The Ultimate Guide to Cocktail Glassware
Here at Punch, our priority has always been what’s in the glass. But that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate great glassware. We’ve spent more time than most handling coupes and copitas of every ilk; we’ve seen Negronis served in lightbulbs and Old-Fashioneds in hollow ice spheres. All to say that over the years, when it comes to drinkware, we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of reliable options in every category—plus a few notable outliers—selected for their availability, durability, functionality and, of course, how they look and feel. Think of this as a starter pack for your home bar. But if you want something flashier, on-trend, giftable: Check out our guide to the glassware showing up at today’s hottest bars.
The default for any “up” drink, from Daiquiris to Martinis.
Go-to: Cocktail Kingdom Leopold Coupe | Set of six, $42
Well-proportioned and sturdy without feeling clunky, the Cocktail Kingdom Leopold Coupe is a popular choice at bars across the country for its versatility and reasonable price point. It comes in several sizes, but the six-ounce option is our favorite for most “up” drinks. It’s not so big that the glass looks only half-full when your drink is poured, nor is it too small that you’re stuck with leftover cocktail in the mixing glass or shaker tin.
Splurge: Bobo Boobette | Set of two, $70
Bobo makes the it glassware of the moment, which shows at trendy bars like Schmuck, La Otra and Double Chicken Please. The Boobette holds would be perfect for a dainty Daiquiri.
An alternative to traditional coupes, Nick & Noras tend to be a tiny bit smaller (about five ounces), but can work for just about any “up” drink.
Go-to: Cocktail Kingdom Nick & Nora | Set of six, $45
As with most Cocktail Kingdom glassware, these Nick & Noras are designed for commercial use, which means they can withstand a bit of wear and tear. These glasses are the archetype of the Nick & Nora.
Splurge: LSA Savoy Nick & Nora| Set of two, $110
Recently, some bartenders have said that Nick & Noras, in their classic form, are a bit outdated. These glasses from London-based design studio LSA, however, feel both familiar and fresh. With a thin stem and a more pronounced V-shape, they harken to the Martini glass and would be an elegant vessel for the drink.
Typically holding between seven and 10 ounces, single rocks glasses are ideal for Old-Fashioneds, Sazeracs or neat spirits. Double rocks (or double Old-Fashioned) glasses are usually between 10 and 13 ounces, and designed to hold larger cocktails or those with ice.
Single Rocks Go-to: Duralex Empilable Tumbler | Set of six, $24
These seven-ounce tumblers are great for “down” drinks (i.e. chilled and in a rocks glass with no ice), neat spirits or even Old-Fashioneds—despite the fluted design, these glasses can still accommodate a large ice cube. Thanks to Duralex’s tempered glass, they are five times more resistant to shattering than most other glasses. What’s more: They’re stackable!
Double Old-Fashioned Go-To: Design Within Reach Big Top Glassware | Set of four, $59
When it comes to rocks glasses, there’s an undeniable pleasure in holding one with heft. These “big top” glasses answer that call, offering a nice weight in the hand and plenty of room for ice, whether it’s a large cube for a Negroni or a heap of pebble ice for a Mai Tai.
Splurge: Kimura Rocks Glasses | Price varies
Kimura is a hand-blown glass wonderland, and it’s easy to lose hours scrolling through their more than 1,000 ultrathin designs. Consider this tapered 7-ounce glass or one of the many designed options. The 12-ounce striped version is a favorite. Note that shipping is from Japan, so bulk ordering is the best bang for your buck.
A workhorse glass for all your tall drinks. Though highball glasses are typically smaller than Collins glasses, they get the job done, for everything from a G&T to a Ramos Gin Fizz and, yes, even a Tom Collins.
Go-to: CB2 Marta Drinking Glass | Set of six, $14
Many members of Team Punch have owned and loved these ultra-thin glasses, and it’s not hard to spot them in the wild at bars since their sleek appearance belies a deceptively durable construction. Though they’re billed as juice glasses, they work equally well for highballs, spritzes and more.
Splurge: Bobo Schooner Glass | Set of two, $60
Bobo’s Schooner glasses, which each fit about 11 ounces, are chic and minimalist. The name translates to “skipping over water,” or as the brand describes it, “the feeling of weightlessness hovering,” which is the same feeling you get when drinking from the vessel.
Tavern Glasses: Bormioli Hosteria Glasses | Set of six, $45
Tavern glasses have an air of the everyday about it: They’re sturdy and utilitarian, but still a joy to drink from. They’re a good go-to for wine, but any cocktail—Negroni to sour—looks great in them, too.
Digestivo: Ferm Living Ripple Small Glasses | Set of two, $55
A diminutive take on our favorite highball glasses, these two-ounce versions are ideal for after-dinner drinking, like a pour of amaro or your favorite 50/50.
Copita: Veladora Mezcal Shot Glasses | Set of six, $19
The name of these glasses alludes to their original purpose, which was to hold votive candles. (“Veladora” means candle in Spanish.) They’ve since become the go-to for sipping mezcal in Oaxaca.
Mugs: Kinto Mugs | Price varies
For hot cocktails, Kinto’s mugs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and both clear and sepia colors.
The most eye-catching glass: Karakter Sferico No. 2 Glass | $25 each
We can’t post a photo of a drink in a Sferico glass without receiving a handful of questions about where to buy one. They come in four different iterations, and we suggest mixing and matching. But if you have to pick just one, we recommend the No. 2, which feels well-proportioned for aperitivo or a sparkling drink.