I'm not usually a fan of tools that do double duty, most things that have more than one function do all those functions poorly. I am however a huge fan of finding new uses for tools I already have: case in point, the cocktail strainer.
Somehow I am the own of three (three!) Hawthorne-style cocktail strainers which don't see a ton of use. I had a "a-ha!" this weekend while trying to drain a can of black beans without getting out my large colander - a cocktail strainer fit perfectly over a 16 ounce can and keeps all the beans in!
You could also use this trick to pour some pickle juice out of the jar, without dumping all the pickles. Bonus - most cocktail strainers are dishwasher safe!
For more on Hawthorne vs Julep Strainers:
Cocktail 101: How to Use a Cocktail Strainer | Serious Eats
