Serving a cocktail in the glass it’s meant for increases the enjoyment of a drink—but all you really need are a few basic types, many of which you probably already have on hand. To simplify things, we’ve highlighted only those that are required for the recipes in this book—there are several more specialized glasses available.
HIGHBALL GLASS (8–10 OZ/250–300 ML)
This medium-tall glass is used for simple built drinks called highballs—often using just two ingredients.
COLLINS GLASS (10–12 OZ/300–350 ML)
Named after the collins cocktail, this glass is a taller, more elegant version of the highball glass. It is often larger than the highball glass.
ROCKS GLASS (6–10 OZ/175–300 ML)
Sometimes called an old-fashioned glass after the famous cocktail, this squat tumbler is intended for drinks served over ice—or on the “rocks.”
COCKTAIL GLASS (4–8 OZ/125–250 ML)
This is also called a martini glass, after the cocktail of that name. It is used for all shaken or stirred drinks that are served up—that is, not over ice. All cocktail glasses are stemmed and have a conical bowl, though traditionally those that have gently rounded sides are referred to as cocktail glasses and those with straight sides as martini glasses. Either style can be used. We prefer 6-ounce (175-ml) or smaller cocktail glasses because very large cocktails do not remain properly chilled.
CHAMPAGNE FLUTE (6–8 OZ/175–250 ML)
The narrow mouth on this glass is designed to keep many bubbles from escaping too quickly. The older style widemouthed champagne saucer is virtually never used anymore for this reason.
RED AND/OR WHITE WINE GLASS (8–12 OZ/250–350 ML)
Red wine glasses are slightly larger than white wine glasses and have a slightly more bulbous shape. The Sake Sangria is served in wine glasses—and though white is preferred—either will do.
PINT GLASS (16 OZ/475 ML)
This is equivalent to the mixing glass used for preparing cocktails. The Imperial pint glass is 20 ounces (600 ml), however, we use the American 16-ounce (475-ml) glass for the cocktails in this book. It is primarily used to serve beer, but we use it to serve large cocktails.
PILSNER GLASS (10–14 OZ/300–400 ML)
This tall glass tapers from the mouth to the base. It is typically footed and is primarily used to serve beer, however, we use it to serve tall cocktails.
TIP: For the best presentation and drinking satisfaction, glasses used for cocktails that are served up rather than on the rocks should always be chilled.