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Glassware

Glassware is one of the most important aspects of the bar environment.
It is a direct point of contact between the customer and the establishment as well as being expensive and easy to break.

As such, it needs to be carefully managed.

  • Certain drinks need to go in certain glasses to make them look and taste better. Make sure you know which drinks go in which glasses.
  • Never hold a glass by the rim. Touch only the base or stem.
  • Never use a glass to scoop ice.
  • Never serve a drink in a glass that is still warm from washing.
  • Ensure glassware is washed separately from greasy dishes and food to avoid oils coating the glass.

Make sure your glasses are always:

  • Spotlessly clean with no lipstick or watermarks.
  • Free of chips or cracks

TYPES OF GLASSES:

Long Drink:

  • A Long Drink is a drink served with a mixer such as soda or fruit juice, usually served with ice and often mixed with a spirit.
  • There are many types and styles of Long Drink glass.
  • Common types include High Balls, Zombies and Collins Glasses.
  • Make sure you know which glass your bar serves Long Drinks in and always use the same type of glass.
Short Drink:

  • A Short Drink is usually a spirit served neat (without a mixer) and with or without ice.
  • Some cocktails are also served Short.
  • Usually called a Whisky Glass but also sometimes referred to as a Rock Glass, Old Fashioned Glass or Tumbler.
  • Make sure you know which glass your bar serves Short Drinks in and always use the same type of glass.
Pilsner (Beer):

  • A Pilsner glass is usually used for beers and sometimes tall cocktails. Some bars might use them as a long drink glass as well although this is not advised.
  • There are several other types and styles of beer glass.
  • Make sure you know which glass your bar serves Beers and Cocktails in and always use the same type of glass.
Cervoise (Beer):

  • A Cervoise glass is usually used for beers and sometimes tall cocktails. Some bars might use them as a long drink glass as well although this is not advised.
  • There are several other types and styles of beer glass.
  • Make sure you know which glass your bar serves Beers and Cocktails in and always use the same type of glass.
Wine Glass (Red):

  • A red wine glass is usually slightly larger than a white wine glass.
  • A standard wine serving is around 150ml – 180ml. This usually means filling a Red Wine glass to about half-way.
  • Some bars may only use one type of glass for red and white wines.
  • Make sure you know which glass your bar serves red wine in always use the same type of glass.
Wine Glass (White):

  • A white wine glass is usually slightly smaller than a red wine glass.
  • A standard wine serving is around 150ml – 180ml. This usually means filling a White Wine glass to about three-quarters.
  • Some bars may only use one type of glass for red and white wines.
  • Make sure you know which glass your bar serves red wine in always use the same type of glass.
Champagne Glass:

  • A Champagne glass, also known as a Champagne Flute is specifically used for serving Champagne and other Sparkling Wines.
  • The long stem of the glass is designed to keep the wine cool by keeping the warmth of your hand away from the wine.
  • Only fill a Champagne flute to about ¾. Do not over-fill
Sherry Glass:

  • A sherry glass is specifically used for serving Sherry, Port and other fortified wines.
  • Often shaped like a miniature wine glass.
  • There are several different styles of Sherry Glass make sure you know which style your bar uses.
  • Sherry is usually served as a double shot (50ml)
Martini Glass:

  • A Martini glass is specifically used for serving cocktails served without ice (or straight up).
  • Size will vary from very small to quite large.
  • In general smaller glasses are better for very strong, spirit forward cocktails eg. Martini while the larger glasses are better suited to more fruity drinks eg. Cosmopolitan.
Hurricane Glass:

  • A Hurricane glass takes its name from the resemblance to an old fashioned Hurricane Lamp.
  • They are mostly used for tall, fruity or blended cocktails. Eg Pina Colada,
  • Usually quite large (+/-440ml)
Cognac Glass:

  • A Cognac glass is used for serving Cognac, premium brandy and other high quality spirits neat.
  • Also known as a balloon or snifter
  • The glass is designed to maximise your enjoyment of the spirit by focussing aroma towards the nose.
  • Some guests might ask for this glass to be warmed as serving brandy or cognac in a warm glass will further enhance the aromatic qualities. This is not standard practice however so don’t do it unless asked.
Shot Glass:

  • A shot or shooter glass is a small glass used for drinking neat “shots” of spirits or liqueurs – drunk in one go or at most a few sips.
  • Single and Double Shot Glasses – 25ml and 50ml