The idea of mixing ingredients to create a flavourful drink has a long and complex history, from spiced punches to sweetened sherry, also known as ‘sack’ in Shakespearean England.
The word "cocktail" was not widely used until the early 19th century. Its first recorded use was in a New York newspaper in 1806, defining it as a combination of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters.
The widespread availability of ice changed how cocktails were made in the 19th and early 20th centuries, boosting their popularity. Today, they’re enjoyed by millions of people globally.
Three must-have cocktail glasses
Whether you're just starting your journey into cocktail crafting or looking to upgrade your existing set, these cocktail glasses are a must-have for every mixologist.
1. Coupe glass
A coupe glass is the type of glass that comes to mind when you think of a cocktail. It typically holds around six ounces, but larger versions are available.
It’s the perfect glass for cocktails that are served chilled but without ice. This is referred to as serving a cocktail “up”. The coupe glass has a long, thin stem for holding, so your hands aren’t wrapped around the cocktail, warming up the drink.
Popular drinks served in the coupe glass include champagne cocktails, daiquiri, martini, and aviation (a gin-based cocktail).
2. A highball glass
You might have heard the highball glass referred to as a Collins glass. They’re both tall, but the Collins glass is slightly taller and skinnier. Most bartenders would agree you don’t need both – a highball glass is sufficient.
In fact, some argue that the majority of cocktails can be served in a highball glass. It’s so versatile that you can use it for almost anything, including some fantastic non-alcoholic drinks.
The classic highball cocktail is a simple and refreshing drink with a base spirit (like whiskey, vodka, gin, or rum) and a non-alcoholic mixer like soda water or ginger ale. It's typically garnished with a wedge of lemon or lime.
3. Single rock glasses
The single rock glass is shorter than a highball, typically holding between eight and ten ounces. It’s designed to serve spirits on the rocks (with ice), and cocktails served down (in a glass without a stem).
A single rock glass (or lowball glass) with a heavy bottom is perfect for taking your time over a whiskey on the rocks, scotch and soda, rum and coke or an Old Fashioned with a single ice cube.
Glasses for cocktail lovers – a final word
Filling your glass with a drink you’ve mixed for yourself is the final part of the cocktail-making experience before you sit back and enjoy it – and the glass you choose plays a crucial role in this.
Vintage cocktail glasses offer a way to connect with the people who have made, shared, and enjoyed cocktails decades ago. Combine an antique cocktail shaker with vintage glasses for the ultimate vintage cocktail-making experience.
