Cocktail Glasses 101: An Easy Guide To Cocktail Glassware
Using the right glass with your cocktail can make a world of difference and elevate your drink to a whole new level. Each type of cocktail glass is designed to bring the best out of specific cocktails, whether it’s enhancing its flavor and aroma or its look and feel. Below, you’ll find a list of the different cocktail glasses and what they are typically used for.
Pint Glass
The pint glass is a versatile and common glassware in bars. It typically holds 16 ounces and is used for serving beer, but it can also be used for cocktails that require a larger volume, like a Michelada or a Long Island Iced Tea.
Rocks Glass
A rocks glass, also known as an Old Fashioned glass, is short and sturdy with a wide brim. It’s commonly used for ‘on the rocks’ drinks (served over ice), such as the Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or a simple Scotch on the rocks.
Coupe Glass
The coupe glass, with its broad, shallow bowl, is a vintage style that has regained popularity. It’s ideal for serving champagne and champagne cocktails, as well as other cocktails like the Daiquiri or a classic Sidecar.
Martini Glass
Iconic in shape with its long stem and cone-shaped bowl, the martini glass is synonymous with the Martini cocktail. It’s also used for serving other straight-up (without ice) cocktails like the Cosmopolitan or Manhattan.
Margarita Glass
This glass has a wide, open rim often coated with salt for Margaritas. It’s perfect for frozen or shaken Margaritas and other blended or iced cocktails, providing ample space for garnishes and salted or sugared rims.
Shot Glass
A small glass designed for consuming spirits quickly, the shot glass is ideal for straight shots of liquor and shooter cocktails, where the drink is consumed in one gulp, like the Kamikaze or B-52.
Collins Glass
Tall and slender, the Collins glass is used for long drinks that are often carbonated and served with ice. Classic cocktails served in this glass include the Tom Collins, Mojitos, and Long Island Iced Tea.
Highball Glass
Similar to the Collins glass but shorter, the highball glass is used for ‘tall’ cocktails that are a mix of a spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, like the Gin and Tonic or Rum and Coke.
Hurricane Glass
Characterized by its curved shape and tall design, the hurricane glass is used for tropical and exotic cocktails, the most famous being the Hurricane. It’s also great for frozen and blended drinks.
Wine Glass
While primarily for wine, wine glasses are also used for certain wine-based cocktails, like Sangria or a Spritzer. The shape of the glass can enhance the aroma and flavor of the drink.
Flute Glass
The flute glass, with its tall and narrow shape, is primarily used for Champagne and sparkling wine. Cocktails like Mimosas, Bellinis, and other sparkling wine-based drinks are also served in this glass.
Nick And Nora Glass
A vintage glass reminiscent of the martini glass but smaller and with a more rounded bowl, it’s used for classic cocktails like the Martini or Manhattan, emphasizing elegance and a lesser volume.
Snifter Glass
A snifter glass, with a wide bottom and a narrow top, is designed to enhance the aroma of the drink. It’s traditionally used for brandy and cognac but is also suitable for aromatic cocktails.
Moscow Mule Mug
Typically made of copper, the Moscow Mule Mug is specifically used for the Moscow Mule cocktail. Its material and design are believed to enhance the drink’s flavors and temperature.
Julep Cup
Traditionally made of silver or pewter, the Julep Cup is used for serving a Mint Julep. Its design helps maintain the temperature of the drink, which is essential for this ice-filled cocktail.
Balloon Glass
Also known as a Gin Glass, the balloon glass features a large, round bowl. It’s ideal for gin-based cocktails, especially those garnished with herbs or spices, as it allows the aromas to be savored fully.
