Ever walked into a store like Crate & Barrel and been overwhelmed by the sheer variety of glassware? Even for seasoned drinkers, the options can be dizzying.
But don’t worry—there’s no need to stock up on dozens of different glasses. A few essential types will cover most of the cocktails you’ll want to serve.
In this guide, I’ll focus on three key types of glassware:
- Stemmed Glasses (or “Up” Glasses)
- Old Fashioned Glasses (or Rocks Glasses)
- Chimney-Style Glasses (like Highball or Collins Glasses)
These, along with a set of champagne flutes (which you probably already own), are all you need to handle nearly any cocktail—whether you’re mixing it by hand or using a cocktail machine like a Bartesian or Bev. In a future post, I’ll dive deeper and suggest a few extra pieces to round out your collection.
Martini Glasses, Coupes, and Other Essential Glassware
When you think of a cocktail glass, the iconic martini glass, now available as plastic martini glasses, likely comes to mind. Also known as a cocktail glass, it’s a staple in many bars and instantly recognizable, often associated with classic cocktails and neon bar signs from the past.
There’s a simple rule to follow when choosing the right glassware: use a stemmed glass, also called an “up” glass, for drinks that are shaken or stirred without ice. The stem keeps your hands away from the bowl, preventing your body heat from warming the drink. Simply hold the glass by the stem and bring it to your lips for a crisp, chilled sip.
Cocktails that belong in a stemmed glass include:
- Martini
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Daiquiri
- Sidecar
- Aviation
However, the elegant V-shaped martini glass has one significant flaw—its tendency to tip over easily, especially if you’ve indulged a bit too much. Enter the coupe glass, its sturdier, less well-known cousin.
The coupe glass originally served champagne, but its wide bowl actually causes the bubbles to dissipate too quickly, which is why it’s not ideal for sparkling wine. However, it’s a fantastic choice for serving cocktails. I like to use the classic V-shaped martini glass for martinis, and reserve the coupe for other drinks like Manhattans, Sidecars, and Daiquiris.
For an Old Fashioned: The Rocks Glass
The old fashioned glass (or rocks glass) gets its name from the classic cocktail it’s designed to hold: the Old Fashioned. There are two primary versions of the glass: the regular old fashioned glass, which holds 6-8 ounces, and the double old fashioned glass, which holds 12-14 ounces. A rare “triple” version is found mainly in tiki bars.
The old fashioned glass is used for drinks built directly in the glass, usually on ice. For example, to make an Old Fashioned, you muddle sugar, bitters, water, and citrus peel in the glass, then add ice and whiskey, stirring until cold and diluted.
Cocktails served in an old fashioned glass include:
- Old Fashioned
- Negroni (served on ice, not straight up)
- Mint Julep (unless you’re using a traditional metal julep cup)
- Sazerac (served without ice, though it’s an exception)
Although an Old Fashioned traditionally called for a 2-ounce pour of whiskey, modern servings are often closer to 3-4 ounces. If you prefer the classic proportions, you might need to search for a smaller old fashioned glass, as double old fashioned glasses are more common.
The Highball Glass
The highball glass, also known as a chimney-style glass, is commonly used for refreshing drinks served over ice. It’s also referred to as a Collins glass or a Delmonico glass, with subtle size differences. The Delmonico typically holds 5-8 ounces, the highball 8-12 ounces, and the Collins 12-16 ounces. While there are traditional uses for each, such as serving a Tom Collins in a Collins glass and a gin fizz in a highball, this distinction is not crucial for home use.
Use a highball glass when sipping a cold drink over lots of ice, often with a straw. Cocktails that go in a highball include:
- Gin Fizz
- Gin Rickey
- Gimlet
- Gin and Tonic (or any simple spirit and soda combination)
Highball glasses are easy to find, and I recommend choosing one that fits comfortably in your hand.
Smaller Glasses Are Better (But Harder to Find)
One thing you might notice when shopping for cocktail glasses is that many of them are quite large. Stores like Crate & Barrel or Williams-Sonoma often carry stemmed glasses in the 10-15 ounce range, double old fashioned glasses in 14-ounce sizes, and highballs that can hold up to 20 ounces. At that point, it might be easier to just drink your gin and tonic from a pint glass!
However, most cocktail recipes, like the Revolver, call for 2-3 ounces of liquid. The reason for this is simple: larger glasses can make drinks warm before you finish them, and they also encourage overindulgence. For most cocktails, I recommend the following glass sizes:
- V-shaped or coupe glass: 5-7 ounces
- Old fashioned: 6-8 ounces (double: 12-14 ounces)
- Highball: 10-16 ounces
Selecting the right glassware is essential for both enhancing the drinking experience and ensuring your cocktails are served at their best. Whether you’re using a stemmed glass for shaken or stirred drinks, a rocks glass for muddled classics, or a highball glass for refreshing mixed drinks, each piece of glassware plays a crucial role in elevating the presentation and enjoyment of your favorite beverages. By investing in a few key pieces, like martini glasses, coupes, and old fashioned glasses, you’ll be prepared for almost any cocktail recipe, ensuring your home bar is both stylish and functional.
