Fine, clear glasses with thin lips are best for showing off cocktails. Traditionally,
each type of drink has a glass shape specifically for it. For instance, a long drink
needs a highball ; a Martini is served in a cocktail glass, and a Pifia Colada loves
a colada glass. A liqueur needs a small glass, as does a straight shot of a spirit.
When buying glasses, look for those with a design on the stem-it adds a
visual interest to the presentation.
Always handle a stemmed glass by the stem, not the bowl, to keep the cocktail
chilled . And keep a clean cloth nearby to “polish” glasses.
MAIN GLASS TYPES AND SIZES
Cocktail 4 oz /12 cl
Old-fashioned 5 oz to 6 oz/15 cl to 18 cl
Shot 2 oz to 3 oz/6 cl to 9 cl
Liqueur 2 oz to 3 oz/6 cl to 9 cl
Highball 10 oz/30 cl
Wine 4 oz to 9 oz/ 12 cl to 27 cl
As you can see from the photograph, there are many glass styles. However, you
need only a basic few. The cocktail glass is by far the most popular shape for
almost any cocktail served without ice. A flute is essential for a champagne
cocktail !
CHAMPAGNE FLUTE
A flute is sophisticated and is preferred over those shaped like a saucer. (This
shape was modeled on France ‘ s Empress Josephine ‘ s breast. However, it makes
the champagne go flat quicker.)
COCKTAIL
A regular cocktail glass is best for the recipes in this book. A double cocktail
glass is occasionally called for.
GOBLET
This is the original large glass and is best for exotic cocktails with lots of color, a
few juices, and a big garnish on the side.
HIGHBALL
Used for long drinks and ideally should be wide at the rim. (If it’ s not, then you
can catch your nose when you sip the drink!)
IRISH COFFEE
Designed to withstand the heat of coffee, it has a stem.
LIQUEUR
A small glass used for serving after-dinner digestifs.
OLD-FASHIONED
A short glass with a heavy base sits perfectly in the palm of your hand.
PORT
Designed for serving port or sherry.
PUNCH OR TODDY
Designed for holding hot drinks such as mulled wine; it usually has a handle.
SHOT
Designed for a measure of a strong spirit or spirits (pousse-cafe-style) that are
downed in one gulp.
WHITE AND RED WINE
Wine glasses are good for cocktails that include fruit juices and a fancy garnish.
White glass sizes range from 4 oz /12 cl to 6 oz / 18 cl; red glass sizes range from
6 oz /18 cl to 9 oz /27 cl.
Sarav 