Your Ultimate Guide to Cocktail Glassware Essentials

Crafting cocktails at home is an incredibly satisfying experience – it's enjoyable, sparks creativity, and (perhaps the best part) saves you money. But once you start mixing drinks, it can quickly become overwhelming to figure out which spirits to stock and, more importantly, what glassware to use when serving those weekend creations or a midweek pick-me-up. While regular drinking glasses are fine for casual beverages, you'll need specialized glassware for your cocktail endeavors.

Here are the must-have twelve glassware types to ensure you're ready for anything, from beer and champagne to Old Fashioneds and French 75s.

Pint Glass

Named after its capacity of 16 ounces (a pint), the pint glass is much more than just a beer vessel. It’s a multi-purpose tool that can be used for muddling, mixing a Bloody Mary, or even acting as the second part of a shaker when paired with a tin. In a pinch, it can also serve as a makeshift mixing glass.

Highball Glass

The origin of the highball glass name is often attributed to its association with the tall drinks served on 19th-century steam train dining cars, where a 'highball' referred to a ball that rose in a gauge indicating boiler pressure.

A highball is also the name of a mixed drink served quickly over ice, typically made with a spirit and a carbonated mixer. The classic version is whiskey on the rocks with a splash of ginger ale. The glass itself is taller than an old-fashioned glass (also known as a lowball) but shorter and wider than a Collins glass, with straight sides and either a flat base or a stemmed foot. It can also be used for serving beer or soda.

Collins Glass

The Collins glass is the slimmest of all, typically holding between 10-14 ounces. Named after the Tom Collins cocktail (gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water) or the John Collins (substitute whiskey for gin), it’s perfect for a variety of mixed drinks served over ice. Use this iconic glass for beverages like Long Island iced teas, mojitos, sodas, refreshing low-alcohol drinks like Pimm’s Cup, or even fizzing cocktails like a gin fizz, served without ice.

Rocks or Old Fashioned (Lowball) Glass

Often called a whiskey glass, this short, sturdy glass holds between 6-10 ounces and features a wide rim with a solid base, ideal for muddling. Old Fashioned glasses tend to have intricate cut designs, while Rocks glasses are simpler in form. These glasses are perfect for serving Old Fashioneds, but also for any drink with a strong spirit base, whether served neat or on the rocks, such as a Sazerac or Negroni. And if you’ve got a big ice cube chilling in your freezer, this is the glass to showcase it.

Martini Glass

The iconic stemmed, V-shaped glass we now call a martini glass originally came from the same origins as the coupe—once used for champagne. A more accurate name might be ‘cocktail glass,’ as it's used for a wide range of mixed drinks, not just martinis. Popular drinks served in this glass include Cosmopolitans, Manhattans, Lemon Drops, and many others. When you order a drink ‘up,’ expect this or a coupe to be placed in front of you.

Before the cocktail renaissance, most mixed drinks were served in martini glasses, and coupes were a rare sight in bars. Today, coupes have made a strong comeback in modern mixology, while a cocktail served in a martini glass (other than an actual martini) often has a more vintage or retro feel.

Coupe Glass

Also known as a champagne coupe or champagne saucer, this stemmed glass features a wide bowl and comes in various sizes. Originally used for serving champagne, it gained popularity in France from the 1700s to the 1970s, with its curved rim reducing the chances of spillage. Today, coupe glasses are often used for modern ‘up’ cocktails and timeless classics such as the Last Word, French 75, or Aviation.

Nick & Nora Glass

This iconic glass is named after Nick & Nora Charles, the glamorous fictional detective duo from the 1934 novel *The Thin Man*. Originally called the 'little martini' in the 1930s, it was revived in the 1980s by Dale DeGroff, a renowned American bartender and author known as 'The King of Cocktails.' This elegant 5-6 ounce stemmed glass with a high bowl and narrow mouth became a staple at NYC's famous Pegu Club and quickly found its way into cocktail bars nationwide, typically used for stirred drinks.

Flute

The elegant flute is the go-to glass for all things champagne, and for good reason. It's designed to hold sparkling wines and effervescent cocktails like the classic champagne cocktail, Kir Royales, and brunch staples like mimosas and bellinis. While the flute has its trade-offs (the long shape helps preserve bubbles for a more visually striking experience, but the narrow top can limit the aroma compared to a coupe), its sleek sophistication remains undeniable.

Irish Coffee Glass

The Irish coffee glass isn't just for the classic drink; it's a must-have for all those cozy, spirited fall and winter beverages. From boozy apple cider to Glühwein, hot buttered rum, and warming hot toddies, there’s a wide variety of comforting cocktails that benefit from a sturdy glass mug. It’s always good to have more than one on hand.

Glencairn Glass

This 2-4 ounce glass is widest at the bottom, tapering to a narrow top with a small but solid base. Designed specifically for savoring or sampling premium spirits like single malt whisky, Irish whiskey, single barrel bourbon, and scotch, its unique shape enhances the aromas and allows for the full appreciation of neat pours.

Snifter Glass

Known by several names, including brandy snifter, brandy bowl, or cognac glass, this distinctive vessel is designed for swirling and sipping spirits like brandy, Cognac, Armagnac, and similar liquors. Its wide bowl encourages evaporation, while the narrower rim helps concentrate the aromas. The glass is also crafted to fit comfortably in your hand, allowing warmth from your grip to gently heat the liquor. Typically holding 6-8 ounces, it’s also excellent for serving craft ciders and stronger dark beers.

Port or Cordial Glass

After-dinner drinks often go overlooked at home, but savoring the perfect nightcap can be an incredibly rewarding experience. These petite, 2-5 ounce glasses, which may feature a broader bowl with a tulip-shaped indentation or resemble miniature wine glasses, come in various designs. Regardless of the style, these glasses are ideal for highlighting the intricate flavors and aromas of after-dinner spirits like cordials, ports, and distilled drinks such as Eau-de-vie, aquavit, and grappa. A glass like this exudes nothing but elegance.