The perfect glass for a cocktail

Expert tips for the amateur bartender

A successful cocktail is not only a treat for the palate, but also a visual experience. The right glass plays a crucial role in this. It influences not only the look, but also the taste of the drink. Find out here how to find the ideal glass for your favourite cocktail.

The glass makes all the difference

Choosing the right glass for a cocktail is no trivial matter, as the glass affects more than just the aesthetic appearance. First and foremost, the glass must have the right volume for the cocktail. A glass that is too large for a classic, simple drink can significantly detract from the drinking experience, whilst a glass that is too small can overwhelm a rich cocktail. The shape of the glass also has a significant effect on how the aromas and flavours of a cocktail unfold. A drink simply tastes different in a bulbous, cylindrical or straight glass. This is primarily down to surface area and condensation. Then, of course, one should also consider the presentation. Can the glass hold a straw? Is the rim suitable for a sugar or salt rim? Does a piece of fruit go well with it? These details can make the difference between a good drink and an exceptional one.

The world of cocktail glasses

A look at the most popular cocktail glasses tells us which glass suits which drink (listed alphabetically):

Balloon glass

The round, balloon-shaped bowl with a long stem looks a bit like a very bulbous red wine glass. It holds a generous 600 ml or more, offering plenty of space for a spirit with ice, a mixer and other ingredients – perfect for summer drinks like Aperol Spritz. For several years now, balloon glasses have also been frequently used for gin and tonic. Even though the carbonation escapes a little more quickly here, the aromas of the various botanicals can unfold extremely well in the bulbous bowl.

Collins glass

This very slender and slightly taller variant of the long drink glass, with a capacity of 300–410 ml, is perfect for Tom Collins, Michael Collins or Pedro Collins, which combine different spirits (gin, whisky, vodka and others) with lemon juice, sugar syrup and ice.

Coupette

The coupette is a wide, flat bowl with a round base and a long stem. With a capacity of approx. 250 ml, it is perfect for classic drinks with few ingredients. It sits comfortably in the hand and is ideal for aromatic and citrus-scented cocktails served without ice. In the past, people used to sip champagne from it – of course, nobody does that anymore, as the carbonation fizzes out in an instant through the wide opening.

Fancy glass

The bulbous fancy glass with a short stem and a capacity of 450–500 ml is perfect for exotic cocktails with creams and fruits such as Mai Tai, Hurricane, Pina Colada or Coconut Kiss.

Copper mug

The low, bulbous copper mug with a capacity of approx. 450 ml certainly makes an impression. Mules, as well as mint juleps, are traditionally served in it and stay fresh and cool for a long time. When the mug gets cold on the outside, the temperature is just right.

Long drink glass (highball glass)

This tall, straight-sided glass holds approx. 400 ml and is ideal for long drinks, i.e. cocktails with ice, soda and fruit juices. You can serve many classics in this glass, such as gin and tonic, screwdriver, mojito or caipirinha, right up to the infamous Long Island Ice Tea. Don’t forget the straw!

Margarita glass

The Margarita glass resembles a coupette, but has a waist and a steeply rising rim. With a capacity of 280–350 ml, it is ideal for Margaritas and other fruity cocktails. There is even room for fruit on the rim of the glass.

Martini glass

The elegant martini glass flares out evenly at the top and holds only about 15 cl. It suits drinks that emphasise elegance and restraint. Lavish garnishes are out of place here. At most, a zest or an olive may be added to the glass.

Tiki mug

The tall, colourful ceramic mug, decorated with exotic figures, is a real eye-catcher. It holds 350 to 450 ml and is particularly well-suited to premium spirits mixed with fresh juices and exotic spices, such as Mai Tai, Zombie or Hurricane. Tiki mugs are inspired by Polynesian vessels that were believed to house the gods during certain ritual ceremonies.

Tumbler

The tumbler is a short, cylindrical glass with a thick base and a capacity of 180 to 300 ml. Traditionally, it is used to serve classic Old Fashioned drinks and sours with few ingredients, such as Cold Brew Negroni or Gin Basil Smash, and anything that belongs in a short drink on ice and is not topped up with a filler.

The best glasses at Mark’s NY Bar

At Mark’s NY Bar, cocktails are served exclusively in high-quality glasses, such as those from the manufacturer Spiegelau. Each glass is carefully selected to highlight the unique character of every cocktail and offer guests an unforgettable experience. The Spiegelau Coupette, for example, is a key detail for our house cocktail, the French Martini. This captivates with its fruity, sweet interplay of vodka from Åhus (Sweden), raspberries, berry liqueur from France, pineapple and lemon. The delicate, thin-walled glass brings out the diverse aromas particularly well and lends the drink additional class and elegance.