Setting up a home bar? Having the proper stemware to serve martinis in style is a must. The martini glass, with its distinctive wide-brimmed and stemmed design, is more than just a piece of barware — it makes a statement that elevates the drinking experience. Whether you’re a connoisseur of the classic cocktail or a novice, finding the perfect martini glass will transform your cocktail hour into a sophisticated event. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to find one that will last, so we’ve scoured the internet to come up with a list of the best martini glasses.
Whether you like your martini dry, dirty, or with extra olives, you may want to order one on a first date. According to a new survey, three in five say ordering a martini makes the ultimate first impression. Other drinks that leave potential partners impressed include gin and tonics and Manhattans. Forty-two percent look favorably on a date who orders a Cosmopolitan or a Whiskey Sour. We’re pretty sure you can also score points by serving a mean martini in a cool glass.
The martini, a timeless cocktail synonymous with sophistication and refinement, demands a worthy vessel to showcase its elegance and enhance its flavor profile. While any glass can hold a martini, the best martini glasses elevate the experience, amplifying the aroma, taste, and visual appeal of this iconic drink.
Choosing the Ideal Martini Glass: A Guide to Shapes and Styles
- The classic V-shaped martini glass remains a popular choice, offering a sleek and iconic silhouette. Its wide mouth allows for ample space to appreciate the drink’s aroma, while the narrow base helps to keep it chilled.
- For a more contemporary touch, the coupe glass offers a wide bowl and shallow depth. This style emphasizes the visual presentation of the martini, showcasing its vibrant color and garnishes.
- For those seeking a modern twist, the Nick and Nora glass features a rounded bowl and a thicker stem. This design minimizes the risk of spillage and offers a comfortable grip, ideal for enjoying your martini at a leisurely pace.
Whichever option you choose, make sure it’s from a good manufacturer. We’ve consulted 10 popular websites and developed a list of the seven best martini glasses. Did we miss one you love? Let us know in the comments below.
The List: Best Martini Glasses, According to Experts
1. Riedel Nick and Nora Glasses
Who are Nick and Nora? A cocktail-loving fictional husband-and-wife detective team popular in the 1930s and ’40s. While there is no shortage of “Nick & Nora”-style martini glasses now (the vintage style is making a comeback), Food & Wine says, “This set from Riedel takes the cake. We appreciate the gently curved lip — similar in shape to a tulip glass — that makes this pick stand out. Another upside of these Nick and Nora glasses is their versatility for serving stirred cocktails other than a classic martini. We think they’d make any Manhattan or Vesper look even more glamorous.”
According to Liquor.com, “With a curved silhouette and an elongated lip, these glasses are a top choice for bartenders, as the liquid is less likely to spill in the glass. Our at-home research found that these glasses held a standard martini with a perfect wash line. We found the lip on the glass really well crafted. It’s whisper-thin and curved, so the drink hits at the exact right place on your palate without you having to tilt your head back. The glass feels heavy at the base, but the bowl of the coupe is light and delicate. This results in a glass that’s stable but feels fancy. We loved the durability of these glasses and the fact that they’re dishwasher safe, too. And the glass is small enough that garnishes perch perfectly on the edge.”
Homes and Gardens calls these the best “vintage”. According to the website, “They’re designed by spirits expert, Zane Harris, so that they deliver your martini mid-palette, easing the alcohol hit.”
2. Schott Zwiesel Pure Martini Glasses
Food Network says, “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.”
According to Delish, “These are made from crystal glass and are break-resistant. So, even if you are a little clumsy, this one should be pretty durable. It also has a unique angled bowl for a modern look and feel.”
Liquor.com adds, “The bowl of the glass is suspended on a whisper-thin stem, with an angular lip to prevent sloshing or spilling. While the glass has an elongated, sophisticated silhouette, it’s dishwasher-safe and constructed from chip-resistant glassware that offers gorgeous clarity.”
3. Estelle Hand Blown
Food and Wine writes, “This splurge-worthy set of colorful glasses also makes a thoughtful gift for newlyweds, friends who love to host dinner parties, or the home bartender in your life. Invest in these bell-shaped martini glasses, and you can be sure you’ll have the most unique set of drinkware around.”
“Inspired by her grandmother’s antique glassware, Stephanie Summerson Hall makes a variety of cocktail and wine glasses in beautiful iridescent colors,” says Delish. “These particular martini glasses are hand-blown in Poland and come in a variety of colors—you can even get one of each color!”
The Spruce Eats recommends the Champagne Coupe version of these glasses. “These shallow coupes sit high in the sky thanks to long, elegant stems, and they come in nine different pigment options. (Different retailers have different sets of colors available, so check a few if you’re looking for a specific hue.)”
4. Dragon Glass Stemless
Stemless glassware for martinis? Food & Wine raves about these glasses saying, “They’re double-walled, which keeps your cocktails colder for longer. These glasses are a consistent top performer on Amazon, regularly praised for their durability and no-sweat, incredibly insulated construction. If stability is a concern, these sturdy stemless glasses are an easy solution, since they won’t easily chip, break, or fall over.”
“A little bit ‘Swingers’ and a little bit ‘Star Trek,’ these stemless glasses are not only striking but also useful, with a double-walled design that insulates the cold liquid inside from the warm hand holding it,” writes The Spruce Eats. “If you’re prone to knocking over glasses or snapping stems, the sturdy base also keeps the glass stable in your hand or on a table, counter, or bar.”
USA Today adds, “Pick between Barbie pink, clear, or fun iridescent and enjoy ice-cold gin and vodka cocktails from these double-wall insulated glasses after freezing them. On the small side, these cocktail glasses hold seven ounces of liquid and are lightweight without being flimsy; the weighted base helps to avoid spills that classic martini glasses are prone to with their top-heavy construction.”
5. JoyJolt Afina Martini Glasses
“These short martini glasses are not only perfect for cosmopolitans, but they’re also extremely versatile,” writes Esquire. “When you aren’t using them for cocktails, you can use them to hold appetizers or desserts! You’ll get four to a set of these eight-ounce glasses, and since they come in under $20, they’re easy on the budget, too.”
Delish writes, “With nearly 12,000 Amazon reviews and 4.7 stars, these are a crowd pleaser—and affordable. The glasses are also constructed with a heavy base to give them even more stability.”
According to Mom Junction, “As the glass has a defined finish, mixed cocktails, and layered liquor are sure to look catchy in them. This glass style has a capacity of eight ounces and the set is also suitable as shot glasses.”
6. Mikasa Cheers Martini Glasses
If you like an extra-large martini these 10-ounce glasses are perfect! According to Esquire, “The fun patterns also help you remember which glass is yours as the night progresses. Just take note: You should definitely be hand-washing these.”
Food and Wine writes, “For the martini enthusiast who likes to show a little personality: These XL glasses from Mikasa are too fun to pass up. Each glass in this set of four has a generous 10-ounce capacity, and a different etched design, including swirls and polka dots. Use this set for your next gathering, or gift it to a friend who loves to entertain. Choosing a glass to suit your personality is almost as fun as imbibing from it.”
According to USA Today, “Made of crystal, these weighty martini glasses are slightly oversized and have a capacity of 7 ounces—without being cheaply thick. While these glasses are dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended, but it’s nice to know you can place them in the dishwasher on occasion. And reviewers mention that they hold up well when doing so.”
7. Nude Vintage Crystal Martini Glasses
Esquire says, “Classic, sophisticated, and surprisingly inexpensive for a pair, Nude’s crystal martini glasses are tailor-made for those who prefer to stick to tradition.”
“The epitome of elegance, this classic coupe has a slim stem which contrasts the exaggerated, wide cup,” according to Homes and Gardens. “The rim is slightly thin and hard to garnish, so use this to make simple classic cocktails rather than anything too daring.”
Liquor.com writes, “With its elegant, elongated stem and exaggerated minimalist silhouette, it makes an ideal vessel for sophisticated-looking cocktails as well as sparkling beverages.”
Mastering the Art of the Martini: A Step-by-Step Guide
To ensure your martini reaches its full potential, here’s a step-by-step guide to proper preparation:
- Gather Your Ingredients: You’ll need gin or vodka, dry vermouth, ice, and garnishes like olives, lemons, or cocktail onions.
- Chill the Glass: Placing your chosen martini glass in the freezer for 15 minutes ensures a chilled and refreshing drink.
- Prepare the Ice: Fill a shaker or mixing glass with ice cubes. Larger ice cubes melt slower, diluting the drink less.
- Mix the Spirits: Add gin or vodka and dry vermouth to the shaker or mixing glass. A classic martini recipe uses a 2:1 ratio of gin to dry vermouth, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Shake or Stir: For a frothy martini, shake the ingredients vigorously for 15 seconds. For a clear and silky martini, stir gently until chilled.
- Strain and Garnish: Strain the martini into your chilled glass and add your desired garnishes.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Martini Variations
While the classic gin martini reigns supreme, numerous variations exist to tantalize your taste buds:
- Dirty Martini: Add a splash of olive brine for a savory and salty twist.
- French Martini: Combine gin, Chambord, and pineapple juice for a fruity and floral cocktail.
- Espresso Martini: Infuse vodka with espresso for a caffeinated and creamy delight.
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Sources:
- Food & Wine
- Esquire
- Liquor.com
- Food Network
- Homes and Gardens
- USA Today
- Delish
- Cuisine At Home
- Mom Junction
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.