A drink can be perfectly mixed but if it is poured into the wrong glass the
magic is gone. Visualize a glass of wine in a beer stein. My personal favorite
is beer in a jelly jar. Not that I'm a snob but what worked in college
definitely won't cut it in the real world. Entertaining means investing in
glassware. It doesn't have to be expensive just correct for the drink.
How will you tell which drink to put in which glass? Simple buy a recipe
book that suggests what glassware to use.
The most common types of glassware found in a bar are:
Beer mugs. These are great
for Monday night football with the guys.
Highball glasses. These are
used for mixed drinks such as a rye and seven. You can also serve pop in
them to your designated drivers.
Old fashioned glasses. These
glasses are short and squat. They are also called low-ball glasses. They
are used when making drinks with ice only or when making a two ingredient
drink like Kahlua and cream. The rule of thumb is a single shot, ice and a
splash of something.
Wine goblets. They can vary
in size but should only be used to serve wine. Good news is that they are
versatile. The wine can be red, white or rose.
Margarita or daiquiri
glasses. The name says it all. Wait until these go on sale. They tend to
be expensive. Get the real glass ones. Do not use plastic. Ever.
Pony glasses also called
cordials. These are used for shooters, sherry or straight liquor. These
are also expensive. Have a glassware party and register so your friends
know what to buy you for your birthday.
Coffee Mugs. If you are
making Spanish or Irish coffee glass mugs are very important for
presentation. Ask yourself would you like a mug that is clean and pristine
or one that reads Last of the Red Hot Lovers? These mugs should never have
writing on them.
Brandy snifters. Again, a
fairly big ticket item. Another great gift idea for the family. When
serving brandy it is important to use this kind of glassware because the
heat from the hands warms the brandy and releases its aromas.