A martini: elegant, classy, and the staple of all cocktails. However, there are so many different types of martini glasses that it can be hard to pick the perfect glassware. V-shaped crystal martini glasses, Nick & Nora glasses, the list goes on and on. Therefore, we’ve put together our top picks for the best martini glasses so you can enjoy a classy drinking experience.
Best Overall: Schott Zwiesel Martini Glass Set
Most Fun: Mikasa Clear Cheers
Best Stemless: Libbey Cosmopolitan Martini Glasses
Best Coupe: Riedel Nick & Nora Coupe Glasses
For Budget-Friendly: JoyJolt Olivia Crystal Martini Glasses
Best Stainless Steel: RSVP Endurance Set
For Monogrammed: Williams Sonoma Glass Set
What do you need to know about martini glasses?
There are plenty of things to know about how classic martini glasses function and how to distinguish them from other cocktail glasses.
Firstly, a martini glass is pretty easy to recognize. A traditional martini glass has a “v” shaped bowl design. Therefore, you can’t chug your drink – you can only sip on it casually!
Secondly, the actual bowl of a martini glass is smaller than others, such as a beer glass or whiskey glass.
Thirdly, you don’t have to limit martini glasses to just martinis. They’re also useful for serving a Sidecar or Cosmopolitan.
What is the difference between a martini glass and a wine glass?
There are quite a few distinguishing features between a martini glass and a wine glass. Typically, a wine glass has a long stem that transfers less heat to the wine, so your hand isn’t warming up as fast. Moreover, wine glasses have larger, deep bowl-shaped glasses so you can swirl your wine around.
Martini glasses often have a large, deep bowl as well, but they are typically in a v-shape. That’s the martini glass’ main distinguishing feature – the bowl shape. While there are some stemless martini glasses, most have a long stem similar to a wine glass.
Are martini glasses out of style?
No, definitely not! Thanks to pop culture such as Frank Sinatra and Sex and the City, martini glasses have and will remain iconic for a long time. Granted, some brands have branched out from the traditional martini glass, but the main qualities are all the same.
Nowadays, many people are liking their martinis to be served in coupe glasses, which has a broad, shallow saucer bowl. Similar to a martini glass, bartenders use a cocktail shaker and then pour the drink into a coupe glass.
Whichever one you decide to go with, it’s really just personal preference!
How do I choose a martini glass?
In order to determine which kind of martini glass set you want in your home bar, you first need to think about all of your classic cocktail needs. For instance, what type of material do you want? Most are made out of either glass or crystal.
Then, think about the size of glass you want. 8 ounces, 5 ounces, maybe somewhere in between?
Next, think about the shape you want. There are so many different shapes that it can be overwhelming when deciding which one is best for you. Do you want a goblet-shaped Nora cocktail glass or a stemless glass with a heavy base? Seriously, your martini cocktail glassware choices are endless.
What size martini glasses are there?
A typical martini glass has a six-ounce capacity. However, there are some four-ounce martini glasses while others can hold up to twelve-ounces. Therefore, it really just depends on the size preference that you’re wanting.
What is the best glass for a martini?
Whether you want a traditional crystal glass, a newer coupe glass that can serve anything from a martini to a Manhattan, or somewhere in between – follow along for the best martini glasses!
Best Overall: Schott Zwiesel Martini Glass Set
Made of Schott Zwiesel Tritan crystal, these glasses are extremely high-quality. Not only are they dishwasher safe, they’re also resistant to chipping and breakage. This set is the perfect gift for Father’s Day or an addition to someone’s bar set.
Most Fun: Mikasa Clear Cheers
These unique martini glasses come in four different patterns – striated swirls, polka dots, and horizontal and vertical stripes. They each hold 10 ounces and are a great choice to add to your glassware collection. Or, wrap them up in a gift box and they’ll make someone’s day!
Best Stemless: Libbey Cosmopolitan Martini Glasses
These glasses are beautiful and extremely classy. The set includes four glasses, all 8.25-ounces. Shake up your martini, pour into this high-quality glass, and garnish with an olive.
Best Coupe: Riedel Nick & Nora Coupe Glasses
Named after “the thin man”, Nick and Nora have been a leading martini glassware brand since the 1930’s. This set contains two fine lead-free crystal glasses, a beautiful gift item or great addition to your home barware collection.
For Budget-Friendly: JoyJolt Olivia Crystal Martini Glasses
Keepin’ it classy – these glasses are great for your martini or margarita…and your wallet! I love this glass set because it’s great for any drink you desire, you aren’t just limited to a martini. And, it’s the perfect height – not too short yet not too tall, and just simply elegant.
Best Stainless Steel: RSVP Endurance Set
Made out of brushed 18/10 stainless steel construction, this martini glass set is modern and different. Moreover, it’s great for outdoor use and keeping your drinks cold. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe so forget the tedious hand washing!
For Monogrammed: Williams Sonoma Glass Set
Does it get any classier than a monogrammed set of martini glasses? Yeah, I didn’t think so! This sparkling glassware set makes your drink more distinctive and brings the class up another notch.
