I hope you guys got a lot out of the first post, and I really think this one is essential to home bartending.

Glasses.

Now, of course it can be boring, but if you decide to experiment like myself, this post is important to remember.

As we are all drinkers to some degree here, or seen others drink, you probably always wonder, why were there different glasses? Why does a martini go into a cocktail glass instead of a rocks glass, unless said on the rocks?

Well, well, well. That’s what I’m here for! To teach you what’s up! Ready? Let’s do this!

There are 13 different typical glasses. They can vary in color, size, and name, but in there end still function the way they are intended for. The general rule is the stronger the drink, the smaller the glass. I’d say I agree with that 95% of the time. In my opinion, their are drinks, like the long island iced tea, that does apply to that rule, but once you get into the science/home economics of bartending, you be able to see that.

What do you need then?

Here’s a general list:

Highball
Lowball
Wine glass(two different types)
Cocktail
Champagne
Martini
Shot
Champagne flute
Brandy Snifter
Port/Sherry
Beer
Stein
Hurricane

I’m still working on my collection, and it’s not a matter of money, but space to keep them all. I generally get 2-4 of each since I don’t really have too many people over. If I do, I look for plastic ones to throw away after company is gone. Some of these you naturally get when you have a homewarming party or get married. If not, just about every big box store, or home store carries these. I thrift for mine. Big lots and my resale stores have become my best friend in collecting these.

We have these glasses, and we shall now go over the details of each one.

Highball: It’s also called a Collins glass. You notice these used for Bloody Mary or the Collins series of drinks. It’s able to hold up to 12-14 ounces of liquid. My highball glasses aren’t as tall, but have a wider base, they still hold the same amount of liquid.

Lowball: this glass is also called a rocks glass. It holds anywhere up to 8-10 ounces of liquid. It’s used for your ‘scotch on the rocks’ or basic liquor and soda drinks. It should have enough room for ice(rocks) to add. In most cases, it’s 1-2 ounces of liquor and fill with soda, or juice.

 

Wine: Of course it’s for wine or cocktails. Here’s the thing, if you a true wine drinker, you’ll see there is a difference for while wine glasses and red wine glasses. The white wine wine is simmer compared to the red wine glasses. The red wine glass has a bigger bowl to get more oxygen into the wine, where the white wine glass is slimmer, and doesn’t need that process to get a good taste. This holds about 8-10 ounces of liquid.

Cocktail: Many drinks are served in this glass, and this glass is also called a margarita glass. These glasses hold about 8-9 ounces of fluid. Now, your daiquiries and margaritas are typically made in these glasses. Also keep in mind, if you make frozen of anything, you have to take that into account when writing out the recipe for the drink.

Champagne Flute: This is basically for champagne or any drink mixed with champagne. The length helps the champagne to kep it’s bubbles and not go flat fast. Also makes the drink look pretty.

Martini: This glass is used for martinis of course, and any thing that you want to make look awesome. It hold close to 9 ounces, but it’s shape isn’t made for constant moving or jumping around. It’s also not made for a lot of liquid to fit, so keep that in mind when making drinks.

Shot: Shots and Shooters. For throwing the drink back in one gulp. Holds up to 2 ounces of liquid. They also come in tall forms or wide bases, but hold just about the same amount.

Champagne Saucer: I really don’t use these unless for a display. They don’t hold the champagne bubbles well, and turns the champagne or drink flat really quickly. Great for a display at weddings or massive parties, but that’s it. Holds up to 10 ounces.

Brandy Snifer: Those are next on my list of purchases. These are used for your better quality of brandy and cognac. You pour a small amount of brandy in the wide base of the glass and sip on the drink. The large base give the opportunity for you to to get the aroma and full effect of the liquid. Holds up to 12 ounces.

Port or Sherry: These are smaller versions of wine glasses. Most othen used for fortified wine. I use them if I want a glass of wine, but just a taste. To each their own. LOL. Holds about 7 ounces.

Beer: Do I really need to tell you? Beer, duh. LOL. These comes in ALL KINDS of sizes, and can hold anywhere from 14 – 70 ounces(even bigger in Germany) of liquid.

Stein: These are for Beer and Ales. looks like a normal beer mug, or what you are used to seeing. These are 10 ounces of liquids.

Hurricane: What I also like to call vegas or amusement park glasses. I use these for my more exotic recipes, but typically used for tropical cocktails or speciality drinks. Only holds 10 ounces oddly enough, but the odd shape gives the illusion that it’s bigger.

These are your basic types of glasses. Of course there are more to add to the mix, and I’m always fascinated in getting more glasses, but making room in my townhome is always an issue. Keep that in mind to as you begin this process. Storage. As I continue my building of a home bar, I realize storing the liquor, supplies, and glasses are my biggest challenge but this summer…….

We shall get into the subject of that. Finishing your home bar by building around your space. Don’t think you can’t. You can. It’s called creativity, and planning. I have one already, and plan tostart making it a reality in the next couple months. Just need a hardware store, and a plan. Of course I’ll show you guys my progress on that, and I think it will be awesome by the time I’m done.

We are going to end the series on the best part yet: Mixing. Yeah, that post will be fun!

~CSM~