Basics of Glassware
A majority of drinking glasses are made from either tempered or un-tempered glass. Tempered glasses are stronger, more durable and made from a higher quality material. Tempered glass is normally used for things like kitchen utensils, drinking glasses, and window panes but always check the care instructions on each product to be sure. Un-tempered glasses are made from a lower quality material and are not as strong or durable as tempered glasses. Un-tempered glass is normally used for decorative pieces like vases, bowls, or even decorative pieces like light bulbs. When it comes to cocktail glasses, there are two types of materials that they’re normally made from crystal and leaded glass. Crystal glasses are made from lead-free glass that’s created using a process called “sand-blasting.” Leaded glass, on the other hand, is made from a high-lead content and is usually used for decorative glasses like wine goblets and decorative drinking glasses.
Finding the Right Glass for Your Drink
Finding the right glass for your cocktail can seem like an impossible task—but don’t worry. We’ve broken down each glassware type below to help you find the perfect glass for your tipple. With that being said, there isn’t a 100% correct glass for each cocktail. It depends on the cocktail you’re making and what you think tastes best. Cocktail glasses are primarily used for aesthetic purposes and to show off the colors and textures of the cocktail. They’re not necessary to drink the cocktail, but they make it look much more Instagrammable.
Martini Glasses
Martini glasses are round glasses that are normally 10-16 ounces in size and are made from either tempered or un-tempered glass. Martini glasses, like many cocktail glasses, are primarily used for aesthetic purposes. The round, deep shape of martini glasses is actually meant to be a nod to the martini’s origins when gin was stored in barrels with a round shape. While martini glasses are primarily used for martinis, you can also use them for cocktails like Manhattans, Negronis, or any other cocktail that calls for a short, wide glass.
Standard Cocktail Glasses
Standard cocktail glasses are the most common cocktail glasses and are found in almost every bar. Standard cocktail glasses are usually between 6-12 ounces in size and are made from either tempered or un-tempered glass. Standard cocktail glasses are typically used for a wide range of cocktails so you’ll rarely find a cocktail that needs a martini glass instead. Standard cocktail glasses are used for cocktails like classic cocktails, highballs, and many different types of gin and whisky drinks. Standard cocktail glasses are our recommended glassware choice for most cocktails.
Rocks Cocktail Glasses
Rocks cocktail glasses are the shorter, wider, and “heavier” version of standard cocktail glasses. Rocks glasses are typically between 6-12 ounces in size and made from either tempered or un-tempered glass. Rocks glasses are used for cocktails that are supposed to be served “on the rocks” like a Canadian whisky with a couple of cubes of ice or classic cocktails like a Manhattan served on the rocks. Rocks glasses can also be used for cocktails like Mai Tais that are served with ice but are normally served in a standard cocktail glass. If a cocktail recipe calls for a rocks glass but you only have standard cocktail glasses, you can always pour the drink into a rocks glass half-full of ice then add the rest of the cocktail to the glass.
Old-Fashioned Glasses
Old-fashioned glasses are the shorter, wider, and “heavier” version of a rocks glass. Old-fashioned glasses are usually between 6-12 ounces in size and made from either tempered or un-tempered glass. Old-fashioned glasses are used for classic cocktails like an Old-Fashioned where the cocktail is poured over ice. They’re also used for other cocktails like the Manhattan served on the rocks. Old-fashioned glasses can also be used for drinks that call for a highball glass like a Tom Collins or a Sazerac served over ice. If a recipe calls for an old-fashioned glass but you only have rocks glasses, you can always pour the drink into an old-fashioned glass half-full of ice then add the rest of the cocktail to the glass.
Beer Mug (Shaker) and Shaker Tops
Beer mugs, also called shaker glasses or shaker tumblers, are the shorter, wider, and “heavier” version of a old-fashioned glass. Beer mugs are usually between 6-12 ounces in size and are made from either tempered or un-tempered glass. Beer mugs are used for cocktails like a mojito that are normally shaken or stirred with ice. Beer mugs can also be used for cocktails like a Tom Collins or Sazerac served over ice but they’re not ideal for drinks served with ice cubes because they have a wider mouth. If a recipe calls for a beer mug but you only have old-fashioned glasses, you can always pour the drink into a beer mug half-full of ice—then add the rest of the cocktail to the glass.
