Hawthorne strainer
The most modern and probably the most widespread type of strainer is the Hawthorne strainer. It is a developed version of the julep strainer and is characterized by the famous metal spiral, which adapts its shape to the edge of shaker and holds back the ice when pouring out of a shaker. Except for the spiral, the Hawthorne strainer is similar in design to the Julep strainer. Both are made of metal and feature a handle and a circular, partially perforated surface.
The Hawthorne strainers support ears were not part of the original patent and were not added until the early 1900's. They are an essential feature to the design and the way this strainer works, which is fundamentally different from the julep strainer. Unlike julip strainers, which are angled inside the shaker, Hawthorne strainers are placed on top of the shaker via its support ears. Hawthorne strainers are mostly used in combination with cocktail shakers, while julep strainers are more commonly used with mixing glasses.
There are contradictory stories about the origin of the name Hawthorne Strainer, which go date back to Boston's ‘The Hawthorne Café’ and also a manufacturing company. Ultimately the origin of its name remains unknown.
