Cocktail and Wine Glass Guide: Shapes and What to Serve

Choose a glass by the amount you are serving and whether the drink includes ice. A short glass suits many drinks served on the rocks, a tall glass leaves room for a mixer, and a stemmed cocktail glass suits drinks chilled first and served without ice. These are useful starting points, not rigid rules.

Red wine glass

A roomy bowl leaves space to swirl a modest pour. Bowl size and opening vary between designs, so “red wine glass” describes a family of shapes rather than one required glass for every red wine.

White wine glass

Often smaller than a red wine glass, it works for moderate pours. Holding the stem reduces direct contact between your warm hand and the bowl. Use the glass you enjoy drinking from rather than treating the label as a rule.

Lowball, rocks or Old Fashioned glass

A short, stable glass gives a short drink room for ice. It is a familiar choice for an Old Fashioned or Negroni. It is not the only possible way to serve either drink. Check that your ice fits without forcing it into the glass.

Highball

A tall glass leaves room for ice and a longer drink, such as a gin and tonic or Mojito. Allow room for the mixer and garnish rather than filling it to the very top.

Martini glass

The familiar conical bowl is used for cocktails served without ice after chilling. It can hold shaken as well as stirred drinks. A Dry Martini is one example; hold the stem and choose a capacity that suits the recipe.

Coupe or coupette

A rounded stemmed glass is a versatile option for a Margarita served without ice or a Manhattan. A smaller Nick & Nora is another option for an appropriately sized serve.

Flute

A tall, narrow glass is a familiar choice for sparkling wine. A tulip-shaped wine glass is another option when you want more room to explore the aromas. Shape and preference both influence the choice.

Nosing or tasting glass

A tulip-like bowl with a narrower opening is commonly used for small pours of spirits. Leave space above the liquid and approach the aroma gently.

What do you need to start?

For a small home setup, start with a low glass, a tall glass and a stemmed coupe; add wine glasses if you serve wine. Use what you already have when the capacity and ice fit. A chilled, clean glass of a suitable size matters more than owning a separate shape for every recipe.