Cocktail Glasses
Discover the different types of glasses used for cocktails and their unique characteristics. Each glass is designed to enhance the drinking experience and showcase the cocktail's beauty.
Hurricane Glass
The Hurricane glass is a tall, curved glass that gets its name from its distinctive shape resembling a hurricane lamp. This elegant glass is typically 12-15 ounces in capacity and features a wide, flared rim that tapers down to a narrow base. The unique curved design not only looks beautiful but also serves a practical purpose - it allows for plenty of ice and garnishes while maintaining the drink's temperature. The wide rim makes it easy to add decorative elements like fruit slices, umbrellas, and elaborate garnishes that are characteristic of tropical cocktails. The glass's shape also helps to concentrate the aromas of the cocktail, enhancing the drinking experience. Originally designed for the Hurricane cocktail in New Orleans, this glass has become synonymous with tropical and tiki-style drinks.
Martini Glass
The Martini glass is the quintessential symbol of cocktail elegance and sophistication. This iconic glass features a classic V-shaped bowl with a long, slender stem and a wide rim. Typically holding 4-6 ounces, the martini glass is designed to showcase cocktails served straight up without ice. The wide rim allows for easy sipping and helps to release the cocktail's aromas, while the long stem keeps the drinker's hand away from the bowl, preventing the drink from warming up. The V-shape creates a beautiful silhouette and allows the cocktail's color and clarity to be fully appreciated. Originally designed for the classic Martini cocktail, this glass has become the standard for many elegant, spirit-forward cocktails and is a staple in any well-stocked bar.
Old Fashioned Glass
The Old Fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass or lowball glass, is a short, wide glass with thick walls designed for drinks served on the rocks. Typically holding 6-10 ounces, this sturdy glass features a wide base and straight sides that taper slightly toward the rim. The thick walls help to insulate the drink, keeping it cold longer, while the wide base provides stability and allows for easy stirring. The glass's design makes it perfect for cocktails that are built directly in the glass, such as the Old Fashioned, and allows plenty of room for ice cubes and garnishes. Its robust construction and timeless design make it a versatile choice for a wide variety of cocktails, from simple highballs to complex mixed drinks.
Highball Glass
The Highball glass is a tall, straight-sided glass designed for mixed drinks with ice and carbonated mixers. Typically holding 8-12 ounces, this versatile glass features a cylindrical shape with straight sides and a wide rim. The tall design allows for plenty of ice and mixers, while the straight sides make it easy to build drinks directly in the glass. The wide rim makes it comfortable to drink from and allows for easy garnishing. Highball glasses are perfect for refreshing cocktails that combine spirits with sodas, juices, or other mixers, and their simple, clean design makes them suitable for a wide variety of drinks. The glass's generous capacity and straightforward design make it one of the most versatile pieces of glassware in any bar.
Coupe Glass
The Coupe glass is a shallow, wide-rimmed glass with a short stem that was originally designed for champagne but has become popular for elegant cocktails. Typically holding 4-6 ounces, this vintage-inspired glass features a shallow bowl with a wide rim and a short, sturdy stem. The wide rim makes it easy to drink from and allows for beautiful garnishes, while the shallow bowl showcases the cocktail's color and clarity. The coupe glass has a sophisticated, Art Deco-inspired design that adds elegance to any cocktail presentation. Originally popular in the 1920s and 1930s, the coupe glass has experienced a revival in modern cocktail culture and is now commonly used for a variety of elegant drinks, from champagne cocktails to dessert cocktails.
Wine Glass
The Wine glass is a versatile piece of glassware that, while primarily designed for wine, is also commonly used for wine-based cocktails and spritzers. Typically holding 6-8 ounces, this glass features a classic tulip shape with a long stem and a medium-sized bowl that tapers slightly toward the rim. The long stem keeps the drinker's hand away from the bowl, preventing the drink from warming up, while the tulip shape helps to concentrate aromas and showcase the drink's color. The medium-sized bowl provides enough space for ice and mixers while maintaining the elegant proportions of the glass. Wine glasses are perfect for cocktails that combine wine with other ingredients, such as spritzers, sangrias, and wine-based punches, and their sophisticated design adds elegance to any cocktail presentation.