5 Different Types of Glasses for Drinking Alcohol

By James Madeiros

“Through The Drinking Glass”

Do there really need to be different kinds of glasses for drinking different kinds of booze? Can it be true, or is it a chapter out of some fairytale?

Obviously, no one needs to drink beer (or whatever) out of a certain kind of glass. If the vessel holds fluid and can deliver it to your face then the mission has been accomplished. There are some aficionados who will argue, however, that special glasses can enhance the flavor and drinkability of fermented spirits.

Below is a list of the more popular specialty glasses and the kinds of drinks most preferably served in them.

1. Beer Mug

You put beer in this. Some people (and classy establishments) put them in the freezer to frost them before use. One glass typically holds 16 oz. of fluid, but there are no rules. That’s what’s great about the beer world and the people who live in it.

2. Highball Glass

Unlike the brute utility of the beer mug, the highball glass is more about aesthetics. It’s a straight-sided glass of varying heights and is what you’re usually given when you order a whiskey and Coke, gin and tonic or other mixed drink.

3. Cocktail Glass (a.k.a. Martini Glass)

“Martini glass” is a bit of a misnomer for this iconic piece of stemware because manhattans, metropolitans and gimlets are also served in it. The angled, triangular bowl and long stem are unmistakable and is designed to keep the drinker from allowing her or his hands to warm the drink. Of course, after two drinks pretty much everyone cradles the bowl, thereby wasting its functional purpose.

4. Brandy Snifter

The brandy snifter works in the opposite way of a cocktail glass. Its short stem and globe shape encourage cradling so the hand warms the drink, and the tapered edges focus the odor of the liquor up into the tippler’s nose. In many ways, this is glass design at its finest.

5. Champagne Flute

Not to be outdone, the multi-purpose design of the champagne flute is also impressive. The long tulip-shaped vessel lets drinkers enjoy the gentle cascade of boozy bubbles and also focuses the effervescence upward so that it will create a foamy, nose-tickling mousse.

Enjoy!

Of course, I should remind everyone that our blog entries are for your information only and are not intended as medical advice. Because everyone is different, you should work with your medical professional to determine what’s best for you. If you’re going to drink, do it legally and responsibly; don’t be stupid =).