Every cocktail has its glass, and it is not a whim: the right shape controls temperature, aroma and presentation. From the tumbler of the long drinks to the coupes of the serves up, from the copper of the Moscow Mule to tiki ceramic, here is the frame for every drink. Below, the map for choosing the right glass.
The glass does a job. Its shape decides how long the drink stays cold, how the aromas open up and how it looks when it reaches the table. Serving a Martini in a tumbler or a G&T in a coupe is not a mistake of style, it is a technical mistake. That is why an equipped bar has planned glassware, with the right glass for each cocktail family. Below is the map to find your way.
The shape of the glass is part of the recipe: the stem of a coupe keeps a drink without ice cold, and the wide bowl of a balloon glass opens up the botanicals in a G&T.
Short glasses: neat spirits and spirit-forward drinks
For spirit-led cocktails and neat spirits there are the short, wide glasses. The Old Fashioned glass for drinks built over one large cube, and sturdy, stackable Rock glasses, also in unbreakable versions for events and poolside.
Long drinks
For long, topped-up drinks there is the tumbler, the workhorse for the G&T, Mojito and Cuba Libre, in capacities sized for plenty of ice and mixer.
Served up and the aperitivo
For cocktails with no ice in the glass there are cocktail coupes, from the coupe to the Martini glass and the Nick & Nora, while for the Spritz and the Spanish-style gin and tonic there are balloon stemmed glasses.
Mugs and cups
Metal and ceramics have their own family: copper Mule Mugs for the Moscow Mule, Julep Cups for the Mint Julep and tiki mugs and cups for tropical cocktails.
A bar covers most of its menu with four families: a tumbler for long drinks, a short glass for spirit-forward drinks, a coupe for drinks served up and a stemmed glass for the aperitivo. From there you add glasses with character, such as mule mugs and tiki mugs, which become the signature of your best-known drinks. Multi-packs help keep the set matched and cover replacements during service.
Frequently asked questions
Which glasses does a cocktail bar need?
The four core families are the tumbler for long drinks, the Old Fashioned or Rock glass for spirit-forward cocktails, the coupe for drinks served up such as the Martini, and the balloon glass for the Spritz and the G&T. Add glasses with character, such as copper mule mugs and tiki mugs.
Why does each cocktail have its own glass?
Because the shape of the glass controls temperature, dilution, the release of aroma and presentation. A stem keeps a drink without ice cold, a wide bowl opens up the botanicals, thick glass keeps the centre of gravity low. The choice of glass is part of the recipe, not a matter of looks.
What is the difference between a tumbler, an Old Fashioned glass and a coupe?
The tumbler is tall and serves long, topped-up drinks. The Old Fashioned glass is short and wide, for spirit-forward cocktails over a large cube. The coupe has a stem and serves drinks up, without ice, such as the Martini. Each answers a different service need.
Is it worth buying glasses in multi-packs?
Yes: packs of 6 or 12 give you a matched set and spares ready to cover the glasses in the wash and any breakages. For professional service, plan several glasses per seat for each family you use.
Which aperitivo glasses does a bar need?
Four shapes cover the aperitivo menu: the balloon glass from 490 to 530ml for the Spritz, the small stemmed glass under 300ml for wine and vermouth, the short, wide Old Fashioned for a Negroni over one large cube, and the tumbler for long alcohol-free serves.
Tumblers
20 prodotti
Old Fashioned Glasses
19 prodotti
Cocktail Coupes
25 prodotti
Stemware
20 prodotti
Rocks Glasses
7 prodotti
Tiki Mugs
20 prodotti
Mule Mugs
8 prodotti
Julep Cups
4 prodotti
Essential Glasses
16 prodotti
Bottles and Dispensers
14 prodotti
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