The Best Martini Glasses, According to a Spirits Expert
Serve up your favorite cocktails in these elegant martini glasses, from classic V-shaped to Nick and Nora styles.
The martini glass is one of the most iconic pieces of glassware in existence. Appearing on neon signs and in countless Bond films, nothing screams “cocktails!” quite like the way these triangular-shaped, long-stemmed drinking vessels do. The martini glass is a subset of the broader category of glassware known as cocktail coupes. The critical components of cocktail coupes are the bowl, for holding the drink, and the stem, which allows the drinker to hold the drink without the body heat from their hands transferring to the drink itself. For most people, the distinction between various types of cocktail coupes is largely inconsequential, but there are some subtly important distinctions, particularly when it comes to the martini glass.
The triangular, straight sides are the calling card of the martini glass, but they are also their biggest downfall. Most cocktail coupes have a curved bowl that helps to keep any sloshing liquid contained within the rim of the glass. The straight sides of the V-shaped martini glass are particularly precarious because any tipping, no matter how slight, can lead to a considerable loss of liquid from the glass. That said, practicality is not always at the top of people’s lists when choosing cocktail glassware, and some people just like the look and feel of the classic triangular martini glass, and that’s fine.
And another nomenclature note, just because a glass is labeled as a “martini” glass, does not mean that it can only contain martinis. Any drink served “up” will work perfectly in any cocktail coupe, although certain larger drinks, such as those containing egg whites, might not quite fit some smaller-sized glasses.
These glasses are the best of both worlds: They offer the straight, angular vibe of the classic martini glass but with a distinct vertical lip that does wonders to prevent sloshing. Additionally, their larger capacity makes them extremely versatile, drinks large and small will look great in these sturdy, dishwasher-safe and surprisingly affordable glasses.
Material: Lead-free crystal glass
Capacity: 12.3 ounces
Diameter: 4.5 inches
Height: 7.1 inches
If you’re a stickler for tradition and favor the iconic V-shaped martini glass, these compact coupes from venerable glassware producer Riedel are a great choice. They’re made from lead-free crystal, which is an important feature to note, as lead-containing crystal can leach out lead when in contact with acidic liquids. Their relatively small size makes them slightly less versatile than others, but most craft cocktail recipes these days are five ounces or less, so it’s not a huge drawback.
Material: Lead-free crystal glass
Capacity: 5.4 ounces
Diameter: 3.94 inches
Height: 5.79 inches
For those who work in bars and restaurants, the Libbey brand is a workhorse when it comes to attractive glassware that can withstand the rigors of service night in and night out and are cheap enough to replace when the inevitable happens. These martini glasses feature the classic (or dreaded, depending on who you ask) V-shape silhouette but are curved ever so slightly inward to provide a bit of safety if the glass (or the person holding it) gets a little too tipsy.
Material: Glass
Capacity: 12 ounces
Diameter: 4.88 inches
Height: 7.38 inches
When the temperature rises, many of us beat the heat by enjoying a frosty cocktail by the pool. It is pool safety 101 to keep glass as far away from pools as possible, so these brightly colored, shatterproof martini glasses are a smart choice. One note: They are technically dishwasher safe, but it’s best to hand wash these to preserve the clarity of the material for as long as possible.
Material: BPA-free plastic
Capacity: 9 ounces
Diameter: 4.4 inches
Height: 6.9 inches
Nick and Nora glasses are some of the most appealing cocktail coupes you can find. They have a dainty semi-tulip bowl that somehow feels retro and modern at the same time. The one drawback is that they tend to be a bit on the smaller side, so true cocktail aficionados may want to also look into larger champagne-style coupes to accommodate bigger drinks, but these Italian-made glasses should fit the majority of cocktails.
Material: Glass
Capacity: 5.25 ounces
Diameter: 2.8 inches
Height: 6.2 inches
Czech luxury crystal producer Moser has been making gorgeous handmade glassware for over 150 years. While the lead time on orders is substantial and they are not inexpensive by any stretch of the imagination, these are the only choice for those looking to go all out in terms of luxury martini glasses. They’re offered in a variety of colors and feature elegant pebble-like engravings at the base of the bowl.
Material: Lead-free crystal glass
Capacity: 8.75 ounces
Diameter: 4.75 inches
Height: 7.75 inches
