Welcome to the world of mixology, where the simple act of holding a cocktail glass can make a big statement. But there’s more to it than just picking up your drink. The way you handle your glass can show off your style, confidence, and even your knowledge about the drink in your hand.
Understanding Different Cocktail Glasses
To know how to handle a cocktail glass like a pro, you must know what types of cocktail glasses you are handling now.
Cocktail glasses come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to enhance the drinking experience of specific types of drinks. The most common types include:
- Highball Glass: Tall and straight-sided, ideal for mixed drinks with a high volume of non-alcoholic mixers.
- Martini Glass: Iconic V-shaped bowl, perfect for martinis and other “up” cocktails.
- Coupe Glass: Broad, shallow bowl, used for champagne and cocktails served without ice.
- Old Fashioned Glass (Rocks Glass): Short and wide, ideal for cocktails served on the rocks.
- Collins Glass: Similar to a highball but taller, used for carbonated mixed drinks.
- Flute Glass: Tall and thin, designed for sparkling wines and cocktails.
- Hurricane Glass: Curved, distinctive shape for tropical drinks.
- Margarita Glass: Wide bowl with a distinctive shape, specifically for margaritas.
So let’s check how to handle everyone.
How to Handle a Cocktail Glass Like a Pro
Highball Glass
Moving on to the highball glass, this tall and slender choice is ideal for “on the rocks” cocktails like highballs (naturally) and various other mixed drinks.
When it comes to handling a highball glass, it’s wise to hold it by gently gripping the sides with your thumb and fingers, offering a stable and comfortable hold.
While it might be tempting to take large gulps, especially if the drink is particularly refreshing, remember to sip slowly. This not only prevents your drink from spilling but also allows you to savor the flavors and enjoy the experience fully. It’s all about maintaining poise and enjoying your drink with class.
Martini Glass
Handling a martini glass requires both elegance and technique. The proper way to hold a martini glass is by the stem. This method is not only stylish but functional, as it keeps your hand from warming the contents of the glass, maintaining the optimal temperature of the drink.
Gently clasp the stem between your thumb and one or two fingers — it’s not necessary to grip it tightly. The remaining fingers can rest lightly on the base for added stability if needed. This grip allows you to enjoy your martini as it was intended: cool and refreshing from the first sip to the last. Remember, with a martini glass, less is more; a light touch reflects the sophistication of the drink itself.
Coupe Glass
source: Millesima USA
To handle a coupe glass, the method is similar to that of a martini glass, with grace and poise being key.
- Grip the Stem: Hold the stem between your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. This technique keeps the bowl of the glass from becoming warm with your hand’s heat, which is especially important for chilled beverages.
- Steady and Balanced: Your other fingers can rest lightly against the bottom of the stem for balance if needed, but avoid touching the bowl.
- Gentle Movements: When moving with the glass, use smooth and controlled motions to prevent spills given the coupe’s wide, shallow bowl.
Old Fashioned Glass (Rocks Glass)
Holding an Old-Fashioned, or rocks glass, is quite straightforward. This type of glass is typically used for drinks served neat or with ice (“on the rocks”) and is designed to be held comfortably in your hand.
- The Base Grip: Place your hand around the base or bottom half of the glass, using your fingers to support the sides without covering the rim. This allows your drink to maintain its temperature without the warmth from your hand affecting it.
- Steady Hold: Your thumb can rest on one side while the rest of your fingers gently wrap around the other side, providing a secure and comfortable grip.
- Casual Sipping: The rocks glass is all about relaxed sipping, so there’s no need to rush. Enjoy your drink leisurely, taking in the full flavors and aromas.
Collins Glass
source: pinterest
Handling a Collins glass, which is similar to the highball glass, is quite easy and straightforward:
- Full Palm Grip: Use your dominant hand to encircle the middle of the glass, allowing your fingers to wrap around it. This provides a secure hold without needing to squeeze tightly.
- Steady and Vertical: Keep the glass upright and steady. The tall shape of a Collins glass is designed to accommodate layered cocktails with ice, so maintaining it vertically ensures the drink’s composition and carbonation remain intact.
- Gentle Sipping: Collins glasses are often used for drinks that are enjoyed slowly, so sip gently. This way, you can savor the flavors of the cocktail as they blend over time.
Flute Glass
source: Vinovest
To handle a flute glass properly:
- Hold by the Stem: Always hold a flute glass by the stem to prevent the warmth of your hand from affecting the temperature of the beverage inside, which is often champagne or another sparkling wine that is best enjoyed chilled.
- Gentle Touch: Use a light touch, pinching the stem between your thumb and one or two fingers. There’s no need to grasp it too firmly; a delicate hold is both practical and elegant.
- Keep it Vertical: Always keep the glass upright to retain the carbonation and prevent spills. The elongated shape of the flute is designed to showcase the bubbles and preserve the drink’s effervescence.
This is one way of three. You also can check the other two ways from Vinovest.
Hurricane Glass
source: Drinks Saloon
To handle a Hurricane glass, which is known for its voluptuous shape and wide rim:
- Support the Base: Place your hand at the base of the glass, using your palm to support the bottom and your fingers to cradle the curve.
- Stem Grip for Stability: If the glass has a stem, you can also hold it there, using a similar grip to a wine or martini glass, with your thumb and first two fingers.
- Balanced Hold: Due to its larger size and often heavier weight when filled, ensure your grip is balanced and secure to prevent any tipping.
- Gentle Sips: The wide rim is designed for garnishes and sipping straws, so take advantage of these and enjoy your beverage with leisurely, controlled sips.
Margarita Glass
source: pinterest
To properly handle a Margarita glass:
- Hold by the Stem: Grip the stem between your thumb and first two fingers, similar to holding a wine glass. This helps maintain the chill of the margarita and keeps fingerprints off the bowl.
- Gentle Support: Your pinky and ring finger can gently support the base of the stem for added stability, especially useful if the glass is top-heavy from a salted rim and garnishes.
- Mind the Rim: Be mindful of the salted rim when taking sips, tilting the glass at an angle to avoid disrupting the salt and to drink comfortably.
What is the right way to hold a cocktail glass?
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