The Hawthorne Strainer SCORPION [MEZCLAR] is a cocktail strainer based on the classic Hawthorne construction but with something rarely found on this type of bar tool: strong visual personality. Its perforated metal body features distinctive Scorpion & Skull motifs, turning a functional bartender tool into an eye-catching piece for the bar station.
The flexible metal coil spring performs the essential function of a Hawthorne Strainer, helping retain ice and solid ingredients inside the shaker during pouring. At approximately 20.5 cm long, around 10 cm in diameter and weighing approximately 100 g, the SCORPION has practical proportions and sits comfortably in the hand.
Why SCORPION?
Not every bar tool needs to be minimalist. SCORPION deliberately goes in a different direction: its body incorporates scorpion and skull motifs, giving the classic Hawthorne shape a bolder and less conventional character.
It does not try to be the most discreet tool on the bar station. Quite the opposite. This is the kind of strainer you choose precisely because you want something different from a plain stainless-steel model.
A Hawthorne with a little more attitude
On a bar station where most tools follow the same clean and minimalist professional aesthetic, SCORPION immediately stands out.
The decorative design does not change the basic principle of operation. The coil spring still does the important work: positioned against the shaker, it helps separate the cocktail from ice and larger solid ingredients before serving.
The result is a tool that retains the familiar functionality of a Hawthorne Strainer while giving the bartender a visually distinctive alternative to conventional designs.
How does the Hawthorne coil spring work?
The flexible metal coil spring is the defining functional feature of a Hawthorne Strainer. When the strainer is positioned over the shaker, the spring follows the edge of the vessel and forms the primary straining area.
Depending on the cocktail and ingredients used, it helps retain:
- ice cubes;
- larger ice fragments;
- pieces of fruit;
- herbs and aromatic leaves;
- other solid ingredients remaining after shaking.
This allows the cocktail to flow into the serving glass while most larger solid ingredients remain inside the shaker.
Practical proportions for bartending
SCORPION measures approximately 20.5 cm in length, with a diameter of around 10 cm and a weight of approximately 100 g.
The elongated shape provides a comfortable gripping area, while its proportions make it easy to handle naturally during pouring. It integrates into familiar bartending movements without unnecessarily complicating the straining process.
SCORPION for a Scorpion?
The model name does not determine which cocktails the strainer should be used for, but the coincidence is too good not to mention: Scorpion is also the name of a classic tropical cocktail.
Several interpretations of the Scorpion exist, generally built around rum, citrus and tropical flavours. Some versions are shaken and strained before serving.
So no, we have no information suggesting that the SCORPION Strainer was specifically designed for the Scorpion cocktail. But if the two ever meet on the same bar station, the names certainly work well together.
Which cocktails can you strain?
The Hawthorne Strainer SCORPION 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 depends on the ingredients and the texture the bartender wants to achieve in the finished drink.
Hawthorne Strainer or Fine Strainer?
These two tools perform different functions and should not be considered interchangeable.
- Hawthorne Strainer: provides the primary filtration and helps retain ice and larger solid ingredients;
- Fine Strainer: uses a fine mesh to catch pulp, seeds and smaller particles;
- Hawthorne + Fine Strainer: allows Double Straining.
For a cocktail without many fine particles, the Hawthorne Strainer may be sufficient on its own. If fresh fruit, citrus, herbs or other ingredients that leave small particles have been used, a Fine Strainer can provide an additional level of filtration.
When should you Double Strain?
Double Straining means passing the cocktail through two levels of filtration during the same pour.
The SCORPION is positioned on the shaker to retain ice and larger ingredients. The cocktail then passes through a Fine Strainer held above the serving glass, which catches smaller particles.
This technique is particularly useful when a cleaner texture is desired and you want to prevent fine pulp, seeds or small ice fragments from reaching the finished drink.
How to use the SCORPION Hawthorne Strainer
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 position and tilt the shaker towards the serving glass. The spring helps retain ice and larger solid ingredients while allowing the cocktail to flow into the glass.
If finer filtration is required, hold a Fine Strainer above the serving glass and pour through it to perform a Double Strain.
Not just another stainless-steel bar tool
The Scorpion & Skull design makes this model particularly interesting when the personality of the bar tools matters. It can complement an alternative, industrial or rock-inspired bar aesthetic, but it can also add an unusual detail to a Home Bar.
SCORPION is particularly suitable for:
- cocktail bars;
- professional bartenders;
- pubs and themed bars;
- events and catering;
- bartending schools and training;
- barware collections;
- Home Bars.
Care and cleaning
After use, we recommend rinsing the strainer promptly to remove cocktail residue before it dries, paying particular attention to the coil spring.
Wash by hand using water and liquid detergent. Avoid abrasive sponges, metal brushes and other cleaning materials that could scratch the surface.
After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Small pieces of fruit or herbs can become trapped between the coils, so this area should always be checked and cleaned carefully.
Key features
- Brand: MEZCLAR
- Brand origin: United Kingdom
- Model: SCORPION
- Type: Hawthorne Strainer
- Category: Cocktail Strainer
- Construction: metal
- Design: Scorpion & Skull
- Straining system: flexible metal coil spring
- Length: approx. 20.5 cm
- Diameter: approx. 10 cm
- Weight: approx. 100 g
- Primary use: straining cocktails from a shaker
- With Fine Strainer: Double Straining
- Recommended care: hand wash
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called SCORPION?
The name is reflected in the decorative design of the body, which incorporates scorpion and skull motifs and visually distinguishes it from a conventional Hawthorne Strainer.
Does SCORPION work differently from a standard Hawthorne Strainer?
The basic principle is the same. Its coil spring helps retain ice and larger solid ingredients inside the shaker. The main difference is the distinctive SCORPION design.
Was it made specifically for the Scorpion cocktail?
We have no information indicating this. Scorpion is also the name of a classic cocktail, but the connection between the two should be considered an interesting coincidence rather than a specific product purpose.
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 means using a Hawthorne Strainer and a Fine Strainer during the same pour to provide two successive levels of filtration.
How should the coil spring be cleaned?
Rinse it thoroughly immediately after use and check between the coils, where small pieces of fruit or herbs may remain. Hand washing with liquid detergent is recommended.