Theory Behind the Glass: Keeping it Cold

The majority of the time cocktail recipes suggest a particular glass that should be used for that drink. That makes things pretty easy. But what if you don't have a particular glass? What if you've just mixed up this great new cocktail but you're unsure what would be the best glass for the drink? The theory behind glassware choice is simple and follows common logic. Of course you are not going to choose to serve a 4 ounce Martini in a 12 ounce collins glass, so you want to choose the appropriate sized glass for the size of the drink. You want to be able to fill the glass without overfilling it to the point where it spills easily. The other consideration is whether the drink is served on the rocks or neat. If you notice, it is very rare for a drink to be served on ice in a stemmed glass like a cocktail, wine or champagne glass. It is equally as common for any glass without a stem, such as highballs, old-fashioneds and collins' to hold a drink filled to the brim with ice. Why is that? It's as simple as body heat. The stem allows you to hold a glass without touching the part of it that contains the liquid. If you were (and many people still do) hold the glass by the cup part, the natural body temperature of your hands will prematurely warm your drink. However, if a cocktail is made with properly chilled ingredients (either via shaking, stirring or pre-chilled mixers) in a pre-chilled, stemmed glass and you touch only the stem, it will remain chilled as long as possible given the temperature of the room. Non-stemmed glasses are just the opposite; you have only the cup to hold onto and naturally, your body temperature will raise the temperature of the glass and subsequently, its contents. Glassware choice is essentially all about keeping your drink colder for a longer period of time. Essentially, choose stemware for neat drinks, non-stemware for rocks drinks and always hold a glass as far down as possible.

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