Why Cocktail Glasses Are Different Shapes
Have you ever wondered why all cocktails aren’t served in the same glass? We constantly see in movies actors drinking martinis and cosmos out of fancy glasses, so we may feel we have to do the same as well. People go out of their way to choose a glass that their cocktail will look best in without knowing why.
Different glassware have evolved in order to make different cocktails look and taste better. The function of the glass serves two purposes: to enhance aromas and correct temperatures. These are two key factors in an enjoyable drinking experience. Different shaped glasses bring out different aspects of the drink.
Red Wine Glass
The standard wine glass has a stem. Holding the glass by the stem transfers less heat to the wine, so your hand isn’t warming it up as fast. Aroma is one of the most important elements with wine, which is why your wine glass should have a large opening. Red wines are served in larger, bowl-shaped glasses to swirl the wine easily around. The large surface area allows for more aroma release.
White Wine Glass
Usually, white wines are served in a more slender glass than red wine. Smaller glasses help slow down any rise in temperature, while the long stem allows you to hold your drink without your hands heating it up. These glasses are petite, because the dessert wine is typically very sweet and you don’t want a lot of it. It has a smaller opening because the sweet taste is more important than aroma.
Martini Glass
The martini glass is probably the most iconic drink thanks to Sex and the City. Martini glasses generally differ from a traditional cocktail glass by having a larger bowl and being fully conical at the bottom. The long stem helps to control the temperature of your alcohol, because drinks served in this glass will not have ice in them. They will be shaken or stirred with ice first, and then strained into it. The cone shape serves to help maintain temperature, keep the ingredients pushed together, and provides a nice large surface area for aroma.
