There are differences in functionality within your cupboard. It’s not every glass for themselves.  It’s a wonder how many people don’t know the differences with daily drink-ware, but they could spot out a martini glass.  Sometimes when we start growing up, it’s a little difficult to change habits, like drinking water in a coffee mug.  A little etiquette doesn’t hurt, and shows your sophistication.  It’s also quite helpful to know about different drinks with different glasses when having guests over for a party.  Here’s a mini lesson as to which glass to use.

For daily use

  • Water Glass – These are the taller glasses.  You use these for water, lemonade, and other drinks of the sort.  This is your basic daily ware.
  • Juice Glass – Mostly used for orange juice.  I always wondered why I always got a small glass of OJ.  But I guess this is to limit how much Vitamin C, acidity, or sugar we get in the morning.
  • Mugs – For coffee, tea, hot chocolate.  There’s a good reason why there’s a handle, the mug’s hot!
  • My pick: I know I’m bending the rules, but for summer, I like to use the canning glass jars (ie. ball), sticking them in the freezer, and having  a cold Peach-Mint Ice Tea. I think these are suitable for summer BBQ’s and picnics. Consider it BBQ chic!

For your bar

  • White Wine Glass – White wine glasses are the taller of the two wine glasses.  They also have the more narrow top.
  • Red Wine Glass – Of course, this is the shorter of the two and it has a more globe or bowl top.  The shape of the glass is to differentiate as well as distribute the flavors and aroma of the wine.
  • Flute Glass – We  see  this glass used all the time with champagne or sparkling wine.  There is a purpose for the shape of this class.  It’s so the beverage doesn’t lost its carbonation (the “bubbly”).
  • Martini Glass – This one is a no brainer.  Open upside down-cone shape on top with a stem.  This is also used for other cocktails and best used when chilled first.  There are 2 sizes, 3oz and 12oz.
  • Brandy Glass – This glass is also easy to spot.  It usually has a short stem and a globe head.  The shape of the glass is important because it keeps the flavor and aroma in.  The globe head helps it to keep the goodness of the brandy in.
  • Like daily drinking glasses, there are also 2 sizes for “other drinks”.  Here’s the explanation of the differences:
  • Highball Glass or Cocktail Glass – This is usually used for mixed drinks (ie. Long Island Ice Tea), on the rocks, or neat.  This is  the all-around glass, more commonly used for cocktails.  This is the taller glass.
  • Old Fashioned Glass – Drinks serves in this glass usually have ice served with it.  There are also specific drinks.  This is the shorter glass.

Happy drinking!!