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Hawthorne strainer

A coiled-spring strainer that fits over a shaker to hold back ice while pouring.

What it's for: Holding back ice while pouring a shaken drink.

Don't have one?

A slotted kitchen spoon held across the shaker opening, or the shaker's built-in strainer cap if it has one.

Small difference — a slotted spoon holds back ice almost as well, just a little slower to pour.

Buying guidance

Look for a snug-fitting coil and a strainer body that matches the diameter of your shaker tin.

Cocktails that use this

Tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime, shaken hard over a salted rim — the reference point for every sour built on agave.

White rum, lime and sugar, shaken cold and strained up — three ingredients with nowhere to hide.

Gin and dry vermouth, stirred to a razor-cold clarity — the most argued-over cocktail in the book.

Vodka, coffee liqueur and fresh espresso, shaken hard for a cold, foam-capped jolt.

Vodka and passion fruit shaken bright and fruity, served with a chilled shot of sparkling wine on the side.

Rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, stirred with bitters — the spirit-forward counterpart to the Martini.

Bourbon, lemon and sugar, shaken with egg white for a silky foam — the original template for every 'sour'.

Tom Collins

Gin, lemon and sugar, shaken and lengthened with soda — a tall, easy-drinking summer standby.