Sip always happens; when it does, you must do it in style.
There's something so satisfying about having the right glasses to serve cocktails. Whether it's a Mai Tai out of a tiki glass or a classic martini in...well... a martini glass, having the right glassware in our collection makes us feel like an adult.
After years of partying it up with the classic red plastic cups and sipping on cheap booze and whatever chasers we have in the fridge, upgrading to fine glassware makes us feel like we're upgrading in life. The clink of crystal, the graceful curve of a stem, and the delicate touch of etched patterns all contribute to a feeling of celebration and refinement.
So, having said all of this, how many of us know all the different cocktail glasses? And even if we do, who knows what to serve in which glass? Fret not darling readers, we’re breaking it all down for you.
The Collins:
Although it’s used to serve numerous cocktails, the Collins glass got its name as it's mainly used for Tom Collins or John Collins drinks. And while size always matters, in the case of the Collins, bigger isn’t necessarily better.
That’s right! We said what we said. The Collins glass is arguably the tallest of the cocktail glasses. Therefore, if you have a Collins that is anywhere between 14oz to 16oz, you’re going to be absolutely smashed after two drinks. So, ideally, a 12oz to 13oz Collins glass is perfect for any bar collection.
The Highball:
Long story short, the highball is a shorter version of the Collins. But we’re also going to give you the short story long.
The Highball and Collins glasses have always been used interchangeably, however, those who know their glassware understand one very crucial technical difference between the two. Highballs are a few centimetres smaller and used to serve high cocktails - spirits that are topped off with a simple non-alcoholic mixer such as a rum and coke, or gin and tonic.
The Lowball:
The second shortest of the classic cylindrical cocktail glasses, the lowball is often used to serve whiskey-based cocktails.
Also known as the old-fashioned glass, the lowball glass is great for serving up cocktails that require muddling non-liquid ingredients like mint, orange peels, etc. with the actual liquid part of the cocktail. Therefore, if you’re someone who likes infusing flavours into spirits, lowballs are a must-have in your glassware collection.
The Rocks:
Whether you like your whiskey sweet, on the rocks, or with a twist, there’s only one glass it should be poured into - the rocks glass.
Short, wide, and cylindrical, the rocks glass is typically used to serve sprits over ice, making it that one handy-dandy glass in your glassware collection. What truly sets the rocks glass apart is that cocktails are crafted directly within it. This not only offers convenience but also allows for the perfect layering of flavours with ice and liquor.
The Coupe:
The queen is officially entering the chat.
The coupe (pronounced like a chicken coupe) has officially dethroned the classic and oh-so-stylish V-shaped martini glass as everyone’s go-to boujee glass.
Its small yet deep bowl makes it ideal for serving smaller portions of alcohol while still giving the appearance of a full glass. Furthermore, despite its wide mouth, unlike a martini glass, it doesn’t let cocktails slosh around, allowing people to move around parties with ease.
The Martini:
A classic for a very good reason.
The martini glass has quite a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Originally designed in the 1920s during Prohibition, its iconic V-shaped bowl and long stem were not only meant to enhance the drinking experience but also adhere to the clandestine nature of speakeasies. The shape was perfect for quickly disposing of illicit alcohol if a raid occurred, while the broad rim allowed the drink's aromas to be fully appreciated.
Over the decades, the martini glass became a symbol of luxury and style, famously associated with classic Hollywood glamour and the suave sophistication of characters like James Bond.
The Margarita:
Everyone knows that when Margaritas are involved, it's going to be a partayyy!
The Margarita glass, with its iconic wide, flared rim and elegant stem, was designed to showcase the tangy zest of a Margarita. Its distinctive shape highlights the vibrant colours and garnishes of the cocktail in all its glory.
The most crucial component of a Margarita glass is the experience- cocktails that are meant to be sipped slowly and savoured. The generous bowl ensures that the perfect mix of ice, tequila, and lime is enjoyed together, enhancing every delightful sip.