Cocktail Glassware Guide
Which glass for which drink? A practical guide to the most common cocktail glasses.
Does the glass matter?
Yes, but not always for aesthetic reasons. The shape of the glass affects how aromas reach your nose, how long the drink stays cold, and portion size.
You don't need every glass type — but knowing the basics helps you understand recipes and serve drinks correctly.
Coupe glass
The classic cocktail glass with a broad, shallow bowl. Used for: Daiquiri, Margarita, Sidecar, Cosmopolitan, and other drinks served "up" (without ice).
Advantage: elegant and good capacity. Disadvantage: warms quickly from the heat of your hand — drink it relatively fast.
Highball glass
Tall, straight glass for longer drinks with ice. Used for: G&T, Mojito, Tom Collins, Paloma, Aperol Spritz.
The most common glass at home — versatile and practical.
Rocks glass (Old Fashioned glass)
Short, wide glass. Used for drinks with lots of ice or a single large ice cube: Old Fashioned, Negroni, Whiskey on the rocks.
Also called tumbler or lowball glass.
Martini glass (V-glass)
The iconic V-shaped glass. Traditionally used for Martinis, but the coupe is increasingly replacing it — the coupe keeps the drink cold longer.
The Martini glass tips over easily, which is a disadvantage.
Champagne flute
Narrow, tall glass that preserves carbonation. Used for: Champagne Cocktail, Bellini, Kir Royale, and other sparkling drinks.
If you can only choose two
Choose a highball glass and a coupe glass. They cover most classics and look great on the table.
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