Glasses and Their Effect on a Drink

Whether at a public bar or private party, the average drinker may not see the need for the abundance of styles and sizes of drinking glasses; however, a connoisseur appreciates the use of specific stemware or glassware that exposes the aromas and flavours to enhance the tasting experience.
Presentation is everything when preparing a cocktail. What would a Margarita be without the salted rim? The wide rimmed cocktail glass is perfect for adding salt for a Margarita or sugar for a Lemon Drop Martini. The larger highball cocktail glass is perfect for providing the space needed for mixing cocktails that require a larger proportion of mixer to alcohol, such as a Bloody Mary. The highball is also appropriate for drinks requiring ice or layers of ingredients.

Serving champagne in just any glass would result in the bubbles dissipating, resulting in a flat taste. The long and narrow body of the champagne flute captures the bubbles, maintaining the fizzy characteristics of the sparkling white wine.

A snifter is made with a short stem so that the glass lies in the palm of the hand. This warms the liqueur which enhances the aroma. The snifter is perfect for those desiring a warm fragrant after-dinner brandy or cognac.

There are two basic wine glass styles. White wine is typically served in the more narrow wine glass. It is shaped this way so that the white wine hits the tongue in specific areas to enhance the taste. Red wine should be served in a wine glass with a wide bowl so that the liquid can be swirled around to aerate. The more modern stemless wine glasses should be designated for red wine instead of white. Without the stem, the hand warms the bowl which in turn warms the wine.

While the names of the various stemware and glassware imply their uses, the shapes and sizes serve a purpose in providing a heightened enjoyment for the senses. Mixed drinks and cold beverages are usually served in a larger glass while the stronger liqueurs are served in smaller glasses with shorter stems so that the hand warms the liquid. Properly coupling the right drink with the right glass will reflect a sophisticated party atmosphere for your next gathering.

 

Pardon the interruption

Did you know that you can become a member for free, taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. You can save your My Bar ingredients, make tasting notes, have personalised Tried and Want to try lists and more.

More to explore

Best Beach Cocktail Bars

What comes to mind when you picture the ultimate, relaxing getaway? Chances are you dream of white,...

The most versatile ingredients for cocktails

When it comes to cocktail making, some ingredients work harder than others. It's rareto find a cockt...

History of the Fitzgerald

First recorded in 2002, it seems quite strange to call this a classic cocktail. Indeed, its history...

Bartender's top tip

Balance is key in mixology. Always measure ingredients. A dash less or more can transform a drink. Experiment with fresh garnishes; they can elevate even the simplest cocktails to new heights.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get tips straight into your inbox.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A pesonalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Register now

Olympic Cocktails and More

Discover a host of cocktails inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, meet the bartenders behind the cocktails and win yourself some juicy Amazon vouchers.

Our Olympic Cocktail Hub