There’s a good chance that your first alcoholic beverage was enjoyed out of a red Solo cup, and maybe you still use a Solo cup from time to time when you forget to do the dishes (no judgment here). And while the plastic cup no doubt has nostalgic value, it’s worth having some proper cocktail glasses in your cupboard or bar cart. There are a lot of different kinds of glasses, but one undeniable classic is a martini glass. Many bars have done away with the martini glass in favor of the coupe glass, due to the fact that the latter has a shape that curves inward, making it harder to spill. But there’s an undeniable old-world charm to the sharply angular martini glass, whether you take your martini shaken or stirred.
The traditional martini glass has a surprising amount of details that are designed to enhance the drinking experience. Holding the glass by the stem prevents the transfer of your hand’s heat to the drink. If you’re drinking a gin martini the bowl’s wide mouth allows the gin to aerate, which brings out the botanicals.
Admittedly, the top-heavy shape does make it prone to spilling. If you find yourself knocking down your martinis, you can invest in stemless martini glasses instead. They have a flat glass base to hold them upright, and it’s easier to hold them steady. Whether you want a traditional stemmed martini glass or a more modern stemless option, there’s a glass on this list for you.
1. Libbey Cosmopolitan Martini Glasses
This martini glass set comes with four stemless glasses. They’re marketed as “Cosmopolitan” glasses (a “Cosmo” is typically made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime juice), but they can suit a variety of cocktails from Manhattans to martinis. The bowl is a made from thick glass and the base is weighted for stability.
Pros: Satisfying weightiness of the glass, easy to hold.
Cons: Can be top-heavy.
2. Epure Milano Collection 4 Piece Stemmed Martini Glass Set
For a traditional option, these martini glasses from Epure come in a pack of four, and they’re a great option for drinking a traditional martini. They have a small, 6 oz capacity, which is a good size for a single cocktail. The glasses are made from lead-free glass and they are dishwasher safe.
Pros: Traditional stemmed martini glass, comes in a set of four.
Cons: Some may prefer a higher capacity bowl.
3. JoyJolt 4-Piece Afina Cocktail Glasses Set
This stemless martini glass set comes with four glasses. The bases are heavy for stability and comfort in the hand. They’re dishwasher-safe, and are well-suited to other cocktails besides martinis, like cosmopolitans and Manhattans.
Pros: Dishwasher-safe, glasses feel solid in the hand.
Cons: Some glasses can potentially have minor imperfections.