Julep strainer
ToolA julep strainer is a perforated strainer that sits in the mouth of a mixing glass and holds back the ice.
What julep strainer means
Stirred drinks go into a mixing glass, and the ice has to stay behind when you pour. The julep strainer does that job. Its perforated bowl rests against the ice in the mouth of the glass, so only the liquid passes through. You meet it in any recipe that says to stir and strain.
It is easy to assume the julep strainer is for straining a julep. It was never used that way. It sat in the julep glass to hold crushed ice back while the drinker sipped, before straws took over.
The three strainers to know are the Hawthorne, the julep and a fine-mesh strainer for double straining. The julep belongs with the mixing glass, while the Hawthorne and the fine mesh go with the shaker tin.
How to use a julep strainer
Stirred drinks in a mixing glass are where this strainer fits, not shaken drinks in a tin.
- 1.Stir the drink in the mixing glass until it is well chilled.
- 2.Set the strainer inside the mouth of the glass so it rests against the ice.
- 3.Hold the handle down with your index finger to keep the strainer snug.
- 4.Pour in one steady motion, so the ice stays behind in the glass.
No julep strainer? Without one, hold a spoon against the ice in the mouth of the glass and pour slowly.
Julep strainer compared
- Hawthorne strainerA Hawthorne spring fits the inside of a shaker tin. A julep has a perforated bowl that rests in a mixing glass.
- Double strainDouble straining adds a fine-mesh strainer to shaken drinks. A julep is usually used on its own.
Related terms
Put it to use in your next drink
Garçon explains every step as you make the drink.