Purchasing Essential Bar Glasses
Whether you currently own a bar or are looking to open one, bar glasses are a necessity to any business featuring bar service. Many glasses have a distinct shape designed for maximizing the flavor and aroma of a certain liquor or mixed drink, and your customers are likely to expect a particular glass when they place an order. You probably won't need every type of glass as most can house several cocktail types, but you should consider having a wide variety since alcohol aficionados may care which glass their drinks are served in and will partially judge their experience based on the glassware delivered. Expert bartenders pride themselves on knowing which glass is used to serve which drink, and they want a glass that reflects the quality of the drink within. Below, we'll go over the essential bar glasses many full-service bars require.
The Essential Bar Glasses
Mixing glasses help bartenders mix various cocktails and some have markings to indicate measurements. These glasses can also be used to serve water, beer, and soda. Typically holding 4 to 32 ounces, they're available in glass and stainless steel variations. Some glasses even have a pour spout to guide the mixed drink into its serving glass.
Mixing glasses are also sturdier in design; their weighted base helps keep the glass upright and prevents spills. Arguably one of the most important glasses a bar can have, these can be used to make several cocktails. Their cylindrical shape allows bartenders to easily stir drinks, which enhances the flavor without diluting it as can happen when bartenders shake cocktails not intended for that style of mixing.
For small pours of liquor or specialty shots, shot glasses are ideal. While shot glasses are typically made of glass, there are crystal options available. These glasses can hold 3⁄4 of an ounce to roughly 5 ounces of liquor. Because they hold a small, specific amount, they can help bartenders measure liquor for cocktails, preventing patrons from being overserved.
Whiskey glasses are meant to serve everything from small shots to generous pours of whiskey. Most whiskey glasses have a thick base that prevents the drink from absorbing heat from the customer's hand as they hold it. Larger glasses are better for serving whiskey neat while smaller, shot-glass-style glasses are meant to accommodate ice, which is perfect for whiskey on the rocks.
Rocks glasses, also known as old fashioned glasses, are a great option for whiskey-based drinks. Named for their purpose, these can hold 4 to 20 ounces to accommodate liquid and ice together, a style of serving liquor often referred to as "on the rocks." While rocks glasses are most often clear to display the drink's color, they are also available in a variety of tints including blue, green, pink, and gray. Along with old fashioneds, white Russians, mai tais, negronis, or straight liquors are commonly served in these glasses.
Highball and Collins glasses can be used to serve several cocktails such as mojitos, bloody marys, and Tom Collins. Though these glasses can be used interchangeably, they have slight differences in size. A Collins glass is a bit taller and can hold a couple ounces more than the average highball glass, and they are available in different styles ranging from tall cylinders to footed and round glasses.
Martini glasses are popular for Manhattans, cosmopolitans, and of course, martinis. Their V-shaped bowl allows the drink to aerate, which enhances the flavor of the cocktail. While martini glasses usually have a long stem, there are stemless variations, and they sometimes come in coupe styles. Coupe glasses are great for establishments looking to add a vintage feel to their drinkware presentation and concept. The smaller variation of these glasses holds around 4 ounces while larger glasses can accommodate more than 25 ounces.
Margarita glasses hold roughly between 6 and 56 ounces. These tiered glasses can accommodate margaritas that are shaken or blended with or without ice. Because margaritas are often served with a salt or sugar rim, these glasses may have a different colored or rolled edge for emphasis. Some margarita glasses may even have non-traditional designs, such as cactus-style stems or a glass that looks like a pineapple – great for Mexican and Tex-Mex-style restaurants.
Snifter glasses have short stems and a wide bowl with a narrow top. Ideal for serving brandy, cognac, and other distilled wines, snifter glasses can hold anywhere from 3 to 22 ounces and are typically made of glass. These glasses are designed to keep the aroma of the liquor in the glass and can also be used to serve whiskey, bourbon, and other brown spirits.
Meant for enjoying smalls pours of liqueur and aperitifs, cordial glasses – or sherry glasses – are small glasses with a stem. These glasses can hold 2 to 81⁄2 ounces and are made of glass. Available in several styles, cordial glasses can match the decor in a variety of restaurants.
Hurricane glasses have a vase-like shape with a flared rim and are used to serve hurricane cocktails and other tropical mixed drinks. They can hold from 101⁄2 to 16 ounces with a shape that allows bartenders to enhance presentation with fruit and other garnishes.
Meant for Irish coffees, Irish coffee mugs can also be used for hot toddies, hot canellas, and other hot cocktails. These glasses feature a short, thick stem and may include a handle. Irish coffee mugs are designed to show the layers of cream and coffee, hot chocolate, and eggnog. They can hold between 6 and 101⁄2 ounces.
