Julep strainer
Two main types of strainers are commonly used behind the bar; Hawthorne strainers and julep strainers. The julep strainer is sometimes also referred to as a 'sifting spoon' and is a large, round-ish spoon with small holes for liquid to pass through. When pouring (straining) a drink, the julep strainer is angled to the inner walls of the shaker or mixing glass. It is known to be the predecessor of the Hawthorne Strainer, which was developed from the julep strainer. Today, however, both strainers are used for different purposes. In general, it can be said that julep strainers are used for straining drinks from mixing glasses, while Hawthorne strainers are for straining shaken cocktails from shakers.
The julep strainer has its name from the mint julep cocktail, however that particular drink, which was very popular in the USA in the 19th century, is not strained at all. Julep strainers were originally served with the mint julep cocktail as a tool to retain ice and mint while drinking. With the invention and further development of the straw, it then established itself primarily as a tool for straining cocktails, which has become common practice.
