Glasses and Their Effect on a Drink

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29th May 2012
2 min read
# 379 words

Whether at a public bar or private party, the average drinker may not see the need for the abundance of styles and sizes of drinking glasses; however, a connoisseur appreciates the use of specific stemware or glassware that exposes the aromas and flavours to enhance the tasting experience.
Presentation is everything when preparing a cocktail. What would a Margarita be without the salted rim? The wide rimmed cocktail glass is perfect for adding salt for a Margarita or sugar for a Lemon Drop Martini. The larger highball cocktail glass is perfect for providing the space needed for mixing cocktails that require a larger proportion of mixer to alcohol, such as a Bloody Mary. The highball is also appropriate for drinks requiring ice or layers of ingredients.

Serving champagne in just any glass would result in the bubbles dissipating, resulting in a flat taste. The long and narrow body of the champagne flute captures the bubbles, maintaining the fizzy characteristics of the sparkling white wine.

A snifter is made with a short stem so that the glass lies in the palm of the hand. This warms the liqueur which enhances the aroma. The snifter is perfect for those desiring a warm fragrant after-dinner brandy or cognac.

There are two basic wine glass styles. White wine is typically served in the more narrow wine glass. It is shaped this way so that the white wine hits the tongue in specific areas to enhance the taste. Red wine should be served in a wine glass with a wide bowl so that the liquid can be swirled around to aerate. The more modern stemless wine glasses should be designated for red wine instead of white. Without the stem, the hand warms the bowl which in turn warms the wine.

While the names of the various stemware and glassware imply their uses, the shapes and sizes serve a purpose in providing a heightened enjoyment for the senses. Mixed drinks and cold beverages are usually served in a larger glass while the stronger liqueurs are served in smaller glasses with shorter stems so that the hand warms the liquid. Properly coupling the right drink with the right glass will reflect a sophisticated party atmosphere for your next gathering.

 

Shrink Expand recipe card

Lowball / rocks glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
Invented
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(1920)
Base ingredient
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Vodka
Calories
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125 calories
Garnish
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Celery
Alcohol content
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12% | 1.8 units *
Details
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Easy
Classic
Stirred

<p>Love it or hate it, the Bloody Mary is a staple of any good cocktail bar.</p>

Ingredients

Method
How to make a Bloody Mary

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
In a mixing glass with ice add all the ingredients
Stir gently to mix before pouring into a lowball glass
Garnish with a stick of celery and serve
View the full recipe
Shrink Expand recipe card

Cocktail glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
Base ingredient
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Lemon vodka
Calories
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187 calories
Garnish
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Lemon
Alcohol content
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30% | 1.8 units *

<p>The Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshingly tart and slightly sweet cocktail that has become a modern classic. This zesty concoction typically blends the citrus punch of fresh lemon juice and lemon-flavored vodka with the sweet, orange notes of Triple Sec, creating a well-balanced mixture.</p><p>Often served in a sugar-rimmed cocktail glass to complement the sour profile with a touch of sweetness, the Lemon Drop Martini delivers a bright and zingy taste that is perfect for sipping before dinner or as a lively treat at a social gathering. Its playful combination of flavors and elegant presentation have solidified its status as a favorite among citrus cocktail enthusiasts.</p>

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Ingredients

Method
How to make a Lemon Drop Martini

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Moisten the rim of a chilled cocktail glass and roll in sugar
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into the rimmed glass
Garnish with a twist of lemon peel and serve
View the full recipe
Shrink Expand recipe card

Cocktail glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
15 key ingredients
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Invented
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1938
Base ingredient
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Tequila Blanco
Calories
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153 calories
Alcohol content
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32.94% | 2.8 units *
Details
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Classic
Shaken

<p>The Margarita is a classic cocktail that originated in Mexico and has become a beloved drink all over the world. It is a simple yet delicious combination of tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.</p><p>The history of the Margarita is a bit murky, with several stories claiming to be the origin. Some say it was created in the 1930s by a bartender named Don Carlos Orozco, while others credit socialite Margaret Sames for inventing the drink in the 1940s.</p><p>Regardless of its exact origins, the Margarita has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. The flavour profile of this drink is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the tequila providing a smooth and slightly smoky kick.</p><p>The salt on the rim of the glass adds a touch of savouriness and enhances the overall flavour experience. Whether you prefer it frozen, on the rocks, or straight up, the Margarita is a must-try for any cocktail lover.</p>

Ingredients

Method
How to make a Margarita

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Rim the edge of a cocktail glass with salt by coating the edge with lime juice and dipping into the salt
Add the other ingredients to a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into a cocktail glass and serve
View the full recipe

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