Setting Up Your Bar: Old-Fashioned Glasses
Last month we talked about one important type of glass to have for your bar, the Martini Glass. This month we are looking at another basic the Old-Fashioned glass.
These glasses will serve you for any drink calling for an Old-Fashioned, rocks, double rocks or a bucket glass - you’ll just need to make sure you don’t arbitrarily fill it to the top. Depending on who’s naming the glass - manufacturers versions vary - a rocks glass will be around 8 oz and a double rocks or Old-Fashioned glass will be around 12 oz. These glasses are one of the most versatile glasses you have in your bar. In addition to using them for cocktails they are also the right size for a glass of milk for the kids!
The most common version is just a nice, clear glass. But you can find all kinds of style and decoration, even holiday versions of the glasses. For a basic everyday glass I like the Bormioli Luigi line of glasses. They come in sets, have several styles that fit easily in the hand, have beautiful lines and can often be found on sale at department stores. Some styles are also carried by the stores listed below.
As discussed with the martini glasses, you can find fun and inexpensive versions of these glasses if you take a bit of time to look around. In addition to Crate and Barrel and CB2, good sources for inexpensive versions of Old-Fashioned glasses are places like Linens-N-Things or Bed Bath & Beyond.
If you are going to splurge on a glass, I think this is the one to choose. I really like the feel of a heavy, cut crystal glass especially when using the glass for a couple of fingers of Scotch. The crystal shows off the beauty of the liquor and there is just something great about the solid feel of a heavy glass. But even these glasses do not have to break the bank. Again, you can often find them sold in sets which brings down the cost compared to purchasing individual glasses. And, if you keep your eyes open, these sets are often featured in home, white or holiday sales at department stores like Macy’s or Marshall-Fields.
If you purchased Martini glasses and now buy a set of Old-Fashioneds you will be well on your way to having the basic glass styles for all your bartending needs!
