Bartending Basics: Basic Glassware

Different drinks require different glassware.

The four basic types of glassware are:

• Shot Glass (approx. 2 oz.)
• Rocks Glass (approx. 6 oz.)
• Highball Glass (approx. 8-10 oz.)
• Collins Glass (approx. 10-12 oz.)

Often in a bar or restaurant, most shots and shooters are actually served in a rocks glass. When making and serving shooters at home, a shot glass can be used provided that the shot glass will hold at least 2 ounces and that the particular shooter is less than 2 ounces. If a particular shooter recipe calls for a total of 2 ounces or more of liquor and/or mix ingredients, then you will want to serve it in a rocks glass instead. When serving a layered shooter with multiple ingredients, some bartenders will substitute a martini glass for a shot glass or rocks glass.

A rocks glass is generally used for drinks that do not have a mix (such as soda, juice, or sour mix) and often for shooters (as mentioned above). Some of examples of drinks that are served in a rocks glass are a Black Russian, an Old Fashion, and a Kamikaze Cocktail. Rocks glasses are also used for drinks like a whiskey on the rocks.

As a general rule of thumb, a highball glass is used for drinks that have one liquor and one or more mixes. Examples of highball drinks include a Screwdriver, a Cap Code, and a Fuzzy Navel. Highball glasses are also used for drinks like a Rum & Coke or a Gin & Tonic.

Collins glasses are used for drinks that have two or more liquors, plus one or more mixes. Examples of drinks served in a collins glass are a Long Island Iced Tea, a Blue Motorcycle, a Lynchburg Lemonade, a Harvey Navel, and a White Russian.