The OXO Hawthorne Cocktail Strainer has earned its place as a bar cart staple. Its tightly coiled spring and balanced weight make it a reliable workhorse for catching everything from ice shards to muddled mint leaves. While this tried-and-true tool holds its own, we've discovered some intriguing companions that could round out your mixing station. Here's our collection of under-the-radar finds that complement the precision of your trusty strainer.
Rattan Chair: The Unexpected Bar Companion That Makes Sense
Sure, a rattan chair might seem like an odd suggestion for your cocktail setup. But we're intrigued by how HKliving's 80's-inspired seating piece transforms a utilitarian mixing space into an inviting spot for crafting drinks. The natural materials offer an organic counterpoint to the metallic elements of typical bar tools.
The Dutch design philosophy behind this piece mirrors the engineering principles of the OXO strainer - both merge form with function in surprising ways. The chair's woven patterns create visual interest while its sturdy frame provides the stability needed for a proper mixing station. It's a reminder that sometimes the best bar accessories aren't found in the barware aisle.
Why we like HKliving
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Thoughtful Design
Dutch-inspired fusion of form and function
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Versatile Usage
Creates an inviting mixing station beyond traditional bar setups
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Natural Elements
Provides organic contrast to metallic bar tools
Mini Mat: The Sleek Solution to Sticky Situations
Mixing drinks can get messy, which is why we're drawn to Gathre's Mini mat. This vegan leather surface acts as mission control for your cocktail operations, giving you a designated space for all that careful measuring and garnish prep. The wipeable material maintains its sophisticated look even after catching countless drops and spills.
These mats reflect the same practical mindset that makes the Hawthorne strainer so indispensable. The bonded construction creates a liquid-resistant barrier that doesn't sacrifice style. Their portability means any flat surface can become an impromptu mixing station - whether you're crafting drinks in the kitchen or taking your skills outdoors.
Why we like Gathre
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Easy Maintenance
Wipeable vegan leather surface perfect for spills
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Portable Design
Transforms any surface into a mixing station
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Sophisticated Aesthetics
Maintains its elegant look despite heavy use
Skinny Lovers: The Scientific Approach to Perfect Pours
SAYSO's botanical sachets represent a fascinating evolution in cocktail craft. These pre-measured packets contain precise blends of ingredients that, when combined with your chosen spirit and filtered through your strainer, promise consistency in every glass. Think of them as the cocktail equivalent of a chef's mise en place.
The Harvard Business School graduates behind SAYSO have essentially created a liquid algorithm. Each sachet contains carefully calibrated botanicals that take some of the variables out of mixing while preserving the hands-on aspects that make crafting drinks enjoyable. The clear, crisp results showcase exactly why proper straining matters.
Why we like SAYSO
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Precise Measurements
Pre-calibrated sachets ensure consistency
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Scientific Approach
Harvard-backed botanical formulations
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User-Friendly
Simplifies complex cocktail creation
Wavy Lamp: The 3D-Printed Mood Maker
The Wooj Wavy Lamp brings something different to the mixing equation - thoughtful illumination that transforms your drink-making space. The warm glow from this innovative piece helps you monitor clarity as you strain, while creating an atmosphere that elevates the whole experience.
There's an interesting parallel between this lamp's production method and the precision of your strainer. Each piece emerges from a Brooklyn workshop where robotics meet artisanal craftsmanship. The result is a sustainable lighting solution that serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, its organic curves providing a compelling contrast to the mechanical nature of traditional bar tools.
Why we like Wooj
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Innovative Production
3D-printed design meets artisanal craftsmanship
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Functional Lighting
Perfect illumination for cocktail preparation
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Sustainable Creation
Eco-conscious manufacturing process
Spirits: The Coastal Botanist's Alternative
Pentire's alcohol-free spirits introduce an element of terroir to your non-alcoholic repertoire. These bottles capture the essence of British coastal plants, creating complex drinks that deserve the same careful straining as their traditional counterparts. The clear, bright results highlight both the quality of ingredients and the importance of proper filtration.
The story behind these botanicals reads like a naturalist's field notes. Founder Alistair Frost drew inspiration from Cornwall's coastline, working with local farmers to harvest native plants at their peak. The resulting spirits demonstrate how sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks can be when given the same attention to detail as conventional cocktails.
Why we like Pentire
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Unique Botanicals
Authentic coastal plant ingredients
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Local Sourcing
Partnership with Cornwall farmers
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Complex Flavors
Sophisticated non-alcoholic alternative
: The Modern Mediterranean's Answer to Aperitivo
Ghia's non-alcoholic apéritif brings a contemporary twist to the Mediterranean drinking tradition. The complex combination of yuzu, rosemary, and gentian creates layers of flavor that become more distinct with proper straining. It's like capturing the essence of a European sunset in a bottle.
Melanie Masarin's creation stems from memories of leisurely afternoons along the Mediterranean coast. The drink demands the same precise preparation as any classic aperitivo, with each ingredient playing its part in a carefully orchestrated symphony of flavors. When properly strained, these botanical notes shine through with remarkable clarity.
Why we like Ghia
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Mediterranean Heritage
Authentic aperitivo experience
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Complex Layering
Sophisticated botanical flavor profile
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Thoughtful Creation
Inspired by genuine cultural traditions
Looking Forward
These discoveries represent just a slice of what's emerging in the world of thoughtful drink preparation. Each brings its own perspective to the art of cocktail crafting, while respecting the precision that makes tools like the OXO strainer so essential. Whether you're interested in sustainable design, innovative ingredients, or creating the perfect mixing environment, these additions could help shape the future of your drink-making practice.