If you are not well-versed in the world of drinks and drinkware, the sheer number of different glass types can be overwhelming. While the names of some glasses are self-explanatory, like the wine glass, the purpose of other glasses, like a lowball glass or Collins glass, are not immediately clear. If you are planning to serve alcohol at your event and you are not sure what glasses you need, this is a great place to start. The guide below will walk you through some of the most common glass types and what they are used for. Read on to find the perfect glass for your event!

Wine Glass

Wine glasses are generally separated into two categories: red and white. Red wine glasses are larger with wider mouths to the drink to be swirled and aerated, bringing out the flavor. White wine glasses, while almost identical in shape, are generally smaller with slightly narrower mouths to prevent the wine from oxidizing and losing its more delicate notes. Wine glasses typically feature a long stem to prevent a warm hand from transferring heat to the chilled wine, though stemless wine glasses are becoming increasingly popular due to their more casual look and lower center of gravity.

Flute

Flutes are taller and much narrower than wine glasses. Their narrow body and small mouth make them ideal for preserving the fizz of champagne, sparkling wines, and sparkling mixed drinks like mimosas. Like wine glasses, flutes are available in both stemmed and stemless options. Stemmed flutes are perfect for use on champagne walls or to capture that classic champagne toast photo, but the lower center of gravity on the stemless flutes make them less likely to tip over in a lively environment.

Cocktail Glass

Traditional cocktail glasses are conical in shape and feature a wide mouth that allows you to fully enjoy the layered aroma of a cocktail. These glasses are typically used to serve cocktails “up,” or without iced. Cocktail glasses can be found in both stemmed and stemless varieties. The cocktail glass also comes in some modified shapes made for specialty cocktails like the martini with its larger bowl and the margarita with its upside-down hat shape and a rim perfect for salt and a garnish.

Lowball Glass

Lowball glasses, also known as rocks or old-fashioned glasses, are short, wide, cylindrical glasses most commonly used to serve straight pours of liquor either “neat” or “on the rocks.” The thick base on lowball glasses also make them ideal muddled drinks. This is the perfect glass for serving whiskey, scotch, and bourbon, as well as some classic cocktails like the Manhattan, the Old Fashioned, and even some margaritas.

Highball Glass

Highball glasses are tall cylindrical glasses with a higher volume than other cocktail glasses. These glasses are ideal for serving cocktails ordered “tall,” or with extra mixer, and poured over ice. Many popular cocktails are best served in a highball glass, including a Gin and Tonic, Bloody Mary, Tequila Sunrise, Vodka Cranberry, Screwdriver, Long Island Iced Tea… the list goes on! 

Collins Glass

Collins glasses are similar to highball glasses, but they are slightly taller and thinner. Much like the small-mouthed flute helps preserve the fizz in sparkling wines, the small mouth of a Collins glass helps preserve the fizz in carbonated cocktails. These glasses are named for the Tom Collins drink they were created for, but they are also commonly used for cocktails containing soda water or carbonated sodas. Unsurprisingly, Rum and Coke, Vodka Soda, and mojitos fall in this category. Collins glasses are also great for serving non-alcoholic options like a Shirley Temple or Roy Rogers.

Coupe

The Coupe began as the original champagne glass back when people preferred their champagne on the flatter side. It is still used in that capacity today by those aiming for a classic look, and its wide rim and sturdy base make it the ideal glass for building showstopping champagne towers. Outside its original use, however, Coupes have also become popular for serving shaken cocktails without ice, like the Sidecar and the Aviation.

Pilsner

The Pilsner is a large beer glass formulated specifically for pilsner beers. These 12-ounce glasses are ideal for light beers, its height and curved shape perfect for showing off the colors and clarity of a good beer while maintaining carbonation and a frothy head. The hourglass shape also makes this glass easier to grip should this full-to-the-brim beverage happen to spill over the side. 

Irish Coffee Mug

Irish coffee mugs feature heat-resistant glass and a convenient handle to maintain the temperature of warm drinks while protecting your fingers from the heat. As its name suggests, this glass is perfect for an Irish Coffee, but it can also be used for Hot Toddies, Mulled Wine, Buttered Rum, or any other hot drink.

Stem Glass

While most alcoholic beverages have specific glasses they are typically served in, sometimes it’s refreshing to have a glass that can step in to fill any role left behind. Stem glasses are great multi-purpose glasses that can be used for wine and cocktails in a pinch, but they are most commonly used to hold all the non-alcoholic alternatives like water, tea, and soft drinks. Their simple shape and short stem help them to blend seamlessly with other glass types at a table setting, keeping everything cohesive and on theme.

Goblet

Goblets are a fancier option for a multi-purpose glass, often featuring fun colors, ornate designs, and carved crystalline qualities. As an added benefit, these glasses tend to have thicker walls, making them perfectly suited to retain the temperature of both hot and cold drinks.