How to Choose Cocktail Glasses You Will Actually Use
Buy glassware for the drinks you make, not for an imaginary bar. Two rocks glasses, two highballs, and two coupes will cover a strong home rotation. Add Nick and Nora glasses if you make many stirred or up cocktails, and wine glasses if spritzes and shared bottles are part of your hosting style.
Shape affects aroma, temperature, and how a drink feels in the hand, but it does not need to become precious. Look for a stable base, a rim that feels comfortable, and a size that suits your pours. If the glasses will be used often, dishwasher-safe durability beats a fragile set that stays in a cabinet.
The Educated Barfly video below walks through common shapes. For tools that pair naturally with your glasses, see our home bar gift guide.
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