The Ultimate Guide to Gin Glasses: Choosing the Perfect Glass

The Ultimate Guide to Gin Glasses: Choosing the Perfect Glass

When it comes to enjoying gin, the type of glass you use can have a surprising impact on the overall drinking experience. Over the years, there have been several traditional types of gin glasses, each designed to enhance certain aspects of your drink. Here's a breakdown of the classic gin glasses and the reasons you'd use each one:

1. Balloon Gin Glass or Copa de Balon

• Why Use It: The balloon gin glass is arguably the most iconic gin glass. Its large, round bowl allows for plenty of space for ice, garnishes, and the gin itself, which can help bring out the complex aromas of the spirit. The wide surface area helps to release the gin’s botanicals, making it perfect for serving gin and tonics with aromatic garnishes like citrus slices, herbs, or spices.
• Best For: Classic gin and tonics or any gin cocktail that benefits from plenty of ice and garnishes. It's ideal for enhancing the fragrance of the drink.
• Why It Works: The wide bowl allows for maximum aroma release, which is why this glass is perfect for sipping and savouring.

The Origins of the Balloon Gin Glass

While the balloon gin glass may seem like a modern trend, its history is actually rooted in Spanish culture. It was introduced in Spain in the 1990s, when Spaniards were looking for a way to elevate the classic gin and tonic. At the time, gin was becoming increasingly popular in Spain, and bartenders began experimenting with different types of glassware to enhance the drinking experience.

The larger, rounder bowl of the Copa de Balon (as it’s called in Spain) was specifically designed to allow for more ice and garnishes, giving gin lovers the ability to fully appreciate the aromas and flavours of their drink. The large bowl also allows the gin to "breathe" more freely, making it the perfect vessel to showcase the complex, botanical notes that many gins possess. The design helped shift the gin-and-tonic trend from a simple, functional drink into an experience that was as much about the presentation and aroma as it was about taste.

As Spain’s love for this style of glass grew, it quickly spread to other countries, becoming a favourite in bars and homes worldwide. Today, the balloon gin glass is not only the go-to for gin enthusiasts, but it has also become a symbol of sophistication and style, perfect for any gin cocktail that deserves a little extra flair. Whether you're enjoying a classic gin and tonic or a more complex gin-based creation, the balloon gin glass remains the gold standard for enhancing the drinking experience.

The Gin Balloon Glass is my go to for serving a classic gin and tonic, I love to add loads of ice and garnish, basil and strawberries in the summber and in the winter a twist of grapefruit and rosemarry.

My favourite glass is the Anton Studio Designs Palazzo, it shows off my garnishes to perfection, find out more here.

 

2. Highball Glass

• Why Use It: The highball glass is tall, slim, and designed to hold a larger volume of mixer, making it perfect for a gin and tonic with a lot of ice. The narrow shape prevents too much dilution, keeping the drink nice and chilled while you sip. Its practical design ensures the drink stays refreshing, and the carbonation of the tonic is maintained longer.
• Best For: Long drinks like gin and tonics, gin and soda, or gin cocktails with more mixer. If you prefer a refreshing, slightly lighter drink, the highball glass is a great option.
• Why It Works: Its tall design helps balance the proportions of gin and mixer, and it’s ideal for enjoying a chilled, well-mixed drink. The narrow shape also helps preserve the carbonation, ensuring your gin and tonic stays bubbly until the last sip.

The Origins of the Highball Glass in Gin & Tonic

While the highball glass is most commonly associated with whiskey or rum-based drinks, it became a natural fit for the gin and tonic cocktail as the drink gained popularity. The gin and tonic originated in the 19th century when British colonial officers in India began mixing quinine (used to treat malaria) with water and gin to make it more palatable. Over time, it evolved into a beloved cocktail, especially as tonic water became widely available.

The highball glass’s tall, slender shape was ideal for this new favourite drink. Its ample volume allowed bartenders to pour plenty of gin, add generous ice, and top it off with tonic, providing the perfect balance of flavours. The narrow design also helped maintain the carbonation of the tonic, keeping the drink refreshing longer.

Today, the highball glass remains the perfect choice for a gin and tonic, maintaining its classic, crisp nature while still allowing for easy sipping and enjoying the full refreshment of the drink. It’s also a go-to for other gin-based cocktails like the Gin Fizz, Tom Collins, or Gin Buck, making it a versatile and timeless glass choice.

 

3. Gin Goblet

• Why Use It: The gin goblet is a stemmed glass with a wide bowl, typically more compact than a balloon glass but still offering ample space for your gin. It often has a classic, elegant look, similar to a wine glass, which makes it perfect for a more sophisticated gin experience. The goblet design allows the drinker to enjoy the full aroma of the gin, making it ideal for more complex or aromatic gins that benefit from a little less dilution and focus on the spirit’s flavours.
• Best For: Gin cocktails or more aromatic, complex gins where you want to focus on the spirit's flavours without adding too much garnish. The goblet is also great for enjoying gin neat or with a small mixer, allowing you to appreciate the subtleties of the gin itself.
• Why It Works: The stem allows for easy holding without warming the drink with your hand, while the wide bowl lets you experience the gin's aromas. The classic elegance of the goblet also elevates the drinking experience, making it perfect for those special occasions or when you want to savour a premium gin.

The Origins of the Gin Goblet

The gin goblet traces its roots back to the wine glass tradition, as both glasses are designed to enhance the drinking experience by focusing on the aromas and flavours of the spirit. While it isn't as widely associated with gin as the balloon or highball glass, the goblet's stemmed design has been historically used for various types of spirits and cocktails, including gin.

The gin goblet's design likely evolved from the goblets used for wine, which became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries across Europe. The wide, open bowl and stem design were intended to allow wine to "breathe" and reveal its complex aromas, which is the same idea behind using it for gin. This style of glass allowed drinkers to fully appreciate the complex botanicals and nuances in their gin, particularly those crafted with multiple herbs and spices.

Though not as ubiquitous as the balloon gin glass, the gin goblet's sophisticated design makes it a standout choice for those who want a more refined experience with their gin. It’s often used for tasting and serving higher-end gins, where the focus is on the quality of the spirit rather than the mixers or garnishes.

Today, the gin goblet still offers a more elegant and refined approach to serving gin, perfect for occasions where you want to slow down and savour the drink.

 

4. Tumbler (Old-Fashioned Glass)

• Why Use It: The tumbler or old-fashioned glass is a short, wide glass commonly used for serving gin neat or in cocktails like the Gin Martini or a Negroni. It’s perfect for a simple, no-frills gin experience where you want to appreciate the purity of the spirit. The wide mouth allows for easy sipping, and the low, sturdy base ensures the drink stays chilled while maintaining the full integrity of the spirit.
• Best For: Neat gin, or gin cocktails like a Gin Martini or Negroni. If you’re not adding much mixer or garnish, the tumbler is ideal. It’s also great for those who prefer to enjoy their gin straight or with just a splash of tonic or soda, allowing the gin to be the star of the drink.
• Why It Works: Its low, broad shape makes it perfect for spirit-forward cocktails, allowing you to savour the flavour of the gin without too much dilution. The wide opening lets the drinker experience the gin’s aromas directly, while the compact size ensures it’s perfect for sipping slowly and enjoying the purity of the spirit.

The Origins of the Tumbler in Gin & Tonic

The tumbler, also known as the old-fashioned glass, has a long history dating back to the early 19th century and is deeply rooted in the evolution of classic cocktails. The term "old-fashioned" refers to a style of cocktail that was popular before the rise of modern mixology and refers to drinks made with a simple base spirit, sugar, water, and bitters — the building blocks of the Old Fashioned cocktail itself.

The tumbler's wide, short shape was designed to serve cocktails like the Old Fashioned, which was traditionally made with whiskey, but over time, it became a natural fit for other spirit-forward cocktails like the gin martini and the Negroni. With the gin and tonic’s rise in popularity during the 20th century, the tumbler became a convenient choice for those who preferred their gin with little more than a splash of tonic or soda water. The low and broad design kept the drink well-chilled and easy to sip, while the lack of excessive height ensured the gin was the focus of the drink.

In the early 1900s, when gin became increasingly popular in cocktails, the tumbler was adopted for serving simple gin-based drinks. Gin and tonic, which originated as a medicinal drink for British colonial officers in India, was often served in a tumbler for a straightforward, no-fuss drink experience.

The tumbler’s low, heavy base made it especially useful for spirit-forward cocktails like the gin martini, where the drinker could appreciate the purity of the gin without the dilution that comes from a taller glass with too much mixer or ice. The design became synonymous with simplicity, sophistication, and quality — perfect for those who preferred the clean flavours of the gin itself.

Why the Tumbler Works for Gin & Tonic

While balloon glasses and highball glasses are often associated with gin and tonic, the tumbler brings a more refined and traditional approach to the drink. It allows the gin to shine without being overshadowed by too many garnishes or mixers, making it ideal for gin purists who want to appreciate the flavours of the gin itself.

The tumbler's broad shape helps to highlight the gin’s aroma, while its compact size ensures you enjoy the drink at its freshest, without it becoming too watered down. It’s perfect for enjoying a classic, simple gin and tonic, or for sipping gin neat, giving you a true taste of the spirit’s botanicals and complexity.

In conclusion, while the tumbler is often used for various cocktails and spirits, its role in gin and tonic history reflects the evolution of the drink, from colonial medicinal remedy to the iconic cocktail we know today. The tumbler provides a simple yet elegant way to enjoy your gin, making it a timeless choice for gin lovers around the world. 

My love is the classic Negroni, and my favourite recipe can be found on the Punch website here, I normally serve it in the Anton Studio Designs Empire Blue DOF (yes I love the colour blue), check them out here.

 

5. Stemless Gin Glass

• Why Use It: The stemless gin glass is a more modern take on the traditional gin glass, offering a sturdy, stemless version of the balloon shape. It’s perfect for people who prefer a casual, easy-to-hold option without sacrificing the large bowl that allows for ice and garnishes. The stemless design eliminates the potential for tipping over, making it an excellent choice for relaxed settings and social gatherings where convenience is key. It still offers enough space to let the gin breathe and allow you to enjoy the aromas and flavours of your drink.
• Best For: Gin and tonics or casual gin cocktails, especially when you want a more modern and practical option compared to the traditional balloon glass. It’s also ideal for situations where you want to enjoy a gin cocktail with ease, without worrying about the fragility of stemmed glasses.
• Why It Works: It’s perfect for a relaxed drinking experience where comfort and convenience are key, but it still allows for the large bowl that helps enhance the flavours of your gin. The stemless design also makes it easier to store and transport, while the generous size of the bowl lets you enjoy a fully flavoured gin and tonic or other gin-based cocktails with plenty of space for garnishes and ice.

The Origins of the Stemless Gin Glass

The stemless gin glass is a relatively recent innovation in the world of glassware, stemming from the growing demand for practical yet stylish alternatives to the traditional stemmed glasses. As gin and tonic became more popular worldwide, the demand for new glassware options also rose. Gin drinkers wanted a more casual, practical option that still provided the same sensory experience of the larger balloon glass, but without the fragility or the need for a stem.

The stemless version of the balloon glass is believed to have emerged in the early 21st century as part of the broader trend towards modernizing traditional glassware. Stemless glasses, initially used for wine and other cocktails, began to gain popularity due to their stability and ease of handling. With gin and tonic being a drink often served in a relaxed, social setting, a more functional glass was needed, and the stemless gin glass provided a great solution.

Unlike traditional stemmed glasses, which can be more delicate and prone to tipping, the stemless gin glass offers a wider base, which makes it less likely to fall over, making it especially ideal for casual gatherings or outdoor events. Despite its modern design, it maintains the large, round bowl associated with balloon glasses, allowing for the same aromatic benefits that help elevate the gin-drinking experience.

Why the Stemless Gin Glass Works for Gin & Tonic

The stemless gin glass has quickly become a favourite for those who enjoy gin and tonics in a more laid-back setting. While it still provides the essential features of a balloon glass, such as a large bowl that helps release the gin's aromas and provides ample room for ice and garnishes, its stemless design brings a touch of practicality and comfort. It’s perfect for enjoying a gin and tonic or other gin-based cocktails without worrying about the glass tipping over, making it especially popular for those who prefer a more modern, hands-on drinking experience.

Additionally, the stemless gin glass provides the freedom of movement, making it an excellent choice for people who like to carry their drink around without needing to worry about delicate stemware. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or relaxing at home, the stemless gin glass offers a more accessible, yet still elegant, way to enjoy your gin.

In summary, the stemless gin glass is an evolution of the classic balloon shape, offering both practicality and style. It combines the benefits of a large bowl for gin appreciation with the convenience of a stemless design, making it a popular choice for modern gin lovers who prefer a more relaxed, yet still refined, drinking experience.

Not only are stemless glasses great for gin but also wine, my favourite stemless glass is the Artland Neon Stemless.

 

6. Collins Glass (Tom Collins Glass)

• Why Use It: Similar to a highball glass but typically a little taller, the Collins glass is specifically designed for Gin Collins cocktails (like the Tom Collins), which are gin-based drinks with a citrusy twist. It has a similar shape to a highball glass but often comes with a slightly wider rim. This design allows for more space to accommodate a generous amount of ice, mixers, and garnishes, while also offering a glass that’s easy to hold and sip from. The Collins glass provides an ideal vessel for refreshing gin cocktails that benefit from a large volume of mixer and ice, making it perfect for long, chilled drinks.
• Best For: Gin Collins cocktails or any gin drink that benefits from a larger proportion of mixer and ice, such as a Gin Fizz or a Gin Rickey. These drinks are typically served long and refreshing, with a good balance of gin and mixer, making the Collins glass a natural fit.
• Why It Works: The tall, narrow shape ensures that your drink remains cool and fizzy, while the slightly wider rim helps release the bright, zesty aromas of the citrus. This is especially important for drinks that rely on fresh citrus juice, like the Tom Collins, where the aroma of the lemon or lime is a key part of the drinking experience.

The Origins of the Collins Glass in Gin & Tonic

The Collins glass is most famously associated with the Tom Collins, a gin-based cocktail that first became popular in the 19th century. The story of the Tom Collins cocktail goes back to a classic bar prank that evolved into a beloved gin drink, but the glassware itself was specifically designed to cater to this refreshing cocktail.

The Tom Collins cocktail is typically made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water, creating a fizzy, citrusy drink perfect for warm weather. The Collins glass emerged as the ideal vessel for this drink, with its tall and narrow shape designed to hold a larger proportion of soda water and ice. Its design allowed bartenders to create the perfect balance between gin, citrus, and soda, while the glass’s height and width made it easy to enjoy a long, chilled drink.

While the highball glass was already used for long drinks like the gin and tonic, the Collins glass became the go-to option for cocktails like the Tom Collins, Gin Fizz, and Gin Rickey. The slightly wider rim of the Collins glass also helped highlight the bright citrus aromas, which were integral to the refreshing taste of these cocktails.

Over time, the Collins glass became more closely associated with the gin and tonic when served as a long, fizzy drink with a refreshing citrus twist. Its height ensures that the drink stays cold, while the slightly wider rim enhances the sensory experience, allowing the aroma of fresh garnishes to stand out.

Why the Collins Glass Works for Gin & Tonic

While the Collins glass is most famous for its association with Gin Collins cocktails, it has also become a popular choice for Gin and Tonics in more casual or modern settings. Its tall design is ideal for a drink that’s meant to be enjoyed over ice with a good proportion of tonic. The extra height ensures that there’s room for both ice and gin without compromising the fizz from the tonic, helping the drink stay bubbly and refreshing from the first sip to the last.

The Collins glass works particularly well for gin drinks that are mixed with citrusy elements or carbonated mixers, such as tonic, soda, or ginger beer. Its narrow body allows the drink to retain carbonation longer, while the wider rim helps highlight the citrus garnish, adding an aromatic kick to the overall experience. This makes it an ideal choice for enjoying a gin and tonic with a bit of a twist, whether that’s a squeeze of fresh lime or a vibrant garnish of herbs.

In summary, the Collins glass found its place in the gin world through its association with the Tom Collins cocktail, and today it remains a versatile choice for any gin-based drink that’s served long, with plenty of ice and mixer. Whether you're enjoying a Gin Fizz, a Gin Rickey, or simply a classic gin and tonic, the Collins glass offers the perfect balance of style and practicality, making it a must-have in your gin glassware collection.

I love the Anton Studio Designs Swirl Mixed Colour Set of 4, my favourite colour is the blue, check them out here.

Why not try the Pear Collins by thebartender.com on Pinterest, it combines gin and the sweet, fresh flavour of pear puree, click here to view.

 

7. Copita Glass

• Why Use It: The copita glass is a small, tulip-shaped glass typically used for tasting spirits like gin. While it’s not as common for serving gin cocktails, it’s perfect for appreciating the finer details of a gin's aroma and flavour, especially if you’re tasting a small pour or sampling different gins. The copita’s shape is designed to concentrate the aromas, allowing the drinker to fully experience the botanicals and nuances of the gin with every sip. This makes it ideal for gin enthusiasts who want to focus on the complexity of a craft or high-quality gin.
• Best For: Tasting high-quality, craft gins or neat gin, where you want to focus on the gin’s individual botanicals and nuances. The copita glass is especially suited for gin tastings, allowing you to fully appreciate the aromas before taking a sip and savouring the flavours. It’s often used in gin masterclasses or by distillers to assess the quality and character of their gin.
• Why It Works: The narrow opening of the copita helps concentrate the aromas, making it ideal for savouring the subtleties of a fine gin. The tulip shape directs the aromas toward your nose as you sip, enhancing your sensory experience by focusing on the complex scents and flavours of the gin. The smaller size and shape of the copita glass also allow you to taste the gin in smaller quantities, making it ideal for sipping slowly and appreciating every detail.

The Origins of the Copita Glass and Its Use for Gin

The copita glass is deeply rooted in the world of spirits and has a long history in the tasting and evaluation of fine liquors. Traditionally, the copita was used for tasting sherry, a Spanish fortified wine, where its tulip shape helped concentrate the aromas and direct them to the taster’s nose. The shape was specifically designed to enhance the experience of evaluating and appreciating the complex aromas of the spirit, making it ideal for tasting sessions.

As the craft gin movement grew in the 21st century, the copita glass found a new home in the world of gin appreciation. Gin, with its complex botanical profile and diverse flavours, benefits greatly from a glass that allows the drinker to focus on the aromas and subtleties that define a high-quality gin. Like sherry, gin is a spirit with many layers, and the copita’s tulip shape directs the concentrated aromas toward the nose, allowing for a more immersive tasting experience.

The copita glass was adopted by gin connoisseurs and distillers as the preferred choice for tasting gin neat or in small pours. The glass’s shape is perfect for focusing on the gin’s botanicals, whether it’s juniper, citrus, herbs, or spices. It’s commonly used in gin tastings where the goal is to appreciate the individual components of a gin, from its aroma to its mouthfeel and finish.

Why the Copita Glass Works for Gin

The copita glass is designed specifically for appreciating the aromas and flavours of fine spirits like gin. The narrow rim helps to concentrate the aromas, allowing the drinker to enjoy the full range of botanicals that make up the gin’s unique character. This is why it’s often the glass of choice for gin tastings, where the goal is to assess the quality and complexity of the gin itself. Unlike larger glasses that may disperse the aromas too widely, the copita directs them toward the taster’s nose, making it easier to experience every subtle detail.

When you drink from a copita, the smaller opening also helps to enhance the taste experience, as the nose and mouth work together to fully appreciate the spirit. It’s an ideal glass for sipping gin neat or for sampling multiple gins to discern their unique qualities. The glass helps you slow down and focus on the individual botanicals in the gin, from the bright citrus notes to the earthy juniper undertones.

In conclusion, the copita glass is a perfect vessel for those looking to appreciate the complexities of high-quality gin. Its origins in sherry tasting make it a natural fit for any spirit that relies heavily on aroma, and it provides the ideal environment for tasting gin, whether you’re savouring a single pour or sampling a range of gins. Its narrow rim and tulip shape make it the ideal glass for enhancing your sensory experience, ensuring you don’t miss a single note in the gin’s complex profile.

If you are keen to try gin without a mixer then why not try the Wilmax liqueur glass, find out more here.

 

Why Glassware Matters

Each of these glasses is designed to enhance a specific aspect of your gin experience, whether it’s allowing the gin’s aromas to open up, balancing the proportions of gin and mixer, or providing the right shape for sipping neat. By choosing the right glass for the right occasion, you can enhance your gin-drinking experience and make each sip more enjoyable.

When you’re selecting a gin glass, think about the style of gin you’re drinking, the type of cocktail you’re making, and the occasion. A balloon glass might be ideal for a classic gin and tonic, while a tumbler might be perfect for sipping a Negroni or Martini.

Ultimately, the right glass allows you to enjoy your gin to the fullest, whether you're relaxing after a long day, entertaining friends, or sipping on a carefully crafted cocktail. Cheers to that!

While reserching this blog we came across this article by Jessica Suo on the Urban List - 6 Gin Cocktail Recipes Inspired by NZ's Vibrant Arts Scene, check it out.

Click here to view our entire range of gin glasses.