Be it ever so humble, the Cocktail glass is an absolute staple for your bar. Like other libation glasses, there’s no shortage of sizes and shapes. While some are purely aesthetic, most are designed towards giving your taste buds the best opportunity to enjoy your well-made concoction.
For the record, most cocktails out there can be corralled into three main types – stemmed, rock and chimney shape. If you’re missing any one of these three, here’s some cool ones we think you’ll enjoy to round out your collection…
STEMMED COCKTAIL GLASS
Ah, the quintessential V glass, oft-referred to as the “martini” glass. In truth just about any cocktail served up sans ice (shaken or stirred) is traditionally served in this style glass. If your cocktail nights with friends range from the Appletini to the Zaza, you should have this glass in your repertoire.
Oh, what’s that you say? Not a fan of the V glass because it has a bit of a…ahem…spillage issue? If this is a concern, may we suggest the V glass’s steadier sibling – the Coupe. Yes, it started its life as Champagne glass, but TBH it’s lousy for serving Champagne. Why? Too much surface area causes the effervescence to fade too quickly (which, y’know, bubbles are kinda the whole point of Champagne). The Coupe however, is a stellar alternative to the V glass, allowing for a multitude of low dexterity moves while maintaining the precious cargo therein.
Viski Raye, Dipped Crystal Martini Glasses (set of 2) $30.99
We’re guessing you’ve never served your guests a martini in a glass like this! Smoked crystal glass dipped in copper. Consider getting a pair of these 10 oz ogle-worthy glasses for your next martini, manhattan, cosmo or margarita soiree.
Jay Import, Geneva Champagne Coupe Glasses (set of 2) $19.97
With a 13 oz capacity, these Coupe glasses from Jay Import will give you plenty of cocktail real estate to play with. The touch of rose gold mixed into the glass of the stem will also “elevate” the look of your drinks.
ROCK GLASSES
Squat, sturdy and perfect for building your drink right in the glass. This style is almost always referred to by its most famous liquid friend, the Old Fashioned. So synonymous in fact, that the size of the glass itself is sold as either the “original” Old Fashioned glass (usually around 6 to 8 US fl oz) or the DOF, aka the “Double Old Fashioned” glass (usually 10 to 14 US fl oz). IRL, however, there are hundreds of drinks that work with this glass type.
Cathy’s Concepts, Monogram Old Fashioned Glasses (set of 4) $36.97
If you’re just starting to put your Barware collection together, here’s a great staple piece to start with. At 11 oz, these glasses are perfect for a whole range from well drinks to call drinks. And if you’re stumped for a gift, a set of monogramed glasses is always welcomed for housewarming, weddings or birthdays.
Casa Alegre, Campania Old Fashion (set of 6) $95.97
Here’s a fun, eclectic take on the standard clear DOF glass. These will fit in splendidly if you’re into this season’s Humble materials and/or Modern Vintage home decor.
Orrefors + Karl Lagerfeld, White Tumbler Glass w/coaster (set of 2) $123.73
Orrefors is to the glassworks world as Haute Couture is to fashion. So of course when Karl Lagerfeld decided to do a glassware collab, he wanted a brand synonymous with the best. So, if Hyper-Modern Couture is your du jour, this glass set may well be the stunning addition that your bar keenly needs.
THE CYLINDER
The Low-ball, the High-ball, the Tom Collins, the Tumbler. With a roughly chimney-shaped style, the point of having these in your arsenal is for ice, ice baby (okay, already regretted that). The point is, if you’re drinking something that’s meant to be served with ice, you need this glass style in your life. Actually, you need both, because nothing looks sadder than a low-ball drink served in a high-ball glass. Unless you plan on making doubles for everything, in which case…well, when can we come over?
Sur La Table, Stemless Acrylic Cherry Glass $5.66 (per glass)
Glassware and outdoors can be a helluva nervous combination, but so often your choices in acrylic lack personality. These 11 oz acrylic tumblers from Sur La Table are anything but ordinary. With a nice heft to them, a vintage pressed glass-look design, and that fantastic cherry red color, these will be right at home either indoors or by the BBQ.
Mikasa, Copper Hammered Moscow Mule 10-Piece Bar Set $134.98
Few things taste better on a hot summer day than a frosty Moscow Mule. This full kit from Mikasa gives you all the tools you need for making this Top 10 World’s favorite drink, including the traditional copper glasses. Vodka not your thing? There are scores of other types of Mule drinks out there, made with alternative liquors from Bourbon to Tequila. And lest we forget, Mint Juleps, Classic Margaritas, and the Dark N Stormy are just a few of the non-Mule cocktails that are also traditionally served in a metal mug.
Viski, Warren Black Stoneware Tumblers (set of 2) $20.99
These matte black low-ball tumblers will upgrade your cocktail glassware from weak to sleek in no time. Dishwasher safe stoneware, it’s ideal for anything from Scotch to Sidecars.
tag, Bubble Tall Bloody Mary Glasses in Foliage (set of 4) $42.97
Let these cool green high ball glasses show off your next Tom Collins in style. We love a good bubble glass to add that extra bit of visual interest, and this set makes for a great addition to any rustic style bar collection.
DWR, Moroccan Handblown Glass by HAY (set of 2) $20.00
Designed by the Danish architectural team HAY, these glass tumblers follow the aspects of the award-winning husband-and-wife team. Hand-blown in Morocco, they are suitable for a variety of cocktails and drinks (hot and cold) and are dishwasher safe. The unusual shape is both simple and functional, as it gives the perfect ergonomic ‘resting’ place for your hands as you enjoy your most tasty beverage.
Fortessa, D&V Veranda HiBall Glasses (set of 6) $79.99
What a delicious way to infuse a little of Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year – Medium Blue – into your Bar decor. These 19 oz blue beauties by Fortessa should do the trick. Dishwasher safe glass too!
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