Hawthorne vs. Julep Strainer: Which One is Better

If you're a cocktail enthusiast, you're probably familiar with the two most well-known strainers in the bartending world: the Hawthorne and the Julep strainer. Both are excellent tools for creating smooth cocktails.

However, when shopping for bar tools for your home bar, you might find yourself wondering: which one is the best? Or, which one should I buy? In today's article, we will thoroughly analyze the pros, cons, and differences between these two strainers, helping you understand their distinctions and make a more informed choice.

Jump to:

• Hawthorne Strainer
• Julep Strainer
• Comparison of Both

Hawthorne Strainer

The Hawthorne strainer consists of a flat straining surface and a spring that wraps around the edge of the strainer. We discussed it in detail in our previous blog post, What is a Hawthorne Strainer and How to Use It. While the design and appearance can vary, the spring remains a signature feature of the Hawthorne strainer. This design offers the following advantages:

• Strong Compatibility: It is compatible with shakers, mixing glasses, and other containers of different sizes.
• Good Seal: The spring allows for a better fit with the container, enhancing the filtration process.
• Effective Filtration: In addition to blocking ice shards, the spring also catches smaller solids, such as fruit pulp, resulting in a smoother overall texture.
• Compact and Portable: Its small size makes it easier to handle, store, and carry around.

Julep Strainer

The julep strainer has a bowl-shaped design with numerous small holes on the surface, accompanied by a long handle, resembling an oversized spoon. Initially used for straining the crushed ice from a mint julep to ensure a smoother drinking experience, it eventually became a popular tool for straining cocktails. It has the following features:

• Lightweight: Due to its basic design, it is typically lighter in weight.
• Easy to Clean: Its simple design allows for easy rinsing, making it ready for reuse quickly after each use.
• Elegant Appearance: Many bartenders and enthusiasts consider the julep strainer's streamlined design to be aesthetically pleasing, giving it an elegant and refined look.

Comparison of Both

The Hawthorne strainer is more versatile, efficient, and practical, making it undoubtedly the choice for most people today, whether they are professional or home bartenders. However, this doesn't mean it’s without its drawbacks. Compared to the Julep, it is a bit more challenging to clean. While most styles have a detachable spring, it still requires more time to clean. That said, in terms of filtration performance and ease of use, the Hawthorne strainer is nearly flawless.

On the other hand, the Julep strainer does not always fit various containers perfectly, and it doesn’t offer as fine filtration, which is one reason it’s not as widely used. However, as one of the most well-known strainers globally, it’s second only to the Hawthorne. Though it might not pair as well with the shaker, it is an excellent fit for mixing glasses. When making cocktails that need stirring, such as a Manhattan or Negroni, it can help filter the drink and provide a smoother, more refined texture.

So, which one is better and how to choose mainly depends on your needs and preferences. Of course, you could buy both, as they are relatively inexpensive and won’t break the bank. But if you want to have just one, personally, I would recommend the more versatile Hawthorne strainer.