Boujee cocktail glasses to lift your spirits.
Keen to try your hand at mixing drinks at home? Whether you’re unwinding after work or entertaining mates on a weekend arvo, kicking back with a freshly made cocktail (or mocktail) in hand can be one of life’s greatest pleasures.
But before you reach for that mug in the cupboard, know this: your self-made tipples will be loads more satisfying served in proper glassware.
In this article, we’re taking a look at four classic cocktail glasses no home bar should be without (plus a few cheeky extras to personalise your collection). We’ll also provide a bunch of product recs to help you find the right pieces for your aesthetic taste and budget.
Okay, fam, let’s get fancy.
Why get different types of glassware? Glad you asked.
Do you have a favourite mug? One that makes your morning coffee kinda hit different? You’re not imagining things. The shape and size of drinkware can absolutely impact the drinking experience – from the aesthetic and tactile appeal of the vessel to the taste and smell of the liquid it holds.
This is one reason cocktail glasses come in many different shapes and sizes. For example, a narrow glass can boost the taste of a drink by directing the smell to your nose, while a wider-rimmed glass lets more air in, which alters the balance of flavours.
Basically, the type of glass you use can mean the difference between a so-so drinking experience and a downright special one.
NGL, there’s a dizzying array of cocktail glasses out there once you start looking. But there’s no need to splash out on ten different types right now (unless you want to). It’s totally possible to enjoy the full mixology experience with just the essentials on hand.
Time to meet ‘em!
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Get creative with coupe glasses.
The coupe cocktail glass had its heyday in the early 1900s due to its wide and shallow bowl, which suited the syrup-based champagnes of the time. Today, it’s still a popular option for making bubbles a touch fancier, and it can also be used for a wide variety of different cocktails (making it perfect for experimentation).
The versatility of the coupe glass has helped it surpass the martini glass as the go-to in many contemporary cocktail bars. They offer fast aeration and aroma development, and they have a wider rim, meaning there’s more room for garnish (yes, please).
Coupe glasses are compatible with most shaken or stirred cocktails served ‘up’ (chilled, but no ice). Think Manhattans, daiquiris, gimlets and sidecars.
This Veritas Champagne Coupe Glass set from RIEDEL is giving luxury, but for something more playful, check out these sweet bubbled creations from Maison Balzac.
Channel Bond with martini glasses.
Introduced at the 1925 Paris Exhibition as an alternative to the coupe, the martini glass has gained iconic status due to its unique shape and countless pop culture appearances.
Like its coupe cousin, the martini glass’s long, delicate stem minimises heat transfer from your hand, while its wide brim enhances the aroma of your drink. Meanwhile, its steeply sloped sides prevent ingredients from separating and also keep garnish-topped toothpicks and skewers propped up.
While it was originally used for drinking champagne, today, the martini glass is used for a range of drinks served ‘up’. Aside from the traditional martini (shaken, not stirred, if you wanna go full Bond), there’s also the always-yum espresso martini or even a lemon drop or orange blossom – if you’re feeling zesty.
If you dig the 20s aesthetic, this vintage-inspired Bormioli Rocco set is the cat’s meow.
After something more modern? Get around this sphere-based Stemless Martini Glass Set from Ink Spiller.
Muddle like a pro with highballs and lowballs.
Let’s talk highballs and lowballs.
The highball is a tall, skinny vessel whose drinks tend to be made directly inside the glass. Snap up a quality set (like this Iittala duo), and you’ll be able to throw together standard combos like scotch and soda, rum and Coke, and 7 and 7. Highballs can be used for bloody marys, tequila sunrises, tiki drinks and all sorts of non-alcoholic concoctions too.
The lowball glass (aka the old fashioned glass) is simply a shorter version of the highball. Makes sense, right? Featuring a wide base, this sturdy staple is perfect for muddling the non-liquid components of your drink (like fruit and spices). Use it for serving spirits like whisky, bourbon, rum and vodka, for lighter cocktails like G & Ts and amaretto sours, and for boozier cocktails you’ll wanna take your time with (like mai tais).
In your main character era? The Mad Men-esque Salisbury & Co Ripple Tumblers are ideal for whipping up an old fashioned worth brooding over.
If a negroni sbagliato is (still) your drink of choice, the gorgeous Rose With A Twist Tumble Glass 2p Set will ensure a vibrant finish worth posting to the ‘gram.
Personalise your collection with something a lil extra.
Once you’ve got the essentials sorted, have a think about the types of tipples you most enjoy and consider nabbing a few extra styles to elevate your collection.
If you’re into tequila, why not get yourself some festive margarita glasses? Sure, you could make do with a coupe or a lowball, but if fun is what you’re after, nothing beats that distinctive double-bowl shape.
Love a fiery Moscow mule? We recommend getting your mitts on Cellar Tonic's Hammered Copper Moscow Mule. Why? Its metal construction will keep your mule cold and frosty while also heightening the vodka flavour. Plus, it’ll look as chill as it feels.
If you’ve stepped foot in a boujee cocktail bar lately, you’ll probably be familiar with our final rec: the Nick & Nora glass. With a bell-shaped bowl and a long stem, this elegant vessel sorta looks like a white wine glass, but in petite. If you’re an entertainer and like your cocktails served straight up, this high-resistance Luigi Bormioli set of six won’t disappoint.
Sip in style with Afterpay.
Making and drinking cocktails at home can be a hella satisfying experience, as long as you’ve got the right glassware at the ready.
Don’t let yourself be daunted by the myriad styles available, though! Just add a few hardworking staples to cart, and you’ll be mixing drinks like a pro in no time.
BTW, did you know that Afterpay is available at many of your favourite homewares brands, meaning you can order your cocktail glasses now and pay over four weeks?
We’ll drink to that.
