How to Pick a Cocktail Glass
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Since the bars have been closed for some time now, we have all had to become amateur mixologists, creating wonderful cocktail concoctions in the safety of our own kitchen. You might have all the ingredients, tools and freezers full of ice, but have you got the right glasses.
Some may argue that their cocktail will taste just as good in a pint glass as it would in a martini glass - in fact, they could pour themselves a bigger serve in a pint glass! But the glass is all part of the cocktail drinking experience and choosing the right glass is very important. Let us talk you through some of the most common glass varieties.
Highball Glass
The highball glass is very similar to the collins glass, although a collins is slightly heavier. When choosing a glass for your home bar, however, the highball is the preferred shape, ideal for many cocktail recipes. This style of glass is best used for cocktails with a high percentage of mixer, giving you plenty of room to add juice or a fizzy drink while infusing the alcohol upwards.
Coupe Glass
The traditional martini glass might look elegant, but ask anyone who has ever tried to take a sip out of one and they will tell you that it spills everywhere! The coupe glass is a great alternative, curving up at the sides so you can keep the classy effect and most of your drink! This style of glass is best for drinks that have been shaken with ice and then strained. Make sure to hold it by the stem to keep your beverage colder for longer.
Single Rocks Glass
The perfect glass for scotch on the rocks, or any cocktail that is potent in its alcohol level and is served over ice, the single rocks glass is a must-have for most home bars. The short, wide glass is perfect for drinks that need to be sipped and savoured, giving your nose easy access to the sensual beverage aromas.
Double Rocks Glass
If you prefer drinks with more ice, or have a preference for cocktails which use syrups and garnishes rather than mixers to enhance the flavour (such as a mint julep or an old fashioned), you'll need a glass that is larger than a single rocks. The clue is in the name - the double rocks glass is perfect!
Whisky glass
Microbadges
<p>The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a rich history and a bold, complex flavor profile. Originating in the mid-1800s, it is one of the oldest known recipes for mixed drinks.</p><p>The traditional recipe calls for just three ingredients: sugar, bitters, and bourbon. The sugar cube provides a touch of sweetness, while the Angostura bitters add a depth of flavor with their complex blend of spices and herbs.</p><p>The bourbon, with its smooth, smoky character, is the star of the show, providing a warm and comforting kick. When mixed together with ice and stirred well, the Old Fashioned is a perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and boozy, making it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the world.</p>
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Ingredients
Method
How to make a Old Fashioned
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- Muddle the sugar with the Angostura bitters and a few splashes water in an old fashioned glass
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- Fill the glass with ice and add the bourbon
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- Stir gently
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- Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry and serve
Lowball / rocks glass
Microbadges
<p>The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the late 1700s or early 1800s, with its roots traced back to Virginia.</p><p>The drink is traditionally made with fresh mint leaves, bourbon whiskey, and a touch of sugar. The mint leaves are commonly muddled in the bottom of a glass to release their aromatic oils and then combined with bourbon, creating a refreshing and slightly sweet flavor profile.</p><p>The Mint Julep is often served in a silver or pewter cup, filled with crushed ice, and garnished with a sprig of mint. This cocktail is a staple at the Kentucky Derby and is known for its ability to cool and refresh on a hot summer day.</p><p>With its simple yet delightful combination of ingredients, the Mint Julep remains a timeless and beloved drink by many.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Mint Julep
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- In the bottom of a lowball glass, muddle the mint leaves to release the oils from the leaves, with the sugar and the sugar syrup
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- Add the bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice
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- Stir the drink and garnish with a sprig of mint, and serve
Shot Glass
Shot glasses are, obviously, for drinks that are to be enjoyed quickly. There is no need to savour the flavour or soak up the aroma. The main requirement for these is that they should have a small enough neck that most people will be able to get their whole mouths around them and that they should have space for a full 25ml serving without being filled to the top.
There are, of course, many other cocktail glasses, all of which have their own place in mixology. If you have the time, space and budget, then you might want to look at margarita glasses, irish coffee glasses and hurricane glasses. Gin glasses are also extremely popular right now and essential for the gin connoisseur. If not, the above list should serve you for almost every conceivable cocktail, or make a suitable alternative. Happy home drinking!
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