Fine, clear glasses reveal a cocktail in all its beauty.

Fine, clear glasses reveal a cocktail in all its beauty. As the glass touches the lips, you get a sense that something extraordinary is about to occur.
Drinking is all about pleasure, therefore the glassware has to add to that pleasure, both visually and texturally. When the cocktail glass appears on the bar, shimmering like a bright star, you reach out to taste a vision. The glass must not disappoint the senses.

Traditionally, each type of drink has a glass shape specifically for it. For instance, a long drink needs a highball; an old-fashioned demands a short heavy-based glass, which can be created from cut crystal or have a smooth surface. A gin or vodka classic Martini is always served in a Martini /cocktail glass, and a Margarita is only really happy to be served in a Margarita glass. A liqueur needs an elegant small glass, and a straight shot of spirit requires a shot glass.

When buying stemmed glasses, seek out those with a design on the stem, be it a twisted pattern, or a coloured section. This styling adds a visual interest to the cocktail presentation. Sometimes a pattern is etched around the rim, or the designer may have decided on a plain band of colour, sometimes gold or silver, around the rim.

The most important design element is the balance of the glass when it is in your hand when you pick it up. The stem should not feel heavy, nor must the bowl when it is in your palm.

When drinking cocktails it is advisable to avoid any type of glass with a coloured bowl because the colour hides the colour of the ingredients of the cocktail. For al fresco dining look for glassware that is slightly chunky, made in more of a goblet style because it will be sturdier than finer glassware. If a goblet falls over, it is less likely to break.

Modern cocktails require a modern glass. Look for clean lines and an elegance in the styling. However, if you’re serving a classic, perhaps seek out an antique style cocktail glass to go with the period. For instance, an Art Deco-style cocktail glass is excellent for a Brandy Alexander or a Bronx. Thrift shops often have a surprising collection of glassware, donated by people who are clearing out their parents’ home. Gems can be discovered among the usual suspects cluttering up the shelves.Delicate champagne coupes mingle with cut glass whisky glasses, keen to be picked out so they can shine in a home bar.

Always handle a stemmed glass by the stem, not the bowl. This helps keep the cocktail chilled. And, keep a clean dish towel nearby to polish glasses, thus removing any trace of dishwashing liquid.