Types of Bar Glasses

Even from across a crowded, poorly lit bar it can be possible to have a general idea of what someone is drinking. This is because certain alcoholic drinks are served in different types of bar glasses. While these particular glasses serve a function with regard to proper presentation and appreciation of the glass, they are often misused by the uninformed bartender. Different types of glasses are often given to couples on their wedding day to place in their new home together. This is to symbolize "good spirits" for the happy couple.

Function

The function of these different types of bar glasses is to contain a beverage. While this is the most basic reason, there are also traditions associated with the types of glasses with regard to where the glassware originated and what type of drinks are to be served in these glasses. They also serve an aesthetic purpose. Some collectors enjoy collecting shot glasses, especially those that are marked with place names to be used as souvenirs.

Types

There are plenty of different types of glasses used for alcoholic beverages. There are wine glasses, pint glasses, champagne flutes, martini glasses, shot glasses, pilsner glasses, tumblers, Collins glasses, highball glasses and more. Each different type of glass serves a different function with regards the drink it contains.

Identification

Because there are so many different types of bar glasses, they are further broken down into different categories. Beer glassware is one category of bar glasses. Contained in this category are pint glasses, pilsner glasses, yard glasses and even beer steins. There is also the category of general stemware which includes wine glasses, champagne flutes, brandy snifters and champagne coupes.

Size

The smallest of all of the bar glasses are the shot glasses. The amount of alcohol contained in these glasses are usually somewhere between 1.25 and 1.5 fluid ounces, but there is no official amount associated with "shots" of liquor. These glasses are used for measurement in cocktails or shooting liquor. Traditionally, beer steins are considerably larger than most other types of bar glasses. The mug is German in origin, but countries around the world utilize the container. The main difference between a wine glass and a champagne flute is the size. Champagne flutes are traditionally thinner than wine glasses.

Misconceptions

At a bar, it is common for someone to order a "pint of beer" and not actually receive the sixteen ounces of beer they are asking for. Often, largely depending on the bar and the type of beer being served, pilsner glasses will be filled instead which hold less quantity than standard pint glasses. There is a special type of beer glass that is traditionally intended to hold wheat beer called the "wheat beer glass." These glasses are narrower at the bottom than they are around the rim to adequately contain the thicker head of the beer. Beers with thinner foam heads are usually served in standard pint glasses.