Which of the following describes a Hawthorne strainer?

The Hawthorne strainer is specifically designed as a device used to strain cocktails, which is why the chosen answer is correct. This tool is particularly notable for its construction, featuring a metal sieve and a spring that fits into the top of a shaker or mixing glass. It allows bartenders to pour liquid while keeping ice and other solids from entering the glass, thus ensuring a smooth cocktail.

This straining method is essential for achieving a clear, polished drink, which is especially important in cocktail preparation where presentation and texture are crucial. Utilizing a Hawthorne strainer is a standard practice in bartending to ensure that the final product is not only flavorful but also visually appealing, free of ice shards or muddled ingredients.

Other options, like a tool used for muddling or a type of cocktail shaker, do not pertain to the definition or function of a Hawthorne strainer. Options that suggest the use of larger ice cubes or suggest a different kind of straining mechanism also miss the fundamental qualities that define the Hawthorne strainer’s role in cocktail making.