Serving delicious cocktails at home needs more than correct measurements and shaking or stirring techniques. It's also about choosing suitable glassware.
The number of choices is massive, and some cocktail glasses only differ in minor details. That's why we put together this in-depth guide to cocktail glassware.
Absinthe glass
As the name suggests, the Absinthe glass is the ideal choice for serving Absinthe prepared the French or Czech way. These glasses often show a line or bulge that indicates how much Absinthe should be poured into the glass.
Capacity in oz: 7 - 11 oz
Capacity in ml: 210 - 330ml
Recommendation: Traditional Absinthe glass
Boston or Pint glass
This tall glass is cylindrically shaped and designed to either hold a pint of beer (hence the name) or to be used as a part of a Boston Shaker. Alternatively, a Boston glass can also function as an alternative for a mixing glass.
Capacity in oz: 17 - 20 oz
Capacity in ml: 510 - 600ml
Recommendation: Libbey Pint glass
(Champagne) Flute
Flutes, or Champagne flutes, are traditionally used to serve sparkling wine like Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, or Sekt. The tall and slim design helps maintain as much carbonation as possible. In mixology, these glasses are intended for sparkling wine cocktails like the French 75 or the Champagne cocktail.
Capacity in oz: 6.1 - 10.1 oz
Capacity in ml: 180 - 300ml
Recommendation: Zwiesel Champagne flute
Collins glass
The Collins glass owes its name to the Collins cocktails. A tall and slim glass that's sometimes confused with the wider and slightly shorter Highball glass.
Capacity in oz: 10 - 14 oz
Capacity in ml: 300 - 410ml
Recommendation: 10oz Collins glass
Copa de Balon or Gin & Tonic balloon glass
This Copa or Copa de Balon is an elegant glass from Spain mainly used to serve Gin & Tonics. Hence, it's also often called a Gin & Tonic balloon glass. It offers plenty of space to fit Gin, tonic water, ice cubes, and garnish.
Capacity in oz: 18 - 24 oz
Capacity in ml: 540 - 680ml
Recommendation: Balloon glass
Copita or Sherry glass
A small and stemmed wine glass specifically made for dessert wines like Sherry. The inwards tapered rim helps to concentrate the aromas of these aromatic and sweetened wines, enhancing the tasting experience.
Capacity in oz: 4 - 6.5 oz
Capacity in ml: 120 - 195ml
Recommendation: Copita glass
Coupe or Coupette
Initially, these Champagne saucers were used to serve chilled sparkling wine. In cocktail bars, these glasses go by the name Coupe or Coupette. As cocktails served in Coupes often come without ice, make sure to cool them before usage.
Capacity in oz: 6 - 8 oz
Capacity in ml: 180 - 240ml
Recommendation: Coupe glass
Highball glass
Tall and narrow, the Highball glass' shape is quite similar to a Collins glass. Also, like the Collins glass, it's named after the Highball drink. A simple composition of liquor and mixer served on ice in perfect proportions.
Capacity in oz: 8 - 12 oz
Capacity in ml: 240 - 350ml
Recommendation: Highball glass
Hurricane glass
You might think this glass is named after the Hurricane cocktail, but the connection between the two is a little different. The glass resembles the shape of a Hurricane lamp and therefore got its name from the luminaire. Consequently, the drink most likely got its name from the glass.
Capacity in oz: 14.5 - 20 oz
Capacity in ml: 455 - 600ml
Recommendation: Hurricane glass
Julep cup
The conical-shaped cup, traditionally made of silver, is the signature vessel to serve a Mint Julep. Today, these cups are mostly made from Stainless Steel, as a silver Julep cup would be too pricey. Store these cups in the freezer before using them. That prevents the crushed ice from melting too quickly.
Capacity in oz: 12 - 14 oz
Capacity in ml: 350 - 500ml
Recommendation: Stainless steel Julep cup
Margarita glass
Named after the most iconic Tequila cocktail, this glass resembles an upside-down sombrero hat. It's often slightly oversized and mainly used for serving frozen Margarita cocktails.
Capacity in oz: 8 - 10 oz
Capacity in ml: 240 - 300ml
Recommendation: Margarita glass
Martini glass
Although relatively few people actually drink Martinis, the Martini glass, with its v-shaped outline, is probably the most popular type of cocktail glassware. The size of these glasses varies. I recommend opting for a smaller one as your Martini warms up faster in a large version.
Capacity in oz: 5 - 9 oz
Capacity in ml: 150 - 270ml
Recommendation: Martini glass
Mule mug
The iconic copper mugs are the vessel of choice for serving a Moscow Mule and other Mule cocktails. Today, most Mule mugs you can buy aren't made of copper but colored Stainless Steel instead. These are way cheaper and easier to handle.
Capacity in oz: 10 - 13 oz
Capacity in ml: 300 - 390ml
Recommendation: Copper Mule mug
Nick & Nora glass
The Nick & Nora glass is a delicate stemmed glass that was super popular during the 1920s and 30s. They're a nice alternative to Coupe glasses and work for a large variety of drinks. Due to its small size, you should not add ice to the glass to chill your drink. Instead, store the glass in the freezer before using it.
Capacity in oz: 4 - 6 oz
Capacity in ml: 120 - 180ml
Recommendation: Nick & Nora glass
Old Fashioned or Lowball glass
This glass is known for its use in the namesake cocktail. The standard version is called Single Old Fashioned glass, and the larger one is a Double Old Fashioned. When shopping for this type, look for a robust and heavy-based option that is sturdy enough for muddling a sugar cube with bitters in it.
Capacity in oz: 6 - 10 oz
Capacity in ml: 180 - 300ml
Recommendation: Single Old Fashioned glass
Double Old Fashioned glass
A Double Old Fashioned glass, short DOF, is an extra large version of a standard Old Fashioned glass. They're commonly used as vessels for crushed ice cocktails like a Mai Tai and for tropical Rum drinks like a Caipirinha or Mojito.
Capacity in oz: 12 - 16 oz
Capacity in ml: 360 - 480ml
Recommendation: Double Old Fashioned glass
Piña Colada glass or Poco Grande
This glass is also known as Poco Grande, translating to slightly big. It's not the most common piece of cocktail glassware, but it is well-suited for blended frozen drinks or cocktails made with crushed ice.
Capacity in oz: 11 - 15 oz
Capacity in ml: 330 - 450ml
Recommendation: Poco Grande glass
Rocks glass
A Rocks glass is remarkably similar to an Old Fashioned glass. It is the same size, and the only difference is that Rocks glasses are sturdier due to a thicker layer of glass that is also often toughened.
Capacity in oz: 6 - 10 oz
Capacity in ml: 180 - 300ml
Recommendation: Rocks glass
Shot glass
These glasses are intended for shots of any form. Depending on the country, the size of a shot glass does vary. You can find small stampers that only hold 20ml (0.67 oz) but also much larger ones that hold 60ml (2 oz) and more.
Capacity in oz: 0.67 - 2 oz
Capacity in ml: 20 - 60ml
Recommendation: Shot glass
Sling glass
At first sight, it resembles a classic Pilsner beer glass. But these slim and tall glasses are excellent for serving Sling cocktails like the Singapore Sling. They're also a great option for Collins cocktails or Highballs.
Capacity in oz: 10 - 12 oz
Capacity in ml: 300 - 360ml
Recommendation: Sling glass
Snifter
The snifter glass or Brandy snifter is primarily not a cocktail glass but the common choice to serve and drink a fine Brandy like Cognac. But it's also used in cocktails, especially for Brandy-based and warmed drinks.
Capacity in oz: 10 - 20 oz
Capacity in ml: 300 - 600ml
Recommendation: Snifter
Sour glass
A sour glass is a small, stemmed cocktail glass designed to serve Sour Cocktails of all sorts. The size of these glasses ranges from 3oz to 6oz. Cocktails served in this glass don't come on the rocks. If you want to have your Sour on ice, choose an Old Fashioned or Double Old Fashioned instead.
Capacity in oz: 3 - 7 oz
Capacity in ml: 90 - 210ml
Recommendation: Sour glass
Tiki mug
Tiki mugs are creative and colorful drink vessels coming in various shapes, sizes, and colors. They often resemble totem poles but not necessarily. Traditionally, these mugs are made of ceramic, but lately, there are more and more tiki mugs made from glass popping up in bars and stores.
Capacity in oz: 3 - 7 oz
Capacity in ml: 90 - 210ml
Recommendation: Tiki mugs
Toddy glass
Toddy glasses, also called liqueur glasses, are made of tempered glass and are typically used to serve Irish Coffee. They're either stemmed or have a handle to allow a comfortable hold. When using this glass, it's recommended to pre-heat it by filling it with hot water. That prevents the glass from cracking and helps to extend the time the drink stays warm.
Capacity in oz: 6 - 9 oz
Capacity in ml: 180 - 270ml
Recommendation: Toddy glass
Important - Chill your Cocktail glasses
Cocktail glasses should generally be chilled in the freezer prior to usage. That is especially important for glass types that hold cocktails usually served without ice, such as the Coupe, Nick & Nora, Martini glass, or Champagne flutes.
It is sufficient to put the glass in the freezer 30 minutes prior to making a drink. If you don't have a freezer, put ice into your glass before preparing a cocktail. Remove that ice before pouring, and replace it with fresh ice if needed.