CALABRESE® Hawthorne Strainer [UrbanBAR] – Precision and Control in Cocktail Straining

A well-made cocktail depends on more than quality ingredients and mixing technique. Proper straining also influences the appearance, texture and overall drinking experience.

The CALABRESE® Hawthorne Strainer [UrbanBAR] is a professional cocktail strainer developed in collaboration with Salvatore “The Maestro” Calabrese, an internationally renowned bartender.

Crafted from Japanese 18/8 stainless steel, with a 0.9mm material thickness and polished finish, this strainer combines a distinctive design with functional details intended for professional bar service.

Its no-prong construction, metal spring and integrated handle notch help position the strainer on the shaker and provide greater control during pouring.

Developed with Salvatore “The Maestro” Calabrese

The CALABRESE® name represents more than a product label. Urban Bar developed this range of professional bartending tools in collaboration with Salvatore Calabrese, a respected figure in international mixology.

The collection reflects three important priorities in professional bartending: precision, control and efficiency.

In this Hawthorne Strainer, that collaboration is reflected in the specially shaped body and practical construction details designed for repeated use behind the bar.

What Makes CALABRESE® Different from a Conventional Hawthorne Strainer?

At first glance, Hawthorne strainers perform the same basic task: retaining ice and solid ingredients inside a shaker while allowing the cocktail to be poured into a serving glass.

The differences become apparent in the materials, positioning features and level of handling control.

• No-prong design: eliminates the side tabs found on many conventional Hawthorne strainers.
• Integrated handle notch: designed to help support the strainer against the shaker rim.
• Metal spring: helps retain ice and larger solid ingredients during pouring.
• Japanese 18/8 stainless steel: corrosion-resistant material suitable for frequent use.
• 0.9mm material thickness: contributes to the solid construction of the body.
• Polished finish: provides a refined appearance for professional bar stations.

No-Prong Design and Integrated Shaker Support

Many traditional Hawthorne strainers feature two or more side tabs that help support the strainer on a mixing vessel.

The CALABRESE® model takes a different approach with a body that does not use these extensions, commonly described as a no-prong design.

An important feature is the integrated notch in the handle, designed to help the strainer rest against the shaker rim during pouring.

This detail can be particularly useful in a busy cocktail bar, where bartenders repeat the same straining movement throughout service.

The actual fit and stability depend on the shape and dimensions of the shaker being used.

How Does the Spring on a Hawthorne Strainer Work?

The metal spring is the main filtering component of a Hawthorne Strainer.

When positioned on a shaker, the spring forms a barrier that allows liquid to pass while helping to retain ice and larger solid ingredients.

It can help hold back:

• Ice cubes and larger ice fragments.
• Fruit pieces remaining after shaking.
• Herbs and aromatic leaves used during cocktail preparation.
• Other solid ingredients that should remain inside the shaker.

Very small particles, including fine pulp, seeds and tiny ice fragments, may pass through the primary strainer. In these situations, an additional Fine Strainer can be used.

CALABRESE® and Fine Strainer – The Double Straining Technique

Double Straining involves filtering a cocktail through two strainers at the same time.

The first stage uses a Hawthorne Strainer positioned on the shaker. It retains ice and larger solid ingredients.

The second stage uses a Fine Strainer, a fine-mesh strainer held above the serving glass.

This additional filtering stage helps reduce the amount of pulp, seeds, herb fragments and small ice particles entering the finished drink.

Double Straining is particularly useful for cocktails prepared with fresh fruit, citrus or aromatic herbs.

Important: a Fine Strainer is not included with this Hawthorne Strainer and must be purchased separately.

When Is a Hawthorne Strainer Enough, and When Should You Double Strain?

Not every cocktail requires Double Straining.

If the main objective is to retain ice cubes and larger solid ingredients, a Hawthorne Strainer is often sufficient.

When a smoother texture is desired, with fewer small particles or pieces of pulp, adding a Fine Strainer can improve the result.

The appropriate technique depends on the recipe, the ingredients and the desired final texture.

Which Cocktails Can You Prepare with the CALABRESE® Strainer?

The CALABRESE® Hawthorne Strainer is suitable for many shaken cocktails that need to be strained before serving.

• Daiquiri: separates the cocktail from the ice used during shaking.
• Margarita: strains the drink directly from the shaker.
• Whiskey Sour: suitable for single or double straining, depending on the recipe.
• Cosmopolitan: helps transfer the cocktail into the serving glass.
• Gimlet: separates the liquid from the ice.
• Sidecar: filters the drink after shaking.
• Espresso Martini: strains the cocktail according to the chosen preparation method.
• Signature Cocktails: suitable for custom recipes, including those requiring Double Straining.

Hawthorne Strainer vs Fine Strainer – What Is the Difference?

Although both are cocktail strainers, they serve different purposes.

• Hawthorne Strainer: sits on the shaker and primarily retains ice and larger solid ingredients.
• Fine Strainer: uses a fine mesh to catch smaller particles.
• Hawthorne + Fine Strainer: creates a Double Straining setup.

In a well-equipped professional bar, these tools complement each other rather than always serving as interchangeable alternatives.

Hawthorne Strainer vs Julep Strainer

A Julep Strainer is a perforated metal strainer with a spoon-like shape and no spring.

It is commonly associated with cocktails prepared by stirring in a Mixing Glass.

A Hawthorne Strainer is particularly associated with drinks strained from a shaker, using its spring to help retain ice and solid ingredients.

The most suitable strainer depends on the mixing vessel, preparation technique and bartender's preference.

Japanese 18/8 Stainless Steel – Professional Construction

The CALABRESE® Strainer is made from Japanese 18/8 stainless steel, valued for its corrosion resistance and suitability for professional bar equipment.

The 0.9mm material thickness contributes to the rigidity and solid feel of the body.

Its polished finish gives the strainer an elegant appearance suited to cocktail bars and premium workstations.

To help preserve the finish, avoid abrasive cleaning materials.

Professional Hospitality and Home Bar Applications

The CALABRESE® model is designed for bartenders seeking a distinctive Hawthorne Strainer with functional details suited to professional service.

It can be used in:

• cocktail bars and specialist bars;
• restaurants and bistros;
• hotels and hospitality venues;
• cocktail catering and events;
• bartending schools and training courses;
• premium Home Bar setups.

The strainer belongs to the CALABRESE® [UrbanBAR] collection and can be paired with other tools from the same range, including the CALABRESE Shaker.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The standard stainless steel UB122 version is specified by Urban Bar as dishwasher safe.

For proper maintenance:

• Rinse the strainer after use, particularly after contact with fruit, syrups or aromatic herbs.
• Check between the spring coils, where small ingredient residues may remain.
• When washing by hand, use warm water, mild detergent and a soft sponge.
• Avoid abrasive materials that may scratch the polished finish.
• Dry the tool before storage.

Note: the care instructions for the standard stainless steel version should not be confused with those for models featuring decorative finishes.

Technical Specifications – CALABRESE® Hawthorne Strainer UB122

• Product type: Hawthorne Strainer / Cocktail Strainer.
• Brand: UrbanBAR.
• Collection: CALABRESE®.
• Developed with: Salvatore “The Maestro” Calabrese.
• Manufacturer reference: UB122.
• EAN: 5060421140674.
• Material: Japanese 18/8 stainless steel.
• Material thickness: 0.9mm.
• Finish: Polished stainless steel.
• Design: No-prong construction.
• Filtering system: Metal spring.
• Functional detail: Integrated handle notch for support against the shaker rim.
• Length: 20.5cm.
• Width: 11.5cm, according to the Urban Bar 2026 catalogue.
• Main application: Straining cocktails from a shaker.
• Double Straining: Possible when paired with a Fine Strainer.
• Cleaning: Dishwasher safe.
• Presentation: Gift box.
• Sales unit: 1 piece.

Frequently Asked Questions – CALABRESE® Hawthorne Strainer

1. Who is Salvatore “The Maestro” Calabrese?

He is an internationally recognised bartender who collaborated with Urban Bar to develop the CALABRESE® collection.

2. What does no-prong design mean?

It means the strainer does not have the side tabs found on many conventional Hawthorne strainers.

3. What is the purpose of the notch in the handle?

It is designed to help support the strainer against the shaker rim and assist with positioning during pouring.

4. Does it fit every cocktail shaker?

It can be used with different shakers, but fit and stability depend on the shape and dimensions of the vessel.

5. Does it remove fine pulp and seeds?

It primarily retains ice and larger solid ingredients. For finer particles, an additional Fine Strainer is recommended.

6. What is Double Straining?

It is the technique of filtering a cocktail through two strainers: a Hawthorne Strainer and a Fine Strainer.

7. Is Double Straining necessary for every cocktail?

No. It is especially useful when ingredients leave pulp, seeds or other fine particles.

8. What is the difference between a Hawthorne and a Julep Strainer?

A Hawthorne Strainer uses a spring and is commonly used with shakers. A Julep Strainer has a perforated body without a spring and is frequently used with mixing glasses.

9. What material is the CALABRESE® Strainer made from?

Japanese 18/8 stainless steel with a material thickness of 0.9mm.

10. Is the CALABRESE® Strainer dishwasher safe?

Yes. Urban Bar specifies the standard stainless steel UB122 version as dishwasher safe.

11. Can it be used with the CALABRESE Shaker?

Yes. It belongs to the same Urban Bar collection of professional bartending tools.

12. Is it suitable for a Home Bar?

Yes. It is suitable for enthusiasts who want professional-quality tools and wish to practise cocktail straining techniques.

13. Is a Fine Strainer included?

No. A separate Fine Strainer is required for Double Straining.

14. What is the manufacturer reference?

The manufacturer reference is UB122, and the EAN is 5060421140674.

15. Is the price for one strainer?

Yes. The displayed price is for one CALABRESE® Hawthorne Strainer.

CALABRESE® [UrbanBAR] – More Than a Conventional Hawthorne Strainer

A professional Hawthorne Strainer should do more than retain ice. It should help the bartender position the tool correctly on the shaker and maintain control while pouring.

The CALABRESE® Hawthorne Strainer [UrbanBAR] stands out through its collaboration with Salvatore Calabrese, no-prong design, integrated handle notch and Japanese 18/8 stainless steel construction.

It is a practical choice for professionals who appreciate thoughtfully designed bar tools and for cocktail enthusiasts looking to upgrade a premium Home Bar.

Order the CALABRESE® Hawthorne Strainer [UrbanBAR] online and complete your cocktail station with a professional straining tool designed for precision and control.