How to Choose Glasses in a Bar
When making cocktails, it's essential to serve the drinks in the right glass. Using the correct glassware not only makes you look like a knowledgeable bartender but will actually enhance the drink's appearance and flavor. The shape and size of each glass are designed specifically to the properties of certain drinks. For example, the large bowl of a red wine glass allows the wine to breathe. There are several different types of glasses available, but there are a few essentials you should always have on hand. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shot glasses
- Rocks glasses
- Highball glasses
- Cocktail glasses
- Wine glasses
- Beer glasses
Instructions
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Glass varieties
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Choose a shot glass with a heavy base, as people often slam the glass down. Shot glasses are commonly either one or two ounces, and are commonly used for any type of shot or shooter. Shot glasses are also used to measure while preparing cocktails.
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2
Select a sturdy rocks glass that is between four and nine ounces. The rocks glass is used for serving "short" or "single" cocktails with ice. Common drinks served in this glass include gin and tonic, scotch on the rocks, or a black Russian.
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3
Find a good highball glass, which is usually between eight and 12 ounces and used to serve almost any drink with a mixer, such as a vodka cranberry, rum and coke, or a whiskey seven. The highball is also often commonly used to serve "doubles."
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4
Choose a four to six ounce cocktail glass. Also called a martini glass, these are typically chilled or frosted. Ice is not used in this glass because of the v-shape. Most martinis and shaken cocktails are served in this glass.
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5
Find a good brandy snifter with a large bowl and short stem. The shape allows your hand to warm the brandy as you drink, enhancing the flavor. You should only pour a couple of ounces of brandy in this glass.
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6
Make a wine glass selection. There are several varieties of wine glasses to choose from, but you really only need two varieties. For red wine, you will want a glass with a large bowl. The wide bottom will allow you to swirl the glass and aerate the wine. For white wines, a smaller and thinner glass is typically used, which concentrates the flavors and directs the wine to hit certain areas of your tongue for optimum flavor.
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7
Select a beer glass or mug. Like wine glasses, there are several different beer glasses available. Choose a beer glass or mug that is heavy and sturdy and feels comfortable to you.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose the best quality you can afford, but expensive does not mean it is the best glass. Always start with a clean, dry glass, as spots and residue can affect aesthetics and flavor.
