Choosing the Right Glassware for your at-home Cocktails
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Understanding the different types of glassware is a huge step in learning how to make cocktails at home. Whether you are hosting guests or crafting something special just for you, the type of glass you choose makes a big difference in your experience. Your chosen glass can significantly influence the taste, aroma, temperature, and overall drinking experience. Let's delve into the world of glassware and explore some of the most common types used in crafting cocktails!
Coupe
Coupe glasses, with their broad, shallow bowls, were originally designed for champagne, but they've found a place in the world of cocktails. They're perfect for any drink served "up". This is when drinks are shaken or stirred with ice but served without it. You'll often find Martinis, Manhattans, and Daiquiris served in coupe glasses. While we may associate the coupe and champagne with elegance now, it did not always have such a clean reputation. I recently did a deep dive into the history and design of the coupe glass so be sure to check that out! How else will you know if it was truly modeled after Marie Antoinette’s breasts?
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Collins
Tall and narrow, Collins glasses, also known as zombie or highball glasses, are designed for tall, often fizzy, mixed drinks that are served with ice. The height of the glass allows for the ice to cover a lot of surface area, which can help keep the drink chilled, and the narrow diameter keeps the bubbles in your fizzy mixers from dissipating quickly. The Tom Collins cocktail is, of course, the namesake of this glass, but it's also great for Mojitos, Bloody Marys, Pimms Cups, and any long other refreshing drinks! My deep dive into the Collins glass is ready to read , and tells the hilarious story of how the Tom Collins cocktail was named after a common bar-room prank.
Martini
The iconic Martini glass, with its triangular shape and wide, conical bowl and long stem, is designed to keep drinks cold without the need for ice. By holding the glass by the stem, the drink stays cooler for longer. The wide brim allows for the full appreciation of the cocktail's scent, which makes the flavor all the more rich! As the name suggests, it's perfect for a Martini, but also works well with other "up" cocktails like the Cosmopolitan, Manhattan, or Sazerac.
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Rocks
Also known as Old Fashioned glasses or lowball glasses, rocks glasses are short, sturdy, and perfect for so many drinks. They're ideal for classic drinks like the Old Fashioned, Negroni, or a simple Whiskey on the Rocks, but you can also use them for margaritas and super simple cocktails like gin and tonics! These are also just so great to have in your home bar because if all else fails, a rocks glass can probably work for what you need!
Nick & Nora
The Nick and Nora glass is a throwback to the golden age of cocktails. It has a smaller, more delicate bowl than a coupe, making it perfect for stirred and shaken drinks served without ice. Its petite size keeps cocktails potent and prevents them from warming up too quickly. Try it with a Martini or a classic Manhattan.
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Just for fun!
We don’t always need to choose the most historically accurate glassware - these are a bunch of super fun options to mix it up with!
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