The use of tableware is a science called table etiquette. Easy to use a variety of forks and plates. Their purpose can be guessed intuitively. In most cases, this is straightforward. But to choose the appropriate glass for cocktails, based only on intuition, is quite difficult. After all, there are more than a few hundred types of these products. Glasses vary in glass thickness, shape and are intended for appropriate drinks.
Why do we need glasses?
In ordinary life, a person does not think which vessel to drink a drink from. However, in order to get real pleasure from a cocktail, it should be served in a specially designed glass.
The statement of the famous wine critic Friedrich Siegel was eloquent enough. Once he noticed that wine without worthy dishes loses half its charm. To use burgundy from a glass not intended for him is equivalent to listening to a symphony orchestra with plugged ears.
Do not remain deaf to such an authoritative opinion. Therefore, let's figure out which glasses for cocktails are intended. The photo above illustrates common vessels.
Helpful information
In the eighteenth century, glasses first appeared in France. They were used only for wines. By the way, in the translation from French the word "glass" means "can". Today's vessel has evolved somewhat. Now the glass is a container (125-150 ml) of an elongated, cylindrical, somewhat pear-shaped or vase-like shape.
It’s easy enough to distinguish a cocktail glass from a glass. The capacity of the latter, as a rule, is 200-250 ml. It is used for mineral water or fruit. Visually it is a vessel without a leg, cylindrical or expanding upward.
When serving, the glasses are placed to the right of the plate and on top. The following order is observed: the next is the vessel that must be used first.
Varieties of glasses
It should be understood that vessels are made of various shapes for a reason. It is it that allows you to maximize open and fix the aroma and taste of the contents. An incorrectly selected glass can upset the necessary balance.
In the modern world, the following varieties of this tableware are accepted:
- glasses for champagne, sparkling wines;
- snifters (designed for cognac, brandy, whiskey) ;
- glasses for wine;
- glasses for vodka and liquor;
- glasses for cocktails.
Consider the last category of vessels.
Variety of glasses
Cocktails are a rather unusual drink. Berries, fruits, chocolate, marmalade, juices, milk, a variety of alcohol can serve as ingredients for it. You only need to know how to mix, and, of course, in what proportions.
The visual component plays an important role. The cocktail has a peculiar aesthetics. She became the hallmark of the drink. Aesthetics also influenced cocktail glasses, types, shapes, design, volumes. Each drink has its own components, and therefore, a special taste, character, mood. To make such a picture perfect allows a special design. That is why glasses for cocktails are as diverse as the drinks themselves.
Corresponding vessels appeared gradually. The invention of a new recipe and method of presentation required an aesthetic design. Therefore, soft, streamlined or elongated plastic forms appeared with strict or curved lines.
The range of vessels is quite rich. Let us dwell on the most common and sought after species.
Martini Cocktail
The vessel (martini glass, cocktail glass) is designed for chilled drinks, without ice. It is also called a cocktail glass, whose name is “Martini”. This drink is served in this vessel. It is intended for chilled cocktails of medium volume. Ice is completely unacceptable for this form. Also do not use a glass for drinks in its pure form. Despite the name, even for the vermouth "Martini" it is unacceptable.
Visually, the vessel is easy to distinguish. The walls of the glass form the widest funnel. A glass from the very beginning begins to expand rapidly. It is not characterized by smooth transitions that distinguish other species. Visually, it resembles a triangle. The product has a thin leg. This is the only glass that allows a person drinking from it not to feel the temperature of the contents with his fingers and, accordingly, not to warm it. The volume of the vessel is 90-280 ml.
Apply a glass for cocktails:
- "Daiquiri".
- "Cosmopolitan."
- Derby Daiquiri.
- "Basilini."
- "Passionate Daiquiri."
- "Earthquake".
- "Red bikini."
Glass of Margarita
An amazing shape is distinguished by such a vessel (Margarita Glass). The name speaks for itself, since such a glass is intended for the Margarita cocktail and its variations. The product is also used for serving frozen drinks.
A glass with a capacity of 200-250 ml has a thin long leg. This product has smooth lines and transitions. At its base, the glass is very narrow. In this case, the upper edge of the product is widely disclosed. The rim of such a vessel is usually decorated with a sugar rim.
Highball glass
The vessel (Highball glass) is a tall glass. It has a thick bottom. The neck expands slightly. Highball cocktail glass is mainly used for soft drinks, juices, mineral water. The volume of the vessel is from 160 to 240 ml.
Quite often it is used by bartenders to make complex cocktails. In this product, it is quite acceptable to serve a large volume of the drink.
Designed a glass for cocktails:
- "Bloody Mary".
- Mojito.
- "Tequila Sunrise".
- "Strawberry Colada."
- "Horse neck."
- "God daughter".
- Mai Tai.
Glass collins
The vessel (Collins) has a thick bottom and walls. Its volume is 230-340 ml. The glass is widely used for strong drinks mixed with ice and soda. It is in demand for cocktails, implying a large volume. For example, drinks "Long Island Ice Tea", "Mojito."
Glass of Hurricane
The vessel (Hurricane Glass) has an amazing shape. Translated from English, the name of the glass means “hurricane”. When you look at its forms, corresponding associations arise. It also resembles a tulip located on a curly short leg. A cocktail glass called Hurricane is used for tropic drinks. Its volume is 400-480 ml.
It serves tropical cocktails:
- "Pina colada".
- "Blue Hawaii."
- Amigos Pina Colada.
- "Tequila Sunrise".
- "Banana Colada."
Often these glasses are used for milkshakes.
A glass of irish coffee
Capacity (Irish Coffee Glass) resembles the shape of a tulip. Distinctive features of the glass are a short leg and a thick handle. The latter is made of heat resistant glass. This allows the product to be used for hot drinks. It is for them that the glass is intended. It is mainly used for mulled wine and grog. Suitable vessel for coffee cocktails. It is also used for drinks with the addition of ice cream. In this capacity, Irish coffee is served.
The volume of the vessel is 240-320 ml.
Glass of old fashion
The vessel (Old Fasioned) has a rectangular shape. It has a thick bottom and walls. Its volume is from 100 to 320 ml. Today, such a vessel is not as popular as before. Its main purpose is to serve strong alcoholic drinks. As a rule, this is whiskey. However, the drink is not served in its pure form, but with the addition of ice. Thick walls of the glass prevent the melting of the latter.
This vessel possesses an amazing history of its creation. As you know, cowboys in the Wild West often “fired” in bottles. The bartenders carefully collected the remaining fragments. Glasses were made from the bottoms. Today, a glass of old fashion is made in this likeness. It is very durable and practically does not break.
Pilsner Glass
Its other name is sling. This is one of the options for a highball glass. It features a more glamorous look. This vessel got its name after the invention of the Singapore Sling cocktail (classic). The volume of the product is 200-300 ml.
Widely used for cocktails:
- "Sling" (various variations).
- "Sex on the beach."
- "Sweet contrast."
- "Banana Daiquiri."
Glass Features
These vessels are able to radically change the perception of the taste and aroma of the drink. Indeed, depending on the shape of the glass, the first sip acts on certain taste buds.
In addition, special attention should be paid to the sonority, purity, and durability of the product. Any bubbles, chips, cracks, turbidity - this is a real marriage for this vessel. A professional glass should have a number of features.
The most important thing to pay attention to is the composition and quality of the glass. Modern glasses are made of the following types:
- ordinary glass;
- synthetic;
- smooth crystal.
Synthetic glass is obtained from plastic raw materials. Such glasses are distinguished by high strength. Moreover, their surface is quite sensitive to any extraneous influences.
Crystal glass contains lead. It is this component that gives the glasses improved properties. Thanks to lead, they are somewhat similar to crystal ones. Such glasses are transparent, sparkling and durable.
Conclusion
Psychologists say that the shape of the selected glass not only contributes to the taste sensations, but also can significantly raise the mood. The use of transparent glasses is associated in humans with a feeling of lightness, purity, and openness. Such vessels are great for gift, especially in conflict situations. This gift will inspire trust and favor. Particularly sensitive people are completely unsuitable for glasses made of colored glass. Persons who have a good sense of humor will like vessels with a pattern.