Cocktail Clinic: Glassware Arsenal

Here are a few simple pieces—coupes, highballs and snifters—that no home bar should be without. We’ve included essential cocktail recipes that go with each.

Collins

A taller and narrower glass than a highball. Commonly used for drinks served on ice and topped with a large amount of soda.

Cordial

A petite, tulip-shaped glass. For powerful drinks served in very small portions, dessert wines and liqueurs served neat.

Coupe

A shallow, wide-mouthed glass. Primarily used for small (a.k.a. short), potent cocktails.

Flute

A tall, slender glass whose shape helps keep Champagne and sparkling-wine cocktails effervescent.

Highball

A tall, narrow glass. Helps preserve the fizz in drinks that are served on ice and topped with soda or tonic water.

Martini

A long-stemmed glass with a cone-shaped bowl. For cocktails that are served straight up (chilled with ice, then strained).

Pilsner

A thin, flared glass useful for beer as well as cocktails too large for a highball; can also accommodate multiple garnishes.

Pint

A tall, flared glass with a wide mouth. For stirring or shaking drinks and serving oversize drinks.

Red Wine

A balloon-shaped glass. For fruity cocktails as well as punches; stemless versions are fine stand-ins for snifters.

Rocks

A short, sturdy, wide-mouthed glass. For spirits served neat and cocktails poured over ice.

Snifter

A wide-bowled glass designed to rest in your palm. For warm drinks, cocktails served on ice and spirits served neat.

White Wine

A tall, narrow glass. For wine-based cocktails; a fine substitute for a highball glass.