Build the Bar: Glassware

This post is part of Build the Bar series- detailing some of the things I found useful when we were building up our home bar.

While you can technically drink a cocktail in just about any vessel, there’s actually some thought into why certain drinks go into certain glasses. Just like wine, there’s appropriate glassware for different types of drinks.
Taking that first sip of a daiquiri, in a perfectly chilled coupe is a real treat. The frosty glass hits your lips as you smell the lime, rum and sugar.

You don’t need to go all in and buy every single type of cocktail glass under the sun. Shopping for glassware is more of a treasure hunt and we’ve found some of our favorites in unexpected places. One thing you will notice is how comically large most glassware is at big box stores. I have no idea where a 16 oz martini glass was thought to be a good idea. I’ve had good luck at CB2, Crate & Barrel and West Elm— but even then, most of their glassware is on the large side and you’ll have to do some research.

Tip! If it’s not listed on the tag, look up the store’s website to find the volume in the product description. Ideally you want 5-5.5 oz for coupes and 13 oz for double rocks glasses.

The best places to find glassware, in my opinion, are thrift shops and Goodwill. I’ve found some great vintage coupes at our local thrift store. The large volume glassware wasn't really a thing back then. It’s a also a great place to score cheap glasses for parties. We found all of our punch cups at Goodwill and it’s fun adding new finds to the mix.

Here’s my list of of useful and most loved glassware:

Coupe (5-6oz)- great all purpose glass for drinks served up, like the Bee’s Knees or this delightfully bright strawberry daiquiri

Double Rocks (13 oz)- used for anything stirred served over a large ice cube, such as an Old Fashioned
(These ones from CB2 are our work horses for the Penicillin, Negroni, Margarita or a split combo of Rye/Amaro— plus they’re stupid cheap yet well made!)

Nick & Nora (5 oz)- Also great for anything served up- specially stirred drinks. I love this style of glass so much— it’s delicate and makes the drink feel extra special. I also prefer this to a martini glass any day.

Single Rocks (9 oz)- For stirred drinks served neat (without ice), like the Sazerac or your favorite whiskey

Collins/Highball (11 oz)- for drinks served with several 1 inch cubes, like…well…. highballs.

Martini (4-5oz)- I will admit, I do not care for martini glasses— most are way too big and your drink will warm up long before you finish it. If you can find the right volume and you love the shape? Go for it! I’ll just stick with my Nick & Noras, thankyouverymuch.

Other fun glasses out there:
Wine for spritzes! Teacups for shaken drinks served over a large ice cube, tiki mugs to match just about any fandom!

And there’s still more glasses to collect — like Champagne flutes (for your French 75), Julep tins, and pilsner glasses… not to mention all the fun ceramic vessels from tiki bars across the country!

I sincerely hope you find the hunt for good glassware just as fun as I do—- it’s the journey not the destination…. or something like that…

Cheers,
Abby