The humble Julep Strainer has a long history. First used to simply separate ice from liquid in the early 1800's, it was also used atop the drink, to keep a mustache separated from the contents therein, and at one time was among the most popular wedding gifts given in the US. These days, it's the more complex Hawthorne Strainer that often gets the most use behind the bar, but the simple Julep has its advocates. It's easier to clean than the Hawthorne, so it's nice for pulpy drinks, and there's something about its one-piece, utilitarian design, an unfussy je ne sais quoi that suggests a casual elegance.