Comparing the Different Types of Gin Glasses
by Emily Jones on Nov 11, 2024
What are the different types of gin glasses?
There are many types of glasses, and while some are known as ‘gin glasses’, this definition can be subjective… what truly makes a glass a ‘gin glass’? Common glasses for gin include tumblers, highball glasses, cocktail glasses and balloon glasses.
We explore each below to determine what they’re best for, but in our book, any glass with a good G&T in it counts as a perfectly adequate ‘gin glass’!
The types of gin glasses best for popular gin drinks
Gin Tumblers
Also known as stemless gin glasses or rocks glasses (commonly used for whiskey/old fashions), gin tumblers are short and ideal for sipping gin cocktails, such as a gin bramble or a negroni. They are ideal for cocktails as you can fit ice cubes into these glasses, and muddle ingredients such as herbs and fruit directly in the glass.
Due to being a shorter glass, many consider a rocks glass ideal if you like a stronger drink with less mixer, or are more partial to single measures. However, a lot of gin tumblers tend to be wider to accommodate more liquid and allow the gin to breathe, so this isn’t always the case!
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Highball Glasses
Also known as long-drink glasses, they are tall and thin, which is ideal for long drinks such as a Tom Collins. Highball glasses are ideal for such drinks, as their shape preserves fizz well. They can also fit in a lot of liquid and ice, so can stay cold for longer and easily accommodate a double G&T!
These glasses are best if you tend to use a standard sized straw, which is useful for people with sensitive teeth or looking to avoid tooth staining.
Martini Glasses
Along with coupe or ‘cocktail’ glasses, Martini glasses are ideal for smaller, stronger cocktails such as a gin Martini or a gimlet. Classic Martini glasses have a cone shape with a wide rim and a long stem.
This is ideal to sip a cold cocktail, as it’s comfortable to hold while preventing your hands from warming the drink (similar to wine glasses). The sloped sides also avoid ingredients separating, and can support a toothpick of olives for garnish.
Balloon Gin Glasses
Also known as gin goblets, chalices or copa balon glasses, a Copa glass has a large bowl and a long stem which is ideal for gin and tonics or a large gin fizz.
Again, the long stem prevents your hand from warming the drink, but the vessel holds a lot of liquid to accommodate a larger drink that might require more mixer and ice. The curved shape also helps avoid cocktail ingredients from separating, or the drink from spilling. The wider ‘bowl’ allows the gin to breathe for an even better experience.
Overall, the best gin glass is whatever glass is your favourite for your favourite gin cocktail! Each have their own benefits and styles, so you really can’t go wrong.
