Types of Bar Glassware
People generally expect certain drinks to be served in certain kinds of glasses. The problem is that there are more standard bar glasses than most people (and many bars) care to purchase. It is often said that the right glass can enhance the drink you serve and the bar glassware has evolved into specific shapes and sizes according to the type of liquid it holds. In modern bar, there is stunning range of bar glassware available – beer mug, beer pilsner, brandy snifter, champagne flute, cocktail glass, high ball glass, red wine glass, sherry glass, shot glass, whiskey sour glass and not to forget, the white wine glass and so on.
Below are the main types of glasses that popular in modern bar:
Highball Glass
The base of this glass is the same diameter as the rim, creating a tall, straight, wide glass.
Size: Approximately 12 ounces
Cocktail Glass
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.
Size: 4 to 6 ounces
Old Fashioned Glass
The base diameter of this short glass is the same size as the rim.
Size: 4 to 8 ounces
Collins Glass
Named after the drink Tom Collins, this glass is tall and skinny and can be found in clear of frosted glass.
Size: 10 to 16 ounces.
Red Wine Glass
This elegantly shaped stemmed glass is generally used to serve red wine. The stem is used for holding not to affect the temperature of the drink.
Size: Approximately 8 to 10 ounces.
Whiskey Sour Glass
This is a stemmed, wide opening glass, alike to a small version of a champagne flute. Size: Approximately 5 ounces
Champagne Flute
These are tall, slender dainty glasses. The flute helps preserve the carbonation of champagne, while the stem helps keep it chilled.
Size: 7 to 10 ounces
Cordial Glass
Small and stemmed glass used for serving small portions of liquors at times such as after a meal.
Size: Approximately 2 ounces
Irish Coffee Cup
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.
Size: Approximately 8 to 10 ounces
White Wine Glass
The stem helps keep the wine stay chilled by not allowing the heat of the hand to be in contact with the part of the glass that actually holds the wine.
Size: Approximately 6 to 8 ounces
Brandy Snifter
They have a very short stem to be placed between the middle and ring finger, to allow the palm to heat the spirit while holding.
Size: 5 to 25 ounces
Parfait Glass
Pronounced Par fey is also known as the glass for foo foo drinks. This glass comes in various shapes. The stem keeps the ice cream from melting quickly.
Size: Approximately 12 ounces
Shot Glass
Usually 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 is also used as a measuring tool when preparing cocktails.
Short Size: Approximately 1 to 2 ounces
Tall Size: Approximately 2 to 6 ounces
Pitcher
This larger container usually has a handle and a lip or spout for pouring the contents into several glasses. Available in glass or plastic.
Size: Approximately 30 to 60 ounces
Beer Mug
Usually made of thick glass, quite heavy, with a large handle, it’s the traditional beer container.
Size: Approximately 16 ounces
Punch Bowl
A large semispherical bowl suitable for punches or large mixes. Often used at parties.
Size: Approximately 1 to 5 gallons
Mason Jar
This large square containers are effective in keeping their contents sealed in an air tight environment.
Size: Approximately 16 ounces
Hurricane Glass
This tall and elegantly shaped glass was named after it’s hurricane-lamp-like shape and used for exotic or tropical drinks.
Size: Approximately 15 ounces
Sherry Glass
This small narrow stemmed glass is the choice for aperitifs, ports, and sherry.
Size: Approximately 2 ounces
Margarita-Coupette Glass
This slightly larger and rounded approach to a cocktail glass has a broad-rim for holding salt, ideal for margarita’s. It is also used in daiquiris and other fruit drinks.
Size: Approximately 12 ounces
Pousse Cafe Glass
Traditionally a sort of narrow, tall cordial glass often to contain a slightly greater volume of liquid than a standard 1 ounce cordial. The Pousse Cafe and its variations were liqueur drinks poured in layers so the heaviest liqueur or syrup would settle in the bottom and progressively lighter (lower specific gravity) liqueurs or spirits would float atop one another creating a layered effect. Pousse Cafes are meant to be sipped one layer at a time.
Size: 1.5 ounces
Pint Glass
This glass is often used to serve a pint of beer and beer-related mixed drinks Size: 1 pint
Beer Pilsner
This glass is often used to serve beer and beer-related mixed drinks
Size: 12-20 ounces