The use of cutlery is a whole science called table etiquette. It is easy to use a variety of forks and plates. Their purpose can be guessed intuitively. In most cases, this is not difficult. But choosing the right glass for cocktails, based only on intuition, is quite difficult. After all, there are more than a few hundred types of these products. Glasses vary in glass thickness, shape and are designed for the respective drinks.
Why do we need glasses?
In ordinary life, a person does not think about which vessel to drink a drink from. However, to truly enjoy a cocktail, it must be served in a specially designed glass.
The statement of the famous wine critic Friedrich Siegel sounded quite eloquent. Once he noticed that wine without worthy dishes loses half of its charm. Drinking Burgundy from a glass not intended for it is tantamount to listening to a symphonyband with plugged ears.
You should not remain deaf to such an authoritative opinion. Therefore, let's figure out which cocktail glasses are intended. The photo above illustrates common vessels.
Useful information
In the eighteenth century, glasses first appeared in France. They were used only for wines. By the way, in translation from French, the word "glass" means "jar". Today's vessel has evolved somewhat. Now the glass is a container (125-150 ml) of an elongated, cylindrical, somewhat pear-shaped shape or takes the form of a vase.
Distinguishing a cocktail glass from a glass is easy enough. The capacity of the latter, as a rule, is 200-250 ml. It is used for mineral water or fruit. Visually, this is a vessel without a leg, cylindrical or expanding upwards.
When serving, glasses are placed to the right of the plate and on top. The following order is observed: the vessel that must be used first is the furthest away.
Varieties of glasses
It should be understood that vessels are made in various shapes for a reason. It is it that allows you to maximize the disclosure and fixation of the aroma and taste of the contents. An incorrectly chosen glass can upset the necessary balance.
In the modern world, the following varieties of these dishes are accepted:
- glasses for champagne, sparkling wines;
- snifters (designed for cognac, brandy, whiskey);
- wine glasses;
- glassesfor vodka and liquor;
- cocktail glasses.
Let's consider the last category of vessels.
Variety of glasses
Cocktails are quite an unusual drink. The ingredients for it can be berries, fruits, chocolate, marmalade, juices, milk, various alcohol. You just need to know how to mix, what and, of course, in what proportions.
The visual component plays an important role. The cocktail has a peculiar aesthetic. She has become the hallmark of the drink. Aesthetics also influenced cocktail glasses, types, shapes, design, volumes. Each drink has its own components, and therefore, a special taste, character, mood. To make such a picture perfect allows a special design. That is why cocktail glasses are as diverse as the drinks themselves.
The corresponding vessels appeared gradually. The invention of a new recipe and method of serving required an aesthetic design. Therefore, soft, streamlined or elongated plastic forms with strict or curved lines appeared.
The range of vessels is quite rich. Let's dwell on the most common and popular types.
Martini cocktail glass
Vessel (martini glass, cocktail glass) is intended for chilled drinks, without ice. It is also called a cocktail glass, the name of which is “Martini”. This drink is served in this vessel. It is intended for chilled cocktails of medium volume. Ice is completely unacceptable for such a form. Also do not use a glass for drinks in its pure form. Despite the name, it is unacceptable even for Martini vermouth.
Visually, the vessel is easy to distinguish. The walls of the glass form the widest funnel. The glass from the very base begins to expand rapidly. It does not have the smooth transitions that distinguish other species. Visually, it resembles a triangle. The product has a thin leg. This is the only glass that allows a person drinking from it not to feel the temperature of the contents with their fingers and, accordingly, not to warm it. The volume of the vessel is 90-280 ml.
Use cocktail glass:
- Daiquiri.
- Cosmopolitan.
- "Daiquiri Derby".
- Basilini.
- "Passionate Daiquiri".
- "Earthquake".
- Red Bikini.
Margarita glass
This vessel (Margarita Glass) has an amazing shape. The name speaks for itself, since such a glass is intended for the Margarita cocktail and its variations. The product is also used for serving frozen drinks.
A glass with a capacity of 200-250 ml has a thin long leg. This product has smooth lines and transitions. At its base, the glass is very narrow. At the same time, the upper edge of the product opens wide. The rim of such a vessel is usually decorated with a sugar border.
Highball glass
Vessel (Highball glass) is a tall glass. It has a thick bottom. The neck expands slightly. The highball glass is mainly used for non-alcoholic drinks.drinks, juices, mineral water. The volume of the vessel is from 160 to 240 ml.
Quite often it is used by bartenders to make complex cocktails. This product is perfectly capable of dispensing a large volume of beverage.
Designed cocktail glass:
- Bloody Mary.
- Mojito.
- Tequila Sunrise.
- Strawberry Colada.
- "Horse neck".
- Goddaughter.
- Mai-Tai.
Collins glass
Vessel (Collins) has a thick bottom and walls. Its volume is 230-340 ml. The glass is widely used for strong drinks mixed with ice and soda. It is in demand for cocktails, implying a large volume. For example, Long Island Ice Tea, Mojito drinks.
Hurricane glass
The vessel (Hurricane Glass) has an amazing shape. Translated from English, the name of the glass means "hurricane". When you look at its forms, corresponding associations arise. It also resembles a tulip, located on a figured short leg. A cocktail glass, whose name is hurricane, is used for tropical drinks. Its volume is 400-480 ml.
It serves tropical cocktails:
- Pina Colada.
- Blue Hawaii.
- Amigos Pina Colada.
- Tequila Sunrise.
- Banana Colada.
These milkshake glasses are often used.
Glass of Irish coffee
Capacity (Irish Coffee Glass) resembles the shape of a tulip. Distinctive features of the glass are a short stem and a thick handle. The latter is made of heat-resistant glass. This allows the product to be used for hot drinks. That's what the glass is for. It is mainly used for mulled wine and grog drinks. Suitable vessel for coffee cocktails. It is also used for drinks with the addition of ice cream. Irish coffee is served in this container.
The volume of the vessel is 240-320 ml.
Old fashion glass
Vessel (Old Fasioned) has a rectangular shape. It has a thick bottom and walls. Its volume is from 100 to 320 ml. Today, such a vessel is not as popular as it used to be. Its main purpose is to serve strong alcoholic beverages. Usually it's whiskey. However, the drink is served not in its pure form, but with the addition of ice. The thick walls of the glass prevent the glass from melting quickly.
This vessel has an amazing history of its creation. As you know, cowboys in the Wild West often "fired" bottles. The bartenders carefully collected the remaining fragments. Glasses were made from the bottoms. According to this likeness, an old-fashioned glass is made today. It is very durable and practically does not break.
Pilsner glass
Another name for it is a sling. This is one of the options for a highball glass. It has a more glamorous look. This vessel got its name after the invention of the cocktail (classic version) "Singapore Sling". Product volume - 200-300 ml.
Widely used cocktail glass:
- "Sling"(various variations).
- "Sex on the Beach".
- "Sweet Contrast".
- Banana Daiquiri.
Features of glasses
These vessels can radically change the perception of the taste and aroma of the drink. Indeed, depending on the shape of the glass, the first sip affects certain taste buds.
In addition, special attention should be paid to the sonority, purity, strength of the product. Any bubbles, chips, cracks, turbidity - this is a real marriage for this vessel. A professional glass should have a number of features.
The most important thing to pay attention to is the composition and quality of the glass. Modern glasses are made from the following types:
- ordinary glass;
- synthetic;
- smooth crystal.
Synthetic glass is made from plastic raw materials. These glasses are highly durable. At the same time, their surface is quite sensitive to any extraneous influences.
Crystal glass contains lead. It is this component that gives the glasses improved properties. Thanks to lead, they are somewhat similar to crystal. These glasses are transparent, sparkling and durable.
Conclusion
Psychologists say that the shape of the selected glass not only contributes to taste sensations, but also can significantly lift your mood. The use of transparent glasses in a person is associated with a feeling of lightness and purity, openness. These containers are great for gifts.especially in conflict situations. This gift will inspire trust and favor. Glasses made of colored glass are not suitable for especially sensitive people. Those with a good sense of humor will love the patterned vessels.
