When it comes to cocktails, the right glassware makes all the difference. But what should you stock up on, and what niche glassware just gathers dust? Like almost everything, it’s a matter of taste. Our guide will help you tailor your barware to your personal style, whether you’re an occasional G&T drinker or aspiring mixologist. Determine where you fall in the spectrum of home bartenders from casual to professional-level mixologist, then peruse our glassware glossary to build your cocktail glass collection.
April 08, 2023
GLASSWARE PRODUCTS
BUILDING YOUR HOME BAR
For Casual Bartenders
Love a good drink, but don’t want all the bells and whistles? Choose a few versatile glasses that are perfect for classic cocktails. You’ll be prepared to have friends over for drinks without dedicating a cabinet to your glassware collection.
For Craft Cocktail Dabblers
You appreciate a good drink served in the right glass, and you’re open to collecting some extra glassware. While you might want to have both a Martini glass and a coupe glass, or a set of smaller rocks glasses as well as Double Old Fashioned glasses, you can easily expand your collection with a few specialty cocktail glasses based on your favorite drinks to make at home.
For Devoted Mixologists 
Committed to collecting any and all glassware for your favorite cocktails? Explore the world of Mezcal copitas, Gin & Tonic glasses, and more. Designed specifically to enhance the flavors and aromatics of each cocktail or spirit, specialty glassware is the way to a cocktail-lover’s heart.
For Whiskey Neat Purists
If you like your spirits straight, choose decanters and tumblers that complement your favorite liquor. Whiskey tumblers with a hefty base are an excellent choice for neat bourbon with ice and a splash of soda, but if you enjoy Scotch tastings or the occasional glass of brandy, you might want to invest in some whiskey glasses or brandy globes.
Cocktail Glassware ABCs
Although not a comprehensive list of cocktail glassware, this gossary includes most of the more commonly used all-purpose glasses as well as a selection of cocktail-specific glasses.
Notes
While there are reasons you serve certain drinks in certain glassware, ultimately cocktail presentation is about creativity, intention, and personal opinion. Get glassware you like and will use.
Terminology
Many common cocktail glasses go by multiple names. There are minor differences between similar types of glassware, but ultimately many of them are almost identical. For example, a particularly traditional bartender might have both a highball glass and a Collins glass, but for most modern bartenders, these glasses serve the same purpose.
Aperol Spritz Glass
What is an Aperol Spritz Glass?
Intended specifically for an Aperol Spritz, an Aperol Spritz glass has a large bowl and tall, elegant stem. If you don’t have a specific glass for your Aperol Spritz, you can use a large red wine glass.
How many ounces are in an Aperol Spritz Glass?
An Aperol Spritz glass usually holds 16 oz. to leave plenty of room for ice.
What drinks can you serve in an Aperol Spritz Glass?
This elegant glass is ideal for any spritz such as a Campari Spritz, Cynar Spritz, or Wine Spritzer. Try using it for a mimosa, French 75, and other champagne cocktails.
Brandy Glass
What is a Brandy Glass?
Designed with a large balloon bowl, open mouth, and short stem, a brandy glass or brandy snifter enhances the aroma and opens up the complex flavors in this spirit. Hold this glass by the bowl to gently warm your brandy and bring out the delicate caramel and fruit notes.
How many ounces are in a Brandy Glass?
A classic brandy snifter typically holds anywhere from 6 oz. to 8 oz. Generally, you serve 2 oz. of spirit in this balloon-shaped glass.
What drinks can you serve in a Brandy Glass?
Although intended for brandy, a snifter glass is perfect for dark, complex spirits such as whiskey, bourbon, Scotch, and rum, and is excellent for nosing and tasting other fine liquors.
Champagne Flute
What is a Champagne Flute?
A champagne glass or champagne flute is a variation on a wine glass with a narrow silhouette designed to keep your champagne’s carbonation from dissipating too quickly.
How many ounces are in a Champagne Flute?
Champagne flutes hold approximately 6 oz. to 8 oz. of wine, although 4–5 oz. is a typical pour for sparkling wine.
What drinks can you serve in a Champagne Flute?
Champagne flutes are ideal for any sparkling wine, Prosecco, or rosé, and are a perfect vessel for any type of champagne cocktail such as a French 75, mimosa, or Kir Royale.
Cocktail Glass
What is a Cocktail Glass?
The Cocktail Glass is often referred to as a Martini Glass interchangeably but there are slight differences between the two. A Cocktail Glass vs. Martini Glass has a gently rounded bowl, shorter stem, smaller capacity, and slightly narrower rim than the classic wide triangle silhouette of a Martini Glass.
How many ounces are in a Cocktail Glass?
It comes in different sizes, but the classic cocktail glass usually ranges from 3 oz. to 6 oz. Some extra large cocktail glasses hold 10 oz.
What drinks can you serve in a Cocktail Glass?
As indicated by the name, the cocktail glass is perfect for many cocktails, but is ideal for any drink served “up” (shaken or stirred with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass). Try using a classic cocktail glass for a Manhattan, Negroni, Gimlet, Whiskey Sour, Pisco Sour, Cosmopolitan, Sidecar, Boulevardier, or Daiquiri.
Coupe Glass
What is a Coupe Glass?
A coupe glass, also known as a Champagne coupe, is a stemmed cocktail glass with a wide, shallow bowl. Originally intended for Champagne, this classic stemware actually causes carbonation to dissipate more quickly and is much better suited for cocktails that are served up (shaken with ice and strained into the coupe).
How many ounces are in a Coupe Glass?
Most coupe glasses hold around 5 to 7 oz.
What drinks can you serve in a Coupe Glass?
A coupe glass is great for any drink you’d serve in a classic cocktail glass or martini glass and gives your cocktail that vintage glassware look. A Daiquiri, Aviation, Sidecar, Negroni, Manhattan, Gimlet, or Last Word are all popular cocktails that are perfect for a coupe glass.
