While I love having friends over for a cocktail night, my home is overrun by cocktail glasses. When I open a cupboard door, coupes tumble out; my guest room is overrun with margarita glasses; and I know somewhere in my loft there's a set of gin balloons, if only I could lay my hands on them.
It's not, I'll admit, in keeping with my otherwise minimalist approach to 'stuff', and whether you're like me looking to streamline, or just investing in your own home bar, it begs the question: what do I actually need?
"It all comes down to expectations and personalization," Giorgio Bargiani, Assistant Director of Mixology of London’s multi-awarded Connaught Bar and previous International Bartender of the Year, tells me. "Classic cocktails are typically expected to be served a certain way and in a specific type of glass, [but] on the other hand, many people now appreciate drinks tailored to their individual tastes and habits. I believe there's nothing wrong with bending the rules if it means making someone happier."
And, I've noticed, it's not just at home where this cocktail glass rule-bending happens. The last time I was served an espresso martini in a fancy restaurant, it arrived in a 'nick and nora' glass over the classic martini glass. I'm not sure why, but I kind of liked it more. "Creativity also plays a key role nowadays with new creations, different bar styles, and global influences all heavily shaping the way classic cocktails are being reimagined," Giorgio, who recently launched a collection of cocktail glasses with premium glassware brand Nude, explains to me. "As a result, bartenders often experiment and mix things up — redefining how a drink 'should' be served."
Assistant Director of Mixology of London’s multi-awarded Connaught Bar, Giorgio Bargiani is one of the most influential bartender profiles on the global bar scene, also recipient of the much-coveted International Bartender of the Year accolade at Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards 2023. Giorgio’s hospitality legacy is rooted in his family’s restaurant and boutique shops heritage in Pisa, Italy. Joining The Connaught Bar in 2014, he’s been growing and standing out for his contagious energy and creative drive, within and outside the bar. An ambassador of five-star hospitality, creativity and connections are the pillars of Giorgio’s approach to the hospitality world and to the prestigious and disruptive partnerships he builds around the world.
Which Types of Cocktail Glass Should I Prioritize?
"When space is limited and the goal is to build a flexible and practical cabinet, I would focus on two main types of glassware," Giorgia says. "As for quantity, I recommend having at least six of each glass. Of course, it all depends on how big your gatherings tend to be."
A Martini or Coupe Glass
Opt for glasses around 200ml in capacity, Giorgio advises. "This is ideal for spirit-forward cocktails served straight up, like Martinis or Manhattans, as well as more exotic drinks such as Daiquiris and Margaritas," he says.
"Even fruity variations work well, if that’s your style." A coupe, in particular, gives you a little more versatility, too. "When it’s time to celebrate, this glass can easily double as a vessel for a splash of bubbles."
An Old Fashioned or Rocks Glass
These glasses should be no more than 350ml, sized to accommodate a large ice cube to enjoy your favorite spirit, on the rocks or neat, Giorgia explains. "It's perfect for stirred cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Negronis, but also versatile enough for long drinks, spirit and mixer combos, or even a refreshing spritz."
Though Giorgio's guide gives me something to work with, I'm still not entirely convinced I've got room for 12 cocktail glasses in my small kitchen's cabinets, especially as martini glasses and coupes don't stack particularly well. His parting wisdom? "If cabinet space is really tight, it’s a good idea to make room in the freezer, especially for your martini glass, so your cocktails can be enjoyed extra cold." Finding storage and being cocktail-ready at all times? That might just work for me.
