A Glass For Every Drink
Love to indulge in the luxury of a live-in mixologist? Here’s a mini masterclass that tells you how to pair your cocktails to the right glass.
Love a classic cocktail and enjoy channeling your inner mixologist to serve it in the best way? An often overlooked aspect of a perfect cocktail, however, is the glass in which it is served. Remember, glassware can make all the difference in upscaling your spirit. Certain glasses are associated with certain cocktails; and they simply make the perfect pair. But have you ever thought to wonder why glassware matters? Here’s why.
Did You Know?
Before getting on to these glass and drink combinations, let’s walk through some exciting glassware facts.
- The glasses in which the drinks are served aren’t there just for aesthetics, they also affect the taste of the drink.
- Each glass is designed to bring out certain aspects of the drink—from aroma to temperature, and of course, the flavour.
- Glasses are designed to serve functionality, making your drink all the more delicious.
- The glassware rarely changes, despite the innovation witnessed by the rising cocktail culture in terms of new and exciting ingredients.
Best Glass & Cocktail Combos
These cocktail and glass combinations are not just interesting, go together like gin and tonic. Remember these suggestions the next time you are pairing your cocktail to the glass.
Martini
Pair it with: Martini Glass
This is one of the most classic cocktail and glass combinations. The glass is an iconic symbol of cocktails, growing in popularity since the 1900s. Martini glasses tend to have a larger bowl and are conical at the base. A long stem and cone help to maintain the alcohol’s temperature, without the need for ice. It also allows for the aroma to be enjoyed by the drinker. Though known as a martini glass, it is also ideal for serving Cosmopolitans.
Daiquiri
Pair it with: Coupe Glass
A glass that was shaped after Marie Antoinette’s breast and a drink invented in Cuba make for an unlikely pairing. However, the coupe is a glass easy to hold onto and keeps the drink in even when swished around. Coupe glasses are used for cocktails that are served ‘up’. This means they are shaken with ice, and then served chilled—ideal for stemware. Much like the martini glass, the stem allows for the drink to remain chilled. While originally the drink was served with ice in a tall glass, the switch was made to coupe and is now an iconic combination. In addition to Daiquiris, Gimlets and Manhattans are also served in coupe glasses.
Negroni
Pair it with: Rocks Glass
The rocks glass, also known as lowball or old-fashioned glass, is short with a thick bottom. The glass is perfect for cocktails served ‘down’, which means they are chilled, but in a glass with no stem. These glasses make it easy to appreciate the aroma. Cocktails like Negroni tend to be more complex and taste well when slightly diluted. The ice in them helps to hold a consistent temperature. The rocks glass can serve cocktails with ice, though it’s not a requisite. It would include a large piece of ice, which allows the drink to be savoured for a longer period of time—which is why Negronis are typically served in rocks glasses. Considering this glass is also known as an old fashioned glass, it makes it ideal for the cocktail to be served in it as well—along with White Russians and Mai Tais.
Margarita
Pair it with: Martini Glass
This glass is best known for its stem and wide bowl, or fun double bowls. These glasses can come in a range of sizes, with the smaller ones good for cocktails with no ice and the larger ones ideal for frozen margaritas. It was designed to allow for the iconic salt or sugar rim. Salt can work to enhance flavour profiles, especially when mixed with citrus. And while sugar itself is not a flavour enhancer, it can work well with various elements of the cocktail. The glass is a variation of the Champagne Coupe—often used for champagne or sparkling wine.
(- Inputs from 30 Best Bars India)
