What It Is...

Cocktail Glass Types

All of the drink recipes on our site have an icon next to them as well as an image of the finished cocktail. Below is a list of the glassware icons, a brief description of the glass, and a few samples of cocktails served in the glass type.

BEER MUG Holds: 16 ounces
Usually made of thick glass, quite heavy, with a large handle, it's the traditional beer container.
BRANDY SNIFTER Holds: 5 to 25 ounces
Ballon shaped brandy snifters have a very short stem small enough to be cradeled in the palm which heats the spirit. Never fill the brandy snifter glass above one quarter filled.
COCKTAIL GLASS Holds: 4 to 6 ounces
Also known as a martini glass. The shape of the glass helps keep ingredients from separating, and the stem allows the drink to stay cool while holding.
COLLINS GLASS Holds: 10 to 16 ounces
Named after the drink Tom Collins, this glass is tall and skinny and can be found in clear or frosted glass.
HIGH BALL GLASS Holds: 12 ounces
A tall, straight, wide glass used for serving spirits plus a mixer. These glasses have a base the same diameter as the rim.
IRISH COFFEE MUG Holds: 10 to10 ounces
With a short stem and a handle, this glass is also known as the Irish Coffee Glass. It is used for almost any hot beverage.
LOWBALL GLASS Holds: 4 to 10 ounces
Lowball glasses are short with a base diameter of the same size as the rim. These glasses are most commonly used for serving "straight" drinks "on the rocks". The lowball glass is also called a "rocks glass" or "old fashioned glass".
MARGARITA GLASS Holds: 12 ounces
Slightly larger then a cocktail glass, the Margarita Glass has a broad-rim for holding salt, ideal for margarita's. Also used in daiquiris and other fruit drinks.
PITCHER Holds: 30 to 60 ounces
This larger container usually has a handle and a lip or spout for pouring the contents into several glasses. Available in glass or plastic.
RED WINE GLASS Holds: 6 to 10 ounces
Typically, red wine glasses have a wider bowl then a white wine glass and are made with thicker glass. The wider bowl is said to let the wine breathe.
SHOT GLASS Holds: 1 to 6 ounces
Shot glasses are made of very thick glass, especially at the bottom. They come in two types. The regular shot glass is approximately 2 inches tall and the tall shot glasses can be as high as 6 inches. Normally they both have the same diameter. The regular shot glass can also be used as a measuring tool when preparing cocktails. Short Size: Approximately 1 to 2 ounces Tall Size: Approximately 2 to 6 ounces.
WHISKEY SOUR GLASS Holds: 4 to 6 ounces
This is a stemmed, wide opening glass, alike to a small version of a champagne flute.
WHITE WINE GLASS Holds: 6 to 8 ounces
A tulip stemed glass whose stem helps to keep the wine chilled by not allowing the heat of the hand to be in contact with the upper part of the glass.