfect drink every time. This stainless steel fine mesh efficiently strains fruit pulp and ice chips for a crisp, clean drink.
- With its soft, comfortable handle, this 3-inch strainer has the capacity to strain even the largest quantities of fruit pulp and ice chips. Measuring 3-inches in diameter, it is easy to use and will make your next drink easier than ever.
11. OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer
- The OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer is the perfect addition to your barware collection. It is designed with a durable stainless steel body that effectively strains ice, fruit, and more from drinks for smooth cocktails.
- The soft, non-slip finger rest and comfortable handle allow for a comfortable, natural pour. The raised lip on the Strainer prevents liquids from dripping down the sides of glasses, forcing the liquid to strain through the spring. The shorter handle allows for easy storage.
- The OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer is an essential addition to your barware collection. It is designed without an extended handle to work with the natural grasp of your hand, while the raised lip on the Strainer prevents liquids from dripping down the sides of glasses.
Tips and guide to buying the best Cocktail Strainer
Choosing the best cocktail strainer can be difficult because there are so many different types and styles available today. Here we’ll outline a few key things to look for when choosing the best strainer for your needs.
Material
The first thing to consider is the material that the strainer is made from. Most cocktail strainers are made from stainless steel, but there are also some made from plastic or silicone. Stainless steel is a good choice because it’s durable and easy to clean. Plastic and silicone can be a bit more flexible, which can be helpful for getting into tight spots. However, plastic and silicone can also be more difficult to clean than stainless steel. Additionally, some strainers are made with interchangeable heads instead of a one-piece design. These can be convenient if you want to switch out the head for different uses, but they’re usually not as durable or easy to use as standard strainer designs.
Type
The next thing to consider is the type of Cocktail Strainer. There are three main types of strainers: conical, cylindrical, and fine mesh. Conical strainers are the most popular type and have cone-shaped heads with holes in them. They’re good for straining large particles out of liquids. Cylindrical strainers are similar to conical strainers but have cylindrical heads with holes in them. They’re good for straining small particles out of liquids. Fine mesh strainers have a fine mesh screen and are used for straining solids out of liquids. They’re usually the best choice for straining cocktails because they don’t leave any solids in the drink.
Size
The size of the strainer is also important to consider. Most strainers are available in two sizes: standard and jumbo. Standard size strainers are good for most applications, while jumbo size strainers are larger and can be used for bigger batches or thicker liquids.
Convenience
Finally, it’s important to consider the convenience features that each Cocktail Strainer has. Some strainers have convenient handles or other features that make them easy and comfortable to use. There are also some strainers with magnetic tops that hold onto bottle caps and spouts for easier pouring.
Pro-tip: It can be helpful to buy a few different types of strainers to use for different applications. For example, you could have a conical strainer, a cylindrical strainer, and a fine mesh strainer on hand. This will give you the flexibility to use the right strainer for each job.
FAQs about a Cocktail Strainer
What is a cocktail strainer?
A cocktail strainer is a bar tool that is used to strain solids out of liquids. It has a conical or cylindrical head with holes in it and is made from stainless steel, plastic, or silicone.
What are the different types of cocktail strainers?
There are three main types of strainers: conical, cylindrical, and fine mesh. Conical strainers have cone-shaped heads with holes in the bottom. Cylindrical strainers have cylindrical heads with holes in them. Fine mesh strainers have a fine mesh screen on them for filtering out solids.
How do you use a cocktail strainer?
To use a cocktail strainer, place the strainer over a glass and pour your drink into the glass. Then use the handle or knob of the strainer to push down on the solids in the drink before removing it from your glass.
What are some tips for using a cocktail strainer?
Some tips for using a cocktail strainer include: don’t use it to pour your drink, make sure you press down on the solids in the drink before removing the strainer, and scrape around inside of the strainer occasionally to get all of the liquids out.
How do you clean a cocktail strainer?
To clean a cocktail strainer, hold it over a garbage can and scrape off any solids inside the head. Then fill the strainer with water and shake it vigorously to remove any more particles. Finally, dump out the dirty water and repeat until there are no more particles in the water.
Pro-tip: Strainers can be cleaned in a dishwasher, but make sure they’re dry before using them to pour drinks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a cocktail strainer is a type of bar tool that is used to strain solids from liquids. There are three main types of strainers: conical, cylindrical, and fine mesh. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, but they’re all good for different applications. Finally, it’s important to consider convenience features when choosing a strainer. Some have handles or other features that make them easy and comfortable to use. Others have magnetic tops that hold onto bottle caps and spouts for easier pouring.
After reading this article, you should have a better idea of what to look for in the best cocktail strainer. We hope that our list has helped you find one that suits your needs and budget. If not, don’t worry! There are plenty more on Amazon waiting to be bought by someone just like you. Happy shopping!
Brendan Roberts is a writer, photographer, and editor for Food 4 Kitchen. He is always eager to share useful knowledge with everyone. He graduated with a degree in journalism from Northwestern University in 2016 and now lives with his wife.