Julep strainer

A julep strainer is a shallow, bowl-like piece of metal punched with small holes and fitted with a short handle, shaped to sit inside the rim of a mixing glass rather than clamp over a shaker tin. It is the traditional tool for straining stirred drinks like a Martini, Manhattan or Negroni.

Because it nests inside the glass instead of clipping onto the outside, it feels more secure when pouring from a mixing glass, which has a wider, less predictable rim than a shaker tin. Many bartenders prefer its look and the smoother pour it gives for stirred, spirit-forward drinks that do not need double straining.

When choosing one, check that the bowl shape matches the diameter of your mixing glass reasonably well, since a strainer that is too small will let liquid escape around the edges. A sturdy handle that will not bend under the weight of a full pour is worth paying attention to. Beginners sometimes try to use a julep strainer on a shaker tin, where its shape does not seal nearly as well as a Hawthorne.