What are the different types of glassware, and when to use what
Do you wonder which glasses to use? Do you know your highball from your low ball? Your Martini glass from your Margarita? If you want to learn more about the different types of glasses and when to use them, you've come to the right place!
Using Different Types of Glassware - Do I need to?
Different glassware can make all the difference when crafting the perfect tipple for you and your guests. Not only will the right glass look great, but it can also make the drink taste better. Glassware has evolved over the years to match each drink with the perfect glass to help release aromas, keep the drink at the correct temperature and give you the best possible drinking experience overall. So if you want to impress your guests and enjoy your drinks just how they were meant to be, having an extensive set of glassware for every occasion can make all the difference. So let's explore the different types of glassware and when to use what.
Water
We all know it is essential to stay hydrated, especially in those hot summer months. So if you plan to become a master cocktail mixer, make sure you have plenty of water to hand. Water glasses come in all shapes and sizes, but you should look for something easy to grasp in one hand, but that can hold a decent volume too.
Beer
A refreshing, ice-cold beer can be just the ticket on a hot summer's day. You can serve yours in a pint glass, a 1/2 pint, a wheat beer glass, a goblet or chalice, or an attractive tulip glass to keep it cool, fizzy, refreshing, and highly gulp-able too!
Wine
Whether you love red, white, or rose wine, choosing the right glass will add an air of sophistication and ensure that your drinking experience is tip top. Red wine should be served in a larger, rounder glass to help with swirling and aerating the liquid. Typically red wine glasses have a long stem so you can keep your hand away from the bowl and ensure the wine doesn't become too warm. If you love white or rose wine, you should serve it in a wine glass with a smaller mouth area. A smaller circumference means less surface area, which is beneficial as you don't want the white wine to aerate or oxidise too quickly. This will ensure it remains light, refreshing and delicate -typical characteristics of white wine. Of course, we can't forget champagne or other sparkling wines which should be served in a delicate flute glass. The tall, thin bowl creates an even smaller surface area, helping to ensure it stays fizzy for longer.
Cocktails
Cocktail glasses come in all shapes and sizes - let's take a look at the most popular:
Martini glass
A martini glass is an inverted cone bowl with a long stem. This glass serves up martini cocktails but also works for any cocktail generally served without ice, as the large mouth allows the exotic aromas of the cocktail to release more easily. Cosmopolitans, Margaritas, and Brandy Alexanders are also usually served in this glass type.
Highball glass
A highball glass is used to serve any cocktails where the mixer-to-alcohol ratio is high. If there is a lot of liquid in your cocktail, you'll likely need a highball glass in which to serve it, usually poured over a lot of ice. Cocktails you could create in a highball glass include a classic Gin & Tonic, Dark n' Stormy, or a Mojito.
Lowball glass
A lowball glass is the opposite of a highball. So if your cocktail has little liquid and is typically served on the rocks, a lowball glass is the perfect container. Lowball glasses usually hold only 6 to 8 ounces of liquid and have a solid base. Cocktails to serve in this glass type include Old Fashioned, Negroni, or a White Russian. We've covered the most popular cocktail and drinks types and the glasses you should serve them in. However, there are other types of more specialised glassware that you may want to include in your kitchen cupboards. These include Hurricane glasses, Irish coffee glasses, Whisky glasses, and Snifter glasses - it all depends on how technical you want to get!