The Hawthorne Strainer SKULL [MEZCLAR] is a cocktail strainer that uses its actual metal construction to create the identity of the model. The contours and cut-outs of the body form a stylised skull, meaning the SKULL motif is not simply printed or applied to a conventional strainer – it becomes part of its shape.

Beneath the unconventional design is a functional bartender tool made from 304 stainless steel, with a flexible, removable metal coil spring and a shape designed for straining cocktails directly from a shaker. The model measures approximately 19 cm in length, 9 cm in width and weighs around 80 g.

SKULL means skull – and here the name really describes the product

SKULL is the model name and directly refers to the skull design of the strainer. The name is not simply a creative label: the metal body is constructed around a clearly recognisable stylised skull motif.

The outer contours and open sections work together to form the skull silhouette. Instead of a conventional perforated plate, this Hawthorne turns the skull-shaped body into its main visual feature.

The skull is not printed – it is built into the strainer

This is one of the most interesting details of the SKULL model. The skull is neither printed onto the metal nor added as a separate decorative ornament.

The motif is created through the shape, contours and cut-outs of the stainless-steel body itself. As a result, the appearance changes slightly depending on what is behind the strainer.

Held separately in the hand, the open sections emphasise the silhouette of the skull. Positioned over a metal shaker, the surface of the shaker becomes visible through the cut-outs and visually completes the design.

It is a simple idea, but one that transforms an otherwise familiar bartender tool into something much easier to recognise.

A skull design with an industrial character

The stainless-steel SKULL has a different personality from Hawthorne strainers with decorative coloured finishes. Here, the metal remains visible and becomes an important part of the appearance.

The combination of the stylised skull, stainless-steel surface, open cut-outs and exposed coil spring creates a more technical, raw and industrial character.

It can fit naturally into an urban cocktail bar, a pub, an industrial-style venue or simply the workstation of a bartender who prefers less conventional tools.

The skull is distinctive enough to attract attention, while the natural stainless-steel appearance keeps it firmly within the character of a professional working tool.

304 stainless steel

The body is made from 304 stainless steel, a material commonly used for bar tools due to its durability and practical characteristics in everyday use.

On this SKULL version, the natural metallic appearance is retained and combines easily with stainless-steel shakers, jiggers, bar spoons and other tools already present on the workstation.

For bartenders who want a Hawthorne with personality without introducing an additional coloured finish into their bar-tool set, the combination of stainless steel and skull design offers an interesting balance.

Removable coil spring – a practical detail

The SKULL is equipped with a flexible, removable metal coil spring. This forms the primary straining area of a Hawthorne Strainer and follows the edge of the shaker during pouring.

The removable construction is also useful for cleaning. Small pieces of fruit, herbs, pulp or other cocktail ingredients can become trapped between the coils after use.

Removing the spring provides easier access to both the coil itself and the metal skull-shaped body for more thorough cleaning.

How does a Hawthorne coil spring work?

When the strainer is positioned over the shaker, the flexible coil spring creates a barrier between the cocktail and the solid ingredients remaining inside the vessel.

During pouring, it helps retain:

• ice cubes;
• larger fragments of ice;
• pieces of fruit;
• herbs and aromatic leaves;
• other solid ingredients remaining after shaking.

The cocktail can therefore flow into the serving glass in a controlled manner while larger solid ingredients remain inside the shaker.

Does the skull design affect straining?

The unusual shape of the body does not change the basic operating principle of a Hawthorne Strainer. The metal coil spring remains the principal straining element, working together with the body to help retain ice and larger ingredients.

The open sections allow the cocktail to flow through while simultaneously creating the distinctive skull motif.

In other words, SKULL should not be considered simply a decorative object. It remains a functional Hawthorne Strainer whose stylised skull shape gives it a very different visual identity.

SKULL or a classic Hawthorne?

Both are designed for the same basic task: straining cocktails from a shaker. The main difference lies in their appearance and the way they integrate into the bar station.

A classic Hawthorne is discreet and primarily functional. SKULL turns the metal body itself into a recognisable visual feature.

If you prefer completely minimalist tools, a traditional Hawthorne may be the natural choice. If you want the tools used in front of guests to have more personality, the skull-shaped SKULL design provides exactly that difference.

Stainless-steel SKULL or SKULL COPPER plated?

The two versions use the same stylised skull concept but create different impressions on the bar station.

• SKULL stainless steel: more technical, industrial and neutral in appearance, and easy to combine with other stainless-steel tools;
• SKULL COPPER plated: places greater emphasis on colour, elegance and visual impact;
• both versions: retain the skull motif and the familiar straining principle of a Hawthorne Strainer.

If the skull design is the main reason you are choosing the SKULL model, the finish of the other tools on your workstation can help determine which version fits better.

Hawthorne Strainer or Fine Strainer?

A Hawthorne Strainer and a Fine Strainer provide different levels of filtration.

• Hawthorne Strainer: primarily retains ice and larger solid ingredients;
• Fine Strainer: uses a fine mesh to catch pulp, seeds and smaller particles;
• Hawthorne + Fine Strainer: can be used together for Double Straining.

For many cocktails, a Hawthorne is sufficient on its own. When a recipe contains fresh fruit, citrus, herbs or other ingredients that leave fine particles behind, it can be combined with a Fine Strainer.

Double Straining for a cleaner texture

With the Double Strain technique, the SKULL remains positioned over the shaker and performs the primary filtration. The cocktail then passes through a Fine Strainer held above the serving glass.

The Hawthorne retains ice and larger ingredients, while the fine mesh catches smaller particles that can pass through the coil. The result can be a cocktail with a cleaner texture and fewer fine particles in the glass.

Which cocktails can it be used for?

The Hawthorne Strainer SKULL can be used for numerous classic and modern shaken cocktails, including:

• Daiquiri;
• Margarita;
• Whiskey Sour;
• Cosmopolitan;
• Gimlet;
• Sidecar;
• Clover Club;
• Espresso Martini;
• Pornstar Martini;
• Signature cocktails.

The appropriate straining method should be selected according to the ingredients and desired final texture of the cocktail, regardless of the design of the strainer.

A skull that can become part of the bar's identity

In an open cocktail bar, a bartender's tools remain visible throughout service. This is where a model such as SKULL can add something extra: the skull shape is recognisable enough to attract attention without adding a purely decorative object to the workstation.

It can be an interesting choice for:

• cocktail bars;
• pubs and themed bars;
• venues with industrial or urban interiors;
• events and open-bar stations;
• bartenders who personalise their workstation;
• barware collections;
• Home Bars.

How to use it

After shaking, position the Hawthorne Strainer over the opening of the shaker with the coil spring facing towards the inside of the vessel.

Hold the strainer securely in place and tilt the shaker towards the serving glass. The spring helps retain ice and larger solid ingredients while the cocktail is poured.

If finer filtration is required, hold an additional Fine Strainer above the serving glass to perform a Double Strain.

Cleaning and care

Rinse the strainer as soon as practical after use to prevent cocktail residue from drying between the coil and the cut-outs of the skull-shaped body.

We recommend hand washing with water and liquid detergent. Avoid abrasive sponges, metal brushes and other cleaning materials that may scratch the stainless-steel surface.

The coil spring can be removed for more thorough cleaning. Pay particular attention to the spaces between the coils and the cut-out areas of the skull, where small pieces of ingredients may remain.

After washing, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth before storage.

Handle the SKULL design with care

Although the strainer is made from stainless steel, the distinctive open skull-shaped construction should be handled correctly. The cut-out sections are part of the design and are not intended to be bent, twisted, forced or subjected to unnecessary impact.

Do not use the skull-shaped body as a lever, do not deliberately bend the open sections and avoid throwing the strainer together with heavy metal bar tools. Incorrect handling can deform or permanently damage the body even though the material itself is stainless steel.

The Fragile indication therefore refers to careful handling of the special open design rather than suggesting that the stainless-steel material is fragile like glassware.

Key features

• Brand: MEZCLAR
• Brand origin: United Kingdom
• Model: SKULL
• Meaning of the model name: skull
• Type: Hawthorne Strainer
• Category: Cocktail Strainer
• Material: 304 stainless steel
• Design: stylised skull integrated into the metal body
• Appearance: stainless steel / metallic
• Straining system: flexible metal coil spring
• Coil spring: removable / replaceable
• Length: approx. 19 cm
• Width: approx. 9 cm
• Weight: approx. 80 g
• Primary use: straining cocktails from a shaker
• With Fine Strainer: Double Straining
• Recommended care: hand wash and careful handling

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SKULL mean?
SKULL means skull and directly describes the design of the product. The metal body and its cut-outs form a recognisable stylised skull.

Is the skull printed onto the surface?
No. The skull motif is created by the actual shape, contours and cut-outs of the metal body, making it an integral part of the strainer's construction.

Does the skull design affect its function?
The basic operating principle remains that of a Hawthorne Strainer. The coil spring helps retain ice and larger solid ingredients while the cocktail is poured from the shaker.

Why should the SKULL be handled carefully?
The open sections that create the skull design are not intended to be bent, twisted or used as leverage points. Incorrect handling or strong impacts can deform the metal body.

What is the difference between stainless-steel SKULL and SKULL COPPER plated?
The stainless-steel version has a more neutral, technical and industrial appearance, while the COPPER plated version places greater emphasis on colour and decorative impact. Both use the distinctive skull design.

Can the coil spring be removed?
Yes. The removable coil provides easier access to both the spring and the metal body during thorough cleaning.

Can it replace a Fine Strainer?
Not completely. For fine pulp, seeds and very small particles, an additional Fine Strainer is recommended.

What is Double Straining?
It is the technique of passing the cocktail first through a Hawthorne Strainer and then through a Fine Strainer during the same pour for finer filtration.