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Glass Guide part 3 – Types of cocktail glasses and how to choose the right one
The Ripple champagne coupe from ferm LIVING makes an ideal Martini glass!
5 COCKTAIL GLASSES - WHICH IS THE RIGHT TYPE OF COCKTAIL GLASS TO CHOOSE?
Did you know that the first cocktail was mixed in the 19th century in the USA? These days cocktails are commonplace in every bar on the high-street, you can make them as simple or as complicated as you like and can be made with or without alcohol. Take a look at our handy guide on the different types cocktail glasses below:
1. THE CLASSIC COCKTAIL GLASS
The glass perhaps most associated with cocktails is the coupe or cone-shaped cocktail glass - also known as the martini glass. The tall glass is designed to hold around 10-20 cl of liquor as drinks served in these glasses are not served over ice. The glass has a tall stem with a flat foot so you can easily hold the stem and thus avoid heating the drink while holding the glass. This cocktail glass is perfect for drinks like Martini and Cosmopolitan.
2. THE TALL & GENEROUS LONG DRINK GLASS
The long drink glass is designed for drinks where a spirit is mixed with a larger amount of non-alcoholic drink such as soda or juice. This type of cocktail glass is usually straight and narrow, like the Ripple long drink glass from Ferm Living, but can also be tall and round - the most important thing is that a larger volume of drink can be accommodated.
3. THE CLASSIC TUMBLER
Tumblers are not only a stylish way to serve a cocktail, but also a very versatile glass that suits most spirits served over ice. A tumbler glass such Scandi Living’s Karlevi glass is slightly curved in shape with a tapered opening which preserves the flavour of the drink in the glass for longer than wide glasses. Classic tumblers have a thicker base and are straight in shape. The Perfect Serve whiskey glasses from Spiegelau are, as the name suggests, suitable for whiskey but also for a cocktail.
4. THE BUBBLY CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL GLASS
Champagne or Prosecco is delicious in its own right, but a bubbly champagne cocktail is just what you’ve been craving but you might be wondering what is the right type of cocktail glass for these cocktails. Serve these drinks in a traditional flute glass or a coupe. Why not try some Prosecco mixed with a splash of elderflower juice at your next party?
Shot glasses hold a maximum of 60ml.
5. THE SHOT GLASS
Technically not a type of cocktail glass, we know but we are sure you are still wondering what the best type of glass for a shot is. Shots are typically served in a small straight glass that hold a maximum of 6 cl, as the alcohol content is higher than in other drinks. Have you ever wondered about the thick bottom of a shot glass? This is so that the glass can withstand the traditional "knock" on the table when you "shoot".
SHAKEN OR STIRRED?
Did you know that a cocktail can be either built, stirred or shaken? Building a drink means adding all the ingredients to a cold glass before stirring if necessary. Stirred drinks involve chilling and 'stirring' the ingredients with a drink mixer. This way, the liquor is not mixed but the ice cubes are moved around to chill the drink. Remember not to do this in the serving glass - use a stirring glass so you can strain off any melting water. Shaking the drink involves chilling and mixing the drink's ingredients with a shaker to create a foamy surface on top. Therefore, this method is preferred when making drinks containing fruit juices, cream, eggs or similar ingredients.
Building a drink means adding all the ingredients without mixing them!
THE RIGHT DRINK ACCESSORIES FOR A COMPLETE HOME BAR
A good bartender needs good drink accessories. Complete your home bar with a practical drink mixer, an ice bucket, a muddler that crushes fruit in the glass, a stylish bottle opener and a stylish shaker to complete your home bar! You are now ready to mix and flavour impressive drinks for yourself and your most discerning guests!
Now you have the right type of cocktail glass you need something to fill it. Have a look at our popular cocktail recipes here!
Read the other parts of our glass guide here:
Glass Guide part 1 - Wine Glasses
Glass Guide part 2 - Beer Glasses
Photography: Elof Martinsson Angeliqa Daldorph, Design Letters, Catrine Åberg
