Glassware is mostly about shape and size. A tall, narrow glass keeps bubbles longer, a wide bowl leaves room for ice and garnish, and a heavy base makes a glass stable on a table. The same glasses work just as well for sparkling water, soft drinks and alcohol-free cocktails, so a small, well chosen set goes a long way.
Before you buy, think about how you will use the glasses. If you host a few times a year, a set of six in one versatile shape may be all you need. If you want glasses for everyday use, look for dishwasher safe glass with a sturdy stem or no stem at all.
The ranges for champagne glasses, gin glasses, cocktail glasses and whisky glasses include everyday sets, crystal and many personalised or vintage pieces.
Glasses for sparkling drinks
| Shape | Looks | Good points | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flute | Tall and narrow | Keeps bubbles longer, easy to hold | Narrow opening, harder to wash by hand |
| Tulip | Narrow base, wider middle, tapered rim | Keeps bubbles and leaves room for aroma | Less common in budget sets |
| Coupe | Shallow, wide bowl | Classic look, also used for cocktails | Bubbles fade quickly; easy to spill |
A flute is the practical everyday choice. A coupe is often chosen for its vintage look and doubles as a cocktail glass. Many people now use a tulip shape or even a white wine glass for sparkling wine, since the wider bowl shows more aroma.
Gin, long drinks and cocktails
- Copa or balloon glass: a large, round bowl on a stem, popular for gin and tonic. The size leaves room for plenty of ice and garnish, and the stem keeps your hand away from the cold bowl.
- Highball: a tall, straight glass for long drinks with a mixer, including soft drinks and iced tea. Typical sizes are 300 to 400 ml.
- Tumbler or rocks glass: short and wide with a heavy base, used for spirits served with or without ice, and for short mixed drinks.
- Martini or cocktail glass: a cone-shaped bowl on a stem, for drinks served chilled without ice.
Check the capacity in millilitres before you order. Glass sizes vary a lot, and some listings give capacity in ounces or centilitres instead. One centilitre is 10 ml, and one US fluid ounce is about 30 ml. A larger glass does not mean a larger serving; it simply leaves room for ice and mixer.
Glass, crystal or something else
- Soda-lime glass is the everyday standard: affordable, durable and usually dishwasher safe.
- Crystal glass is clearer and can be blown thinner, which gives a fine rim. Lead-free crystal is common in modern glassware and is often dishwasher safe.
- Traditional lead crystal is heavy and sparkly, and many vintage sets are made of it. It is usually best washed by hand and not used for storing drinks for long periods.
- Acrylic or polycarbonate glasses are shatterproof, which suits gardens, picnics and poolsides.
Vintage glassware can be a good find, but check the listing for chips, cracks and cloudiness, and ask the seller if you are unsure whether a set is dishwasher safe.
Stems, weight and stability
Stemmed glasses look elegant and keep the drink cool, but tall stems are easier to knock over and to snap when washing. Stemless glasses are sturdier and stack more easily in cupboards. If you have young children or a small table, a stemless or short-stemmed glass is the practical choice. For engraved and personalised glasses, check whether the decoration is dishwasher safe and allow extra time for delivery.
Washing and storing
- Check the care label. Many modern glasses are dishwasher safe; crystal, gilded rims and hand-painted designs often need hand washing.
- Wash by hand in warm water with a little washing-up liquid, rinse well and dry with a lint-free cloth to avoid streaks.
- Hold a stemmed glass by the bowl, not the base, when you dry it, so the stem is not twisted.
- Store glasses upright, or hang them by the base in a rack. Storing them upside down on a shelf can trap smells and stress the rim.
- Avoid pouring very hot water into cold glass, which can crack it.
Storing bottles is covered in the guide to choosing a wine cooler.
Quick checklist
- Shape chosen for the drinks you serve, including soft drinks.
- Capacity checked in ml.
- Glass for everyday use, crystal for special occasions, acrylic for outdoors.
- Stemless or short-stemmed glasses for busy homes.
- Care label checked before you buy.
- Vintage pieces inspected for chips and cracks.
- Space in your cupboard to store the set upright.
Common questions
What is the difference between a coupe and a flute?
A flute is tall and narrow, which keeps bubbles longer. A coupe is wide and shallow, so the bubbles fade sooner, but it has a classic look and is also used for cocktails.
Are crystal glasses dishwasher safe?
Many modern lead-free crystal glasses are, but not all. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions. Vintage and lead crystal is best washed by hand.
How many glasses do I need?
A set of four to six per shape covers most homes. Start with one or two versatile shapes, such as a tumbler and a stemmed glass, and add others later.
