There's More to Cocktail than Just the Drink! Here is All You Need to Know about Cocktail Glasses (2020)

There's More to Cocktail than Just the Drink! Here is All You Need to Know about Cocktail Glasses (2020)

Whether throwing a party for your friends or opening a cocktail bar, you can be the star by showing off the trendiest and most appropriate glassware for the drinks. But why are cocktail glasses so important? We'll tell you why along with the best recommendations for cocktail glasses that you can order online.

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Why Invest in Cocktail Glasses?

Here are the reasons why choosing the right kind of cocktail glass is important while having the drink:

  • Presentation is key: A well-stocked bar will presumably have all the different types of glassware. This not only contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal but also does justice to the different beverages in terms of holding the right quantity. Nevertheless, having cocktails in the most appropriate glassware is most beneficial even in unprofessional circumstances. The effect of layered and blended drinks is most visible when it is served in the right kind of cocktails glass.

  • To enhance the drinking experience: Using the right type of glasses is not just for the presentation. It may come as a surprise to know that; the glasses enhance the drinking experience. Each beverage deserves to be consumed at a certain temperature and pace. The shape of the cocktail glasses dictates how the glass is held in hand and, consequently, the temperature of the drink while consuming. While some glasses are designed to hold more ice, others enhance the aromatic fragrance of the drink and invariably differentiates the pace of consumption.

  • Specific glass brings out best in the beverage: Setting up your home bar? Shakers and stirrers aren't all that you should be giving attention to. The glassware must include old fashioned as well as modern varieties. Connoisseurs insist on having the drink served in specific glassware. This is a sensible approach, indeed, as the mixing and layering of drinks look best when served in typical glass shapes.

Types of Cocktail Glasses with Best Recommendations

Here are the different cocktails glasses types and our recommendations of the best from each category:

Martini Glass

Source amazon.in

This is probably the most recognizable and familiar among all cocktails glasses. The martini glass was introduced in the 1925 Paris Exhibition and was then used for the consumption of champagne. The "v" shaped bowl design is perfect for drinks that don't need to be mixed and only stirred. Often referred to as the cocktail glass, these kinds of glasses feature longer stems and a wider brim to minimize the heat transfer and enhance the aroma, respectively. This is important as the drinks in martini glasses are usually served without ice. The steeply sloped sides are perfect for propping up garnishes on toothpicks and skewers.

A classic martini cocktail ideally consists of 3 measures gin and half a measure of vermouth, which is stirred and mixed with ice before straining into the martini cocktail glass for serving.

Pasabahce Bistro Martini Glass is a beautiful set of martini glass of 190 ml. The transparent glasses are tempered or toughened for maximum safety, as well as for superior resistance and durability. These glasses come in a set of 6 and are dishwasher and refrigerator safe. Available on amazon.in for Rs. 799.

Highball Glass

Source flipkart.com

Compatible with all sorts of libations, these glasses are a must in the bar, especially if you are fixing drinks that are poured over ice while serving. These glasses, as the name suggests, are tall, straight glasses that can hold about 8 to 12 ounces of the drink. The shape of the glass keeps the drink cold for long and preserves carbonation. Quote often, drinks are built directly in the glass by pouring the ingredients over top of an abundance of ice.

Rum and coke, gin and tonic, dark and stormy are some common cocktails that are served in highball glasses. Typically drinks that include a shot of liquor and topped with fruit juices or sodas are served in highball glasses.

And for you, we selected the classic design of a highball tumbler from Luminarc. The pack of 6 glasses can each hold up to 290 ml of drink. The glasses are made from high-quality glass material and are guaranteed with quality and durability from the brand. You can find the cocktail glass set on Flipkart for Rs. 389.

Collins Glass

The Collins glass is often mistaken for the highball glass, owing to the resemblance in shape. Collins glass is taller, narrower and can hold larger quantities of up to 14 ounces. The tall and slender feature of the glass ensures that the cocktails remain chilled and retain ice for a longer duration. Drinks that are made with more than one mixer look great when presented in the Collins glass. The glass is named after the drink that was famous for being served in them, the Tom Collins cocktail.

Long cocktails like Mojito, Long Island Iced Tea, Sea Breeze, and Paloma are best served in the Collins glass. The Tom Collins cocktail is prepared by mixing 2 measures of gin, 1 measure of lime juice, ½ measure of simple syrup, and then poured into a glass filled with ice. Then topped with 4 measures of chilled soda.

The Ocean Tango Tom Collins Glass Set is made from soda-lime glassware; these glasses are hygienic and safe to use. The Collins glasses are of 425 ml in quantity and are perfect for long cocktails. The product is from a trusted and reliable brand that is a favorite among food service professionals. These Collin glass set of 6 is available on Amazon for Rs. 610.

Rocks Glass

The old-fashioned rocks glass is typically a short tumbler than is otherwise known as lowball. Basically, used for short mixed drinks, they can hold only up to a quantity of 6 to 8 ounces. These glasses are short, sturdy, and broad and are generally used to serve spirits over ice. The distilled spirits and sweet drinks are poured directly over ice, hence the name- the rocks glass. Basically, rocks glass come in two sizes, single (6 to 8 ounces) and double (10-14 ounces).

Popular lowball drinks are White Russian, Rusty Nail, and, of course, the old-fashioned dark spirits like whiskey.

This set of Ocean Happy Moment rock glasses will add a touch of elegance and melodrama to your kitchen and bar. The chiseled shape looks classy and accounts for a firm grip on the glass. The set of 14 glasses from Ocean is perfect as an accomplice in building your bar. This rocks cocktails glass is available on shoppersstop.com for Rs. 1,199.

Shot Glass

Source myntra.com

Shot glasses should not just be limited to tequila slammers. In fact, these glasses act as great carriers for a unique cocktail or layered cocktail. Short, small and narrow, shot glasses are generally used for quick consumption of straight alcohol. Usually, shot glasses can hold 1.5 ounces and are called single shots, which is most commonly used for drinks. However, shot glasses also come in sizes from 2 to 3 ounces and are called double shots. Typically, shot glasses are made of thicker glass, especially on the base. This unique design prevents the glass from shattering when the drinker slams onto the bar after downing the drink. Shot glasses come in different designs and can be used for serving a variety of cocktails.

This set of 6 junior shot glasses by Borgonovo is a delight to even watch! The impeccable design and quality of the glass material are impressive. The glasses are durable and can each hold up to 35 ml of drink. You can find these cocktail glasses on Myntra for Rs. 644.

Margarita Glass

Source amazon.in

Designed for Margarita, the tequila-based cocktail, these glasses are also used to serve blended fruit concoctions. Slighter larger than a martini glass, these glasses can hold from 10 to 15 ounces. The double-bowl shape of the margarita glass is fun and distinctive that works exceptionally well for frozen margaritas. The wide rim is often coated with lime, salt, or sugar. Margarita glasses are also used to serve finger food in some cases.

Think creative, think fun with this set of colorful margarita glasses from True Vino. The set of 4 can hold up to 11 ounces each. The vibrant colors make up for a perfect assortment for any celebration.
This cocktail glass set is available on Amazon for Rs. 2,490.

Champagne Glass

Source shaze.in

Champagne glasses come in three different designs - flute, tulip, and saucer. Champagne flute glasses are thin, narrow with a tapered rim that can keep the champagne's bubbles in for longer. Flutes can hold up to 7 to 11 ounces and are perfect for drinks like Kir Royale and Jacuzzi.

Champagne tulip glasses are elegantly designed with wider bowls and rims that flare outside. The curved design allows for concentrated aeration and aromatic enhancement. Classic champagne cocktails like Black Velvets are best served in tulips. Lesser used design is the champagne saucer. It was earlier used to serve syrup-based champagne cocktails. However, since aeration happens fast, these glasses are not much popular.

The flute shaped champagne cocktail glasses by Simcha are perfect for any occasion to pop your champagne cocktails! The long stem saves the drinks from warming up, while the flute shape preserves carbonation. The hand-cut pattern glorifies the appearance. The set of 6 glasses can hold up to 215 ml each. These are available for purchase on shaze.in for Rs. 3,850.

Wine Glass

Wine glasses may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of mixed cocktails. But these glasses are crafted to go with your creative cocktail concoctions as well. Wine glasses come in two specific shapes - the red wine glass and the white wine glass. Red wine glasses are taller than white wine glasses and have more surface area between the drink and the top of the rim. This increases the rate of oxidation, smoothing out the complexities in taste and aroma. Wine based cocktails like spritzers such as Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling are best served in wine glasses.

These 790 ml red wine goblet glasses by RCR are a sign of pure elegance and class! The glasses made in crystal are durable and shatter-resistant. Add an element of sophistication to your glassware with this 6-piece set from Urban Dazzle. This set of cocktails glass is available on urbandazzle.com for Rs. 2,580.

Hurricane glass

Originally designed for the Hurricane cocktail, the hurricane glass is ideal for serving tropical cocktails with several ingredients and mixers. The tulip-shaped cocktails glass has a flared rim and short stem. It can hold up to 20 ounces, and the design allows fruity aromatics to take center stage.

Serve your favorite cocktail, mocktail, and lemonade in style with this 2-piece set of classy hurricane glasses from urban dazzle. These stunning glasses, though made from plastic, give in the charm of sophisticated glassware. Available on urbandazzle.com for Rs. 650.

Tips to Keep in Mind While Storing Cocktail Glasses

  • Fragile glassware must be stored in a safe and secure place. The perfect spot must be moist free.
  • Storing glassware facing the rim upwards decreases the chances of chipping the bowl. Also, glasses are designed with a robust base for storing upright.
  • Always ensure to clean the cocktails glass well before storing. Any residue of the drink may affect the quality and durability of the glasses when stored for long.
  • Make sure to rotate the glasses frequently. This avoids using the same glasses over and over again, thereby resulting in diminished quality.
Writer
Rubina Cheruvalath
Rubina is a free thinker and a dreamer. She believes that there is something to be learnt from everything. In spite of securing a technical education, Rubina chose to think beyond it and work in the management field. A proud mum of two boys, she aspires to explore the world with her family and create cherishable memories.
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Raise a glass and make a toast at the party you are hosting. And, don't forget to show off the coveted collection of cocktail glasses that you own! For drinks that look as good as they taste, they definitely need to be married with the perfect cocktails glasses. Whip up those drinks, mix them, shake them, do whatever you need to do to get the perfect blend. But, ultimately, make sure to serve them in the most appropriate glassware!