Glassware that is spotlessly clear shows off all drinks to great advantage. There are literally thousands of styles, shapes and sizes out there, but the majority are not suitable for commercial use. Each bar will have its unique range of glassware, but here's our guide to the most popular styles.
Mixing Glass/Boston Glass
Also known as the Boston Glass, this is the most commonly used glass for making co*cktails. It is never used to serve drinks, only to mix them. It has a conical shape with a toughened heavy base and is used in conjunction with a Boston shaker.
Size range: 16fl oz/454ml
Rocks Glass/Old Fashioned/Tumbler
These glasses are generally used for serving a single spirit and a mixer, and co*cktails served in these glasses are generally a little stronger than drinks served in tall glasses. Commonly used for drinks served on the rocks or frappéd (over crushed ice). This glass should also have a toughened base, which is ideal for drinks that require muddling.
Size range: 8-10fl oz/235-295ml
Collins Glass
These glasses, also called highball glasses, are most commonly used to make highballs (double spirits and a mixer), and tall co*cktails. A 12oz glass is also perfect for a regular 330ml bottle of beer.
Size range: 12-14fl oz/350-415ml
Martini Glass
The martini glass, also known as a co*cktail glass or classic glass, is an icon of style and sophistication. The V-shaped symbol echoing the shape of the glass is used to denote a bar in a hotel lobby or airport lounge and is the symbol of co*cktails the world over. Drinks served in martini glasses should always be served without ice—ice should only be used to chill the glass, generally using crushed ice and water. This glass should also never be served with a straw.
Size range: 5.25-7fl oz/155-210ml
Margarita Glass
Taken from the co*cktail of the same name, this Margarita or Coupette glass is generally used to serve frozen margaritas and daiquiris and has a broad rim for holding salt. Regular ice is not ideally used with this glass because of its shape but it is ideal from serving most frozen drinks.
Size range: 8-10fl oz/235-295ml
Sling Glass
This tall, thin Pilsner glass also takes its name from the famous co*cktail the Singapore Sling. This is a fantastic glass to showcase drinks with fresh fruit, such as the Pimms, and can be used with regular and crushed ice. Quality commercial sling glasses will have a thick, heavy base and a short stem.
Size range: 14fl oz/414ml
Hurricane Glass
Also referred to as Pina Colada, Poco Grande or Zombie glasses. The distinct pear-shaped curve of this glass is reminiscent of vintage hurricane lamps.
Size range: 10-20fl oz/295-590ml
Champagne Flute
This glass is primarily used to serve champagne or champagne co*cktails. This classic julep shape gives length to the bubbles of the drink. Champagne co*cktails will never contain ice as this spoils the champagne.
Size range: 6-8fl oz/175-240ml
Shooter or Shot Glass
Used to prepare shooters/pousse cafés and single shots served straight.
Size range: 1-2fl oz/25-50ml
Brandy Balloon Glass
Also known as a snifter glass, this glass is primarily used to serve cognac or other brandies. The large bowl collects the aromas of the drink and the more expensive the brandy the larger the glass. These glasses are also ideal for pouring flamed drinks from.
Size range: 6-60fl oz/175ml-1.5l
To learn everything there is to know about these styles of glassware and the co*cktails that go in them, check out Shaker BarSchool’s International Bartenders Course!
