The Bar Snob: Glassware guide

Nothing screams sophistication like fancy glassware.

Beer mug

The standard beer container with an easy-grip handle. A beer stein, with its hinged lid, was created during the Black Plague to keep diseased flies out of the drink.

Champagne flute

The tall, narrow shape shows off bubbles as well as slows the carbonation by reducing the surface area at the top of the glass.

Cocktail glass

Used for cocktails like martinis that are chilled and served up. The long stem keeps hands from warming the drink.

Hurricane glass

A tall, tulip-shaped glass that's used for hurricanes and other tropical drinks, usually topped with lots of sliced fruit.

Highball glass

The straight-sided, 8- to 12-oz. glass is used for highballs and other tall mixed drinks that don't call for a specialty glass.

Margarita glass

A wide glass with a thick lip that makes it easy for rimming with salt or sugar. It's used for margaritas as well as daiquiris and other fruit drinks.

Pint glass

The other common beer holder, this 16-oz. glass has smooth sides and no handle.

Red wine glass

The wider and often shorter wine glass allows more open surface area for the wine to "breathe."

Rocks glass

Also known as an old-fashioned or lowball glass, this short, round glass is used for drinks on the rocks or "with a splash" of a mixer.

Shot glass

A 1.5 oz.-glass for vodka, whiskey, mixed shots and other liquors.

White wine glass

Taller and thinner than a red-wine glass, it exposes the wine to less air and allows less contact between your hand and the bottom of the glass, keeping the wine chilled.