OXO Fine Mesh Cocktail Strainer, Stainless Steel

It's a good size, meaning usable but doesn't take up a lot of room, and is of good materials, meaning that it hasn't rusted. I use it occasionally for cocktails, along with a Nalgene as a shaker (the best shaker IMO: no leaks, stuck parts, or risk of breaking a glass). And I also use the strainer for stock. I'll admit that it isn't ideal for that, but I only really make stock once per month, during the cold months. The process goes: 1) Make stock to your specification 2) ladle into a pitcher 3) allow to cool before placing pitcher in refrigerator 4) when fat solidifies to the top and sediment falls to the bottom, pour stock from pitcher through strainer and into another container for use 5) do not pour sediment through the strainer, it will give you cloudy stock.

I have several size strainers for different purposes. This cocktail strainer has the finest mesh I've ever seen. It also has the most usual shape -- bonelike. I look forward to 'fleshing out' our set of bar tools as we venture into the world of craft spirits and cocktails. In my opinion this strainer is definitely top quality as are all of our other OXO bar tools. The next challenges for the bartender are figuring out how to hold high carb granulated white sugar at bay in all the simple syrups; exploring more herbs and whole foods to muddle around with; and staying as far away as I can from stainless steel straws. Cheers... here's to new challenges.

Well built and cleans up easy

Great steel mesh strainer. I use this to strain my coffee every morning; I use a french press and found there was too much residue left in the bottom of my coffee cup so I wanted to use a coffee filter to strain it. I place the coffee filter in this strainer and it does the job very well (yes, I realize it's the filter doing most of the straining, not the steel mesh).Also use this for my tea. I prefer to brew loose leaf tea so once it's been brewed in the pot, I will strain it as I pour into my cup. This strainer does a great job of getting all the small-large bits out of my cup.The only con for me is that it is not the easiest to clean. My dad used it for his coffee one morning but left the dirty filter sitting in it. When I went to use it later on, I noticed it had left a little brown coffee stain on the steel mesh. It took me longer than I expected to get the stain off, but I was able to.I'd repurchase this, so therefore, I'd recommend it. Actually, I've already recommended that my mom buy one too.

Feels good quality and works well so far

I am an experienced barista whos passionate with beverage making, and i am dedicating my time to learning and perfecting my skills in bartending. I was looking for a fine mesh strainer and i was looking for one that was going to last me for years to come. I have used this strainer countless times for the past 2 weeks and i have to say that i am glad i purchased this. It easily removes pulp, tea leaves, coffee grounds and obviously seeds. If i could by this product again, i would but i dont think i will need to because strainer is well built to perfection.

Admittedly, I'm a huge OXO fan, but this handy strainer exceeds even their standards. While I purchased this to strain citrus juices, the practicality is far greater than most kitchen or bar applications.The balance is perfect between handle and strainer. The perimeter of the conical mesh bowl is edged with heavy chrome plated steel, protecting not only from dings, but guarding against warping of the mesh screen. The cone shape permits larger straining volume and focuses contents toward the center, instead of allowing them to leak to the side, and onto the counter.Interested in a perfect cup of British or herb tea? The OXO Fine Mesh cocktail Strainer provides a much better solution than the common "dainty" tea strainers that don't quite fit most mugs. The OXO strainer may even permit brewing tea directly into the cup, if you are so inclined, or infusing grated Ginger and lemon into tea, for my Mom's old cold remedy, "Ginger Tea"Wish to double-filter a bar drink, beyond use of a "Hawthorne strainer" or shaker, well the OXO Mesh Cocktail Strainer is your perfect ally for the ideal strained concoction.You will not go wrong by buying this OXO Cocktail Strainer. The quality and multiple uses will reward you for years to come!

Works very well for fine straining. Being small, balance can be a bit of a challenge on larger jar or cup if too much fluid is poured through. But I am generally happy with it.