Glasses

This is a basic list of the glasses a good cocktail enthusiast should have, some are more important than others, obviously if you like one type of cocktail over others then I would suggest getting nice versions of that glass type (e.g. if you drink a lot of red wine it would be worth getting some nice glasses)

** Highly Recommended
* Recommended but not essential

Please note however that it is perfectly acceptable to serve a cocktail in whatever glass you have at your disposal.

Beer Mug *

Pretty self-descriptive name...a mug that holds beer. These are usually made of thick glass, quite heavy, with a large handle. They range widely in size. The best thing to do with a beer mug is store it in the freezer, then when you're ready for a cold beer, pour your favourite brand down the inside of the glass and you'll have a frosty mug that helps keep your beer refreshingly cold.
Brandy Balloon

They come in quite a variety of sizes ranging from 5 to 25 ounces. They have a very short stem, the purpose of which is to allow the palm of your hand to heat the spirit. The curved lip also helps retain the aroma of a spirit, helping you to "nose" the drink.
Champagne Flute *

Tall, slender dainty glasses that hold between 7-10 ounces. The flute helps preserve the carbonation of champagne, while the stem helps keep it chilled.
Irish Coffee glass

Usually hold between 8 to 10 ounces. This can also be called a Pousse café glass.
Collins Glass *

Named after the drink commonly served in it, the Tom Collins (and now a whole family of Collins'), this glass holds 10 to 14 ounces and is tall and skinny.
Cordial Glass
Highball Glass **

This is a very commonly used glass. It holds between 8 and 12 ounces. A tall straight, wide glass.
Margarita Glass

Also called a Coupette.
Martini / Cocktail Glass **

These can range in size, (the larger ones can be called Salude Grande) the size can be quite deceiving about how much they actually hold. They generally range from 4 to 7 ounces. The shape of the glass helps keep ingredients from separating, and the stem allows you to hold the drink without warming it with your hand.
Old-Fashioned Glass **

This is another very commonly used glass. It holds between 4 and 8 ounces. A short straight, wide glass.
Parfait Glass

Pronounced Par fey. There are lots of shapes for a parfait glass. Basically you're looking for something a little on the fancy side, usually with a stem to keep the ice cream from melting.
Pilsner Glass

Tall Beer glass. usually between 10-12 ounces.
Pousse café glass

Can also be called a Liqueur Coffee glass.
Punch Glass

Small glass - so why do you get so drunk ;o)
Red Wine Glass **

Red wine is generally served in a balloon shaped glass that holds 8-10 ounces. Served at room temperature to bring out the full bodied flavour.
Sherry Glass
Shot Glass *

These are usually made of very thick glass, especially at the bottom. They tend to get slammed down, and usually harder and harder as the night goes on! They generally hold an ounce and a half.
Sour glass

Like a small thin wine glass, usually holds between 3 and 5 ounces.
White Wine Glass **

stemmed glass that holds 6-8 ounces. The stem helps keep the wine chilled by not allowing the heat of your hand to be in contact with the part of the glass that actually holds the wine.