Cordial and Liqueur Glasses
Does it matter whether you sip your drink out of cordial glasses, shot glasses, a tumbler, or goblet? With different drinks, the shape and size of the glassware can matter significantly to its taste, texture and aroma. Here are some examples of cordial glasses or liqueur glasses:
What is a cordial drink?
Cordials are alcoholic beverages that tend to be sweeter, be more flavorful and contain less alcohol than base liquors such as whiskey. They're often served in various types of cordial glasses. Most are less than 80 proof, or 40 percent alcohol. There are exceptions to this, for a liqueur such as Southern Comfort can be as high as 100 proof. Cordials are also called liqueurs. Some examples of cordials include:
- Advocaat: a creamy, egg-based drink
- Brandy: a distillation from grapes, blackberries, apples, or other fruit- It's often drunk from a type of glassware called a balloon or brandy snifter.
- Parfait d’amour: violet-colored and violet-scented liqueur
- Sambuca: an Italian anise flavored liqueur - This drink is traditionally served with two coffee beans floating on top.
- Creme de Noyaux: a pink spirit made from hazelnuts
- Maraschino: made from black cherries
- Galliano: a sweet Italian drink made from vanilla, with a bright yellow color
- Goldwasser: a clear drink made of oranges and spice - Flakes of gold are added to this beverage.
How many ounces are in a cocktail glass?
The size of a cocktail glass can vary. Some glasses hold 2 fluid ounces while a large glass can hold much more. A margarita glass holds between 6 and 20 ounces, for example, while a champagne flute typically holds between 7 and 11 ounces.
How do you choose what glass to use?
When selecting a glass, which one you use will depend significantly on what you plan to drink out of it. All glasses used to hold alcoholic beverages should be made of glass, for plastic can affect the taste of the drink. The glass should be clear to help you enjoy the colors of the cocktail or cordial itself.
What is a highball glass used for?
This glass, also called a Collins glass, tends to be the plain water glass. But it’s also used for
- Beer
- Lemonade
- Mai Tais
- Operators -- a tipple made of white wine, lime juice, and topped up with ginger ale
- All types of carbonated beverages, including colas and ginger ale
What is a port glass?
A port glass is a small, tulip-shaped, stemmed glass for drinking port. Its small size and its shape direct the bouquet of the port toward the mouth and the nose and allow you to better enjoy them. Most port glasses have short stems to allow you to cup the bowl of the glass in your hand and warm the port. The warmth strengthens its bouquet.
What is a glass tumbler?
A glass tumbler is often used for whiskey and is also called an old-fashioned, rocks glass, or Delmonico. It is a small glass with flared sides.