Get To Know Your Cocktail Glasses!
Monday, July 21, 2014
It sounds boring, but it is pretty important when you are making a cocktail - the glass can make all the difference!
It is all well and good knowing how to make a great cocktail but you’ve still got to know what glass to serve it in.
It might seem like it makes no difference but different measures are used for each type of glass. You also don’t want to look like an idiot when you are serving up cocktails!
Highball Glass
A classic cocktail glass. A little bit bigger than a Collins glass, the highball is used for simple mixed drinks and certain cocktails. You get yourself a Cuba Libre in this or an old school Gin and Tonic or Jack and Coke.
Collins Glass
A little narrower than a highball glass the Collins glass is perfect for a Tom Collins or a Mojito. Collins glasses are a little harder to come by than some of the glasses on the list but are perfect for tall drinks and give you enough room to experiment with garnishes.
The Tom Collins came first and the glass came later, if you were wondering!
Old Fashioned/Rocks Glass
Hmm, what drink to put in an old fashioned glass? How about an old fashioned! Sometimes called a rocks glass as it is perfect for a shot of something on the rocks, the Old Fashioned glass will probably soon be known as the Mad Men glass sooner or later.
Also serve any kind of Sour in one of these whether it is whiskey, rum or anything else , a White Russian and a Negroni belong in here too.
Margarita Glass
Used for the refreshing Mexican goodness and not much, the Margarita glass might be associated more with prawn cocktails than any other drink!
Champagne Flute/Champagne Coupe
Ah champagne! When you have something important to toast either one of these is the bad boy for you. The traditional flute needs no introduction or explanation but the coupe might be a little unfamiliar.
Used in pretty much every new cocktail bar you happen to fall into, the coupe looks like a shallow Margarita glass and if you close your eyes and imagine 1920s decadence, it is the perfect glass to make a champagne fountain out of!
There is really no right or wrong with a champagne coupe as they are probably the most versatile (and cool looking) cocktail glasses you can buy.
The flute is a perfect cocktail for many a drink think of the Mimosa, Bellini or Kir Royale. If you need any help deciding on your champagne cocktail of choice - take a look at our suggestions here!
Wine Glass
Simple and effective, no explanation really needed. Great for bigger mixed drinks with a Spanish feel - think Sangria or Agua de Valencia.
Martini Glass
What many people will think of if they shut their eyes and think of a cocktail glass, the martini glass is a staple of the cocktail scene and has been since the invention of the drink in the late 1800s.
Of course, this is the glass for a Martini. Also, a Manhattan, a Daiquiri or Cosmopolitan fits well in the coolest glass around.
Shot Glass
The vessel of late night debauchery, the shot glass can used for straight spirits, mixed drinks and measuring.
In Australia a single shot or a nip, is about 30ml while a double is (you guessed it) 60ml. You will have to get your shots in early now in Sydney, as the NSW Government has outlawed the sale of shots after midnight in licensed venues.
Brandy Snifter
The glass of the rich man, the Brandy Snifter is more associated with Monty Burns than cocktails.
With a wide bottom and a slim neck, the Snifter is perfect for any brown liquor - brandy, whiskey - and some stronger, darker beers like an imperial stout or double pale ale. If it is a beer above 8%, it will probably be served in some variation of the snifter.
Hurricane Glass
Home of the Hurricane (obviously) the Singapore Sling and the Pina Colada, the hurricane glass is exotic and luxurious.
The drink and the glass have their origins at Pat O’Brien’s Bar in New Orleans and was originally given away to sailors in the French Quarter to get rid of excess rum. The drink quickly caught on and Pat O'Brien quickly started selling them rather than giving them away!
