“It’s not just about aesthetics, though that’s a nice bonus. Each type of glass is designed with a specific purpose to enhance the drink it holds,” says Celia Waddington, CEO and founder of Ignite Creative Services, a company that specializes in food and beverage and boasts its own in-house mixology bar and studio. “The variety of glassware shapes isn’t just for show—it’s all about enhancing the drinking experience. Different shapes serve different purposes, each designed to bring out the best in the beverage they hold.”
It's true—beyond just looking nice, using the correct glassware designed for the beverage of your choice elevates the experience by enhancing the flavors and aromas of the drink, helping regulate its temperature, and preserving bubbles (for those drinks that have them) so that you can get the most out of every sip.
"Take the champagne flute, for example," Waddington says. "Its tall and slender design isn’t just for show. It actually helps preserve the bubbles, keeping your celebratory sip as fizzy as possible."
We touched base with Waddington and Eddie Garcia, who not only has a 30-year history in the bar business—you may remember him from Jade Bar at Sanctuary on Camelback—but is now director of beverage and training for Ignite, for their feedback on why each glass is designed the way it is.
Here’s what they had to say.
Red wine glass: “The glass is big and bold, with a wide bowl and an open top, kind of like that friend who’s always the life of the party. It’s designed that way so your red wine can show off its full flavor. The wide bowl lets the wine breathe, bringing out those deep, complex aromas, while the broad opening directs the wine to the right spot on your tongue, making sure you taste every bit of its rich personality.”—CW
White wine glass: “Think of it as the sleek, sophisticated cousin—smaller, with a more narrow bowl and a slightly tighter opening. The glass is all about keeping things cool and crisp. The smaller size helps your white wine stay at the perfect temperature, while the narrower shape focuses the aromas and directs the wine to the center of your tongue, letting its refreshing, zesty character shine through.”—CW
Champagne flute: “The long and narrow shape of the glass helps with maintaining effervescence. The narrow opening helps keep the champagne cold.”—EG
Cocktail glass: “It’s that classic, wide-brimmed, triangular glass perched on a slender stem—like a little black dress for your drink. This glass is all about style and substance. The wide rim lets the aromas hit you first, enhancing the flavor, while the stem keeps your hand from warming up the drink. Perfect for sipping something shaken or stirred, it’s all about making your cocktail feel as elegant as it tastes.”—CW
Highball glass: “Tall, slender, and straightforward, kind of like your no-nonsense friend who always knows how to have a good time. The highball glass is made for mixed drinks with a lot of liquid, like a gin and tonic or rum and coke. Its tall shape allows for plenty of ice and mixer, keeping your drink cool and refreshing while giving it room to breathe.”—CW
Lowball glass: “Short, sturdy, and to the point—like that friend who’s always got your back. The lowball, or rocks glass, is perfect for stronger drinks served neat or on the rocks. Its heft feels just right in your hand, and the wide opening lets you appreciate the aromas while savoring a slow, satisfying sip. Whether you’re enjoying whiskey, an Old Fashioned, or something equally strong, this glass means business.”—CW
Hurricane glass: “The hurricane glass was developed in the 1940s. Its shape was inspired by the shape of a hurricane lamp. The shape of this lamp was designed to withstand the force of swirling winds.”—EG
Martini glass: “A martini glass is stemmed so that the heat of your hands doesn’t warm the drink too quickly.”—EG
Snifter: “A snifter is designed so that all the aromatics of its contents can be concentrated. Smelling is a huge part of tasting so the aroma concentrates on the mouth of the glass, which is small in comparison to its wide bottom.”—EG
Pint: “Although nowadays these come in a variety of sizes, a traditional pint is 16 ounces (thus the name). It is also wider on top to allow the gas from beer to be expelled and keep from making you full.”—EG
“Whether it’s keeping your champagne bubbly, your wine aromatic, or your cocktail perfectly chilled, the correct glass can elevate your drink from good to absolutely amazing,” Waddington says.