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Best Highball Glasses

Discover the Best Highball Glasses for Your Bar

by Kathy hensley
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Elevate your home bar with the best highball glasses. I’ve curated a selection of top-quality options for crafting perfectly balanced cocktails and refreshing drinks.

As I walked through the crowded bar, I heard the clink of ice and the fizz of drinks. It made me see the beauty of the highball glass. This simple glass can turn a basic cocktail into something special. For anyone who loves making drinks, the right highball glasses are key.

In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for the best highball glasses. These glasses are vital for serving drinks like highballs, gin and tonics, and whiskey cocktails. With high-quality highball glasses, your drinks will look great and taste even better.

Best Highball Glasses

Key Takeaways

  • Highball glasses are a versatile and essential piece of barware for serving a variety of cocktails and mixed drinks.
  • Investing in the best highball glasses can elevate your home bar and cocktail experience with the perfect balance of style and functionality.
  • Factors to consider when choosing highball glasses include glass material, size, and capacity to ensure the perfect drink presentation.
  • Explore a wide range of highball glass styles, from classic crystal to modern, trendy designs to find the perfect fit for your bar.
  • Proper care and maintenance of your highball glasses will ensure they last for years to come, providing a premium drinking experience every time.

What Is a Highball Glass?

A highball glass is a key item in both professional and home cocktail settings. It’s tall and slender, perfect for many beverages. You can use it for whiskey highballs or gin and tonics.

Understanding the Classic Cocktail Vessel

The highball glass has a classic shape that’s very useful. It’s tall and narrow, great for adding ice and mixers. This makes it ideal for long drinks and diluted cocktails.

This glassware can make any cocktail look better. It works well for double old-fashioned drinks or fancy highball cocktails.

History and Evolution of the Highball Glass

The highball glass started in the late 19th century, linked to the Collins glass. Over time, it became a unique cocktail glass. Now, there are many styles and materials available for bar glassware.

Today, the highball glass is a must-have in both professional and home bars. It combines style and function, enhancing the cocktail-drinking experience.

Best Highball Glasses

Looking for the best highball glasses? You’ll want to think about the material, quality, size, and capacity. I’ll share the top highball glasses on the market, focusing on their main features and benefits.

The Boss Highball Glass by Libbey is a top pick. Made from strong, lead-free crystal, these best highball glasses have a classic look. They’re great for highball cocktails or any fizzy drink, holding 12 ounces.

If you want the best highball glasses with style, check out the Riedel Vitis Highball Glass. These crystal highball glasses improve the taste and smell of your drinks with their fine workmanship.

  • The Ravenscroft Crystal Highball Glasses are a smart choice, with a strong base and a modern look. They’re perfect for highball cocktails and beyond.
  • The Libbey Bartender’s Choice Highball Glasses are a budget-friendly option. They come as a set of four highball glasses that are both tough and versatile.
  • For bigger drinks, the Luminarc Perfection Highball Glasses are a good choice. They hold 14 ounces, making them great for tall drinks or larger servings.

There are many best highball glasses out there to fit your needs and improve your cocktail game. Think about the material, size, and design to find the perfect highball glasses for your bar or restaurant.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Highball Glasses

Choosing the right highball glasses for your bar or home is important. You should think about the material, quality, size, and capacity. These factors greatly affect how your cocktails look and taste.

Glass Material and Quality

The type of material and quality of your highball glasses matter a lot. Glass tumblers made from strong, thick materials like lead-free crystal or premium soda-lime glass are top-notch. They look great and keep drinks at the right temperature. This makes your cocktail glasses and drinking glasses perfect for enjoying your drinks.

Size and Capacity

Think about the size and capacity of your highball glass sets. They usually range from 10 to 16 ounces, with 12 to 14 ounces being the most common. Bigger double old-fashioned glasses or whiskey glasses are good for certain drinks. Smaller sizes are better for lighter drinks. Pick the size that fits your drinks and tastes.

Glass MaterialDurabilityTemperature RetentionClarity
Lead-free CrystalExcellentExcellentExceptional
Premium Soda-lime GlassVery GoodVery GoodVery Good
Regular GlassGoodGoodGood

Think about the material, quality, size, and capacity of your highball glasses. This way, your cocktails will look great and taste even better for your guests.

Popular Highball Glass Styles

Highball glasses come in many styles, each with its own look and purpose. From classic straight-sided glass tumblers to modern, tapered ones, there’s a style for every taste and cocktail. Let’s look at the most popular highball glass styles and what makes them special.

Classic Straight-Sided Highball

The classic straight-sided highball glass is a timeless choice. It has been a key part of bar glassware for many years. These drinking glasses are tall and narrow, perfect for drinks like the Gin & Tonic or Whiskey Highball.

Tapered Highball

The tapered highball glass gives a modern twist to the classic. It has a thin base that gets wider towards the top. These cocktail glasses look stylish and still work great for highball cocktails.

Double Old-Fashioned Highball

Also called a “rocks glass,” the double old-fashioned highball is versatile. It’s good for both highball cocktails and spirits over ice. These whiskey glasses are wider and shorter, perfect for drinks with more spirit.

Highball Glass StyleKey FeaturesBest Cocktail Pairings
Classic Straight-SidedTall, narrow profileGin & Tonic, Whiskey Highball
Tapered HighballSlender base, wider rimVodka Soda, Rum & Coke
Double Old-FashionedWider, shorter designOld-Fashioned, Whiskey on the Rocks

Whether you like the classic look or modern style, there’s a highball glass set for you. It can make your beverage glasses and cocktail time better.

Best Crystal Highball Glasses

For those looking to improve their cocktail game, crystal highball glasses add a special touch. They make your drinks look more elegant and taste better. Let me show you the top crystal highball glasses that will make your cocktails stand out.

Elevating Your Cocktail Experience

Crystal highball glasses are perfect for anyone who loves to mix drinks at home. They are made with great care, offering clear glass that lets your cocktails’ colors and garnishes pop. The feel and look of the crystal add a touch of class, making them a great match for any bar.

The Riedel Ouverture Magnum Highball Glass is a top pick among crystal highball glasses. It’s both stylish and strong, showing off the skill of glassmaking. This glass not only looks great but also brings out the best in your cocktails.

ProductMaterialCapacityPrice
Riedel Ouverture Magnum Highball GlassCrystal12 oz$39.95 (set of 4)
Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Highball GlassCrystal10 oz$29.99 (set of 4)
Schott Zwiesel Pure Highball GlassCrystal13.5 oz$49.95 (set of 6)

Whether you’re making a classic highball or trying out new recipes, these best crystal highball glasses will take your drinks to the next level. Get a set of these premium glasses and upgrade your home bar.

Top Highball Glass Brands

Choosing the right highball glasses can really change how your drinks look and taste. I’ll show you the top brands that are known for their quality and customer happiness. They’re great for your home bar.

Volarium is a well-known name in the business. Their Highball Glasses are made with top-quality, lead-free crystal. They look elegant and can hold 13 ounces of your favorite drinks.

JoyJolt is another great choice. Their Faye 13oz Highball Glasses are modern, strong, and loved by bartenders and cocktail fans.

If you want something affordable but still top-notch, check out the LEMONSODA Premium Highball Glass Set. These glasses look classic, are safe for the dishwasher, and are perfect for any home bar.

Looking to improve your cocktail skills or just need a good set of glasses? These top brands offer great quality and performance.

Best Highball Glasses for Cocktails

Crafting the Perfect Cocktail Presentation

The right glassware is key to serving the best highball cocktails. It makes your drinks look as good as they taste. The best highball glasses for cocktails can make your drinks look sophisticated and balanced.

For the best highball glasses wirecutter, choose tall, slender glasses. They show off the layers and colors of your cocktail. These best highball or collins glass options have room for ice, mixers, and garnishes. This makes your highball drinks look and taste great.

  • Look for highball glasses with a sturdy, durable construction to withstand regular use and maintain their pristine appearance over time.
  • Consider glasses with a slight taper towards the top, which can help trap carbonation and enhance the aroma of your cocktails.
  • Opt for highball glasses with a wide enough opening to allow for easy stirring and garnishing of your drinks.

By choosing the right best highball glasses for cocktails, you can make your highball cocktails look amazing. Your guests will have a memorable time drinking them.

Caring for Your Highball Glasses

Keeping your glass tumblers, bar glassware, and highball glass sets in top shape is key. This section offers tips on cleaning, storing, and handling your highball glasses. These practices will help them stay beautiful and functional.

Cleaning Your Highball Glasses

Proper cleaning is vital for your highball glasses. Here are some easy tips to keep them clean:

  • Wash highball glasses by hand with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Don’t use harsh scouring pads or put them in the dishwasher, as they can damage the glass.
  • Rinse well to get rid of soap, which can change the taste of your drinks.
  • Dry the glasses with a clean, lint-free towel to stop water spots.

Proper Storage for Highball Glasses

How you store your highball glass sets is important for their longevity:

  1. Keep glasses upright in a cabinet or on a rack to prevent damage.
  2. Avoid stacking glasses on top of each other to prevent scratches and damage.
  3. If you must stack them, use coasters or protective liners between the glasses.

Handling Highball Glasses with Care

Handling your highball glasses with care is crucial:

  • Hold the glasses by the stem or base, not the bowl.
  • Be careful when setting down glasses to avoid chips or cracks.
  • Check glasses often for any damage and replace them if needed.

By following these simple tips, your highball glasses, cocktail glasses, and other bar glassware will stay in great shape. They’ll be ready to enhance your cocktail experience for many years.

Best Highball Glasses on Amazon

Looking for the best highball glasses? Amazon is a great place to start. It has a wide selection from top brands and affordable sellers. I’ll show you some top-rated highball glasses on Amazon to help you pick the right set for your home bar.

The Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Glass Highball Glasses stand out on Amazon. They’re made from tough, clear Tritan glass. This means they stay shiny and clear, even with lots of use. They have a classic look, perfect for both casual and fancy parties.

If you’re on a budget, check out the Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Highball Glasses. These glasses are strong and great for everyday use. They can handle drops without breaking and are a smart choice for your home bar.

  • Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Glass Highball Glasses
  • Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Highball Glasses
  • TOSSWARE Recyclable Plastic Highball Glasses
  • Riedel Veritas New World Whiskey Glasses
  • Paksh Novelty Italian Highball Glasses

No matter your budget or style, you’ll find the best highball glasses amazon on Amazon. With many options and customer reviews, picking the right highball glasses is easy.

best highball glasses

Best Size Highball Glasses for Bartenders

Choosing the right size highball glasses for bartenders is key. As a pro, the right glassware makes a big difference in your cocktails. Let’s look at the best sizes that can make your bar stand out.

The best highball glasses for bartenders are usually 12 to 16 ounces. This size is great for the right drink volume, ice, and easy handling. These glasses fit a wide range of cocktails, from classic gin and tonics to fresh vodka sodas.

  • 12-ounce highball glasses are versatile, fitting standard drinks well and leaving room for ice and garnishes.
  • 16-ounce highball glasses are perfect for bigger cocktails, for those who like a bigger drink.

The best size highball glasses for bartenders depend on your bar’s needs and style. Think about your menu, who comes in, and your bar’s look to pick the right size.

It’s crucial to pick highball glasses for bartenders that are strong and last long. Look for glasses that don’t chip, crack, or cloud easily. This ensures your drinks always look professional.

Highball vs. Collins Glass

The best highball and collins glass may look alike at first. But, they have key differences. Knowing these can help you pick the right glass for your cocktails and serving style.

Capacity and Shape

The highball glass is tall and slim, holding 8 to 12 ounces. The collins glass is shorter but wider, holding 10 to 14 ounces.

Cocktail Styles

  • The highball glass is perfect for drinks like whiskey and soda, gin and tonic, or vodka and soda.
  • The collins glass is great for longer drinks like the Tom Collins or the mojito because it holds more.

Versatility

The highball glass is mainly for highball drinks but works for other tall, narrow cocktails too. The collins glass fits a variety of cocktails, from long drinks to tall, refreshing ones.

“The right glass can make all the difference in enhancing the flavor and presentation of your favorite cocktails.”

When picking between a highball or collins glass, think about the cocktail, the size you want, and the look you aim for. Each glass has its own special qualities. Choosing the right one can make your cocktail experience better.

Best Whiskey for Highball Cocktails

The highball is a classic cocktail that highlights the unique flavors of whiskey. Choosing the right whiskey is key. There are several whiskeys that stand out for making great highballs.

For the best bourbon in highballs, try Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, or Four Roses. These bourbons are smooth and well-balanced. They mix well with ginger ale or soda water.

If you like Japanese whisky, check out Nikka and Suntory. Their whiskies have delicate floral and fruity tastes. These flavors work great with the fizz of a highball.

For a Scottish touch, try Scotch whiskies from Johnnie Walker, Glenfiddich, or Macallan. These spirits add a rich, complex taste. They pair well with the refreshing fizz of the cocktail.

Best Whiskey for HighballsKey Flavor NotesRecommended Brands
BourbonSmooth, well-balancedMaker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses
Japanese WhiskyDelicate, floral, fruityNikka, Suntory
Scotch WhiskyRich, complexJohnnie Walker, Glenfiddich, Macallan

Choosing the right whiskey is key to a perfect highball. Try different styles and brands to find your favorite best whiskey for highball mix.

best whiskey highball

Best Highball Cocktail Recipes

The highball is a classic cocktail that has been popular for years. It’s perfect whether you like the traditional whiskey highball or want to try new recipes. I’ll share some top highball recipes, from classic to modern, to improve your bartending skills at home.

Classic Highball Drinks

First, let’s look at the classic highball recipes that have been loved for ages. These cocktails are simple yet balanced in flavor. They are the heart of the highball world.

  • Whiskey Highball: The main highball, made with your top whiskey choice, mixed with the best soda water, and a citrus twist.
  • Gin Highball: A cool version of the highball, using your best gin, mixed with soda water, and garnished with lemon or lime.
  • Rum Highball: A fun twist, blending your favorite rum with soda water, and adding a bit of bitters or a fruit garnish.

Modern Highball Creations

For those looking to try something new, here are some creative highball recipes. They add a fresh twist to the classic:

  1. Japanese Whisky Highball: This highball uses the smooth best japanese whiskey for highball, mixed with soda water, and a citrus touch.
  2. Scotch Highball: This cocktail highlights the strong taste of best scotch for highball, balanced with soda water, and a lemon peel garnish.
  3. Mezcal Highball: A unique take, combining best mezcal with soda water, and a touch of rosemary or grapefruit.

Whether you want a classic or something new, these highball recipes will make your home bar stand out. They offer a variety of tasty drinks to enjoy.

Best Bourbon for Highball Drinks

Choosing the right bourbon is key to making a great highball. Bourbon’s rich flavors mix well with fizzy mixers, creating a refreshing drink. Here, I’ll share some top bourbons that will make your highballs stand out.

Maker’s Mark is a top pick for highballs. It’s a smooth Kentucky bourbon with caramel, vanilla, and oak notes. Its medium body goes well with the fizz in highballs, making it a favorite.

Woodford Reserve is another great choice. It’s known for its complex flavors, including caramel, spice, and fruit. This bourbon makes highballs sophisticated and fun.

  • Bulleit Bourbon is great for a classic highball. It has bold flavors like oak, spice, and a touch of sweetness. This makes it a perfect match for fizzy mixers.
  • For a bit of class in your highballs, try Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon. It has refined flavors of vanilla, toasted oak, and dark chocolate. This bourbon will take your cocktails to the next level.

Choosing the right bourbon is crucial for the best highball drinks. With these top bourbons, you’ll impress your guests and improve your highball skills.

Conclusion

In this guide, I’ve shared my top picks for the best highball glasses. I also gave you key tips and advice to improve your home bar and cocktail game. By choosing quality glasses and learning about the highball, you can make drinks that look great and taste amazing.

Looking for the best crystal highball glasses or the perfect highball glass for cocktails? This guide has given you the info and ideas you need to pick the right ones. You now know about the history of the highball glass and what makes a good one. This knowledge helps you choose the best highball glasses for your needs.

Cheers to your new highball expertise! With the right glasses and some classic or new highball cocktail recipes, you’re set to make perfect highballs. Serve your favorite whiskey, bourbon, or other spirits in style with the best highball glasses. Your home bar will look and taste amazing.

FAQ

What is a highball glass?

A highball glass is tall and narrow, perfect for mixed drinks and long cocktails. It has a cylindrical shape and is slender, making it great for adding ice and mixers.

What are the best highball glasses for my home bar?

Look for high-quality materials, size, and capacity when picking highball glasses. Top choices include premium crystal and durable tumblers from well-known brands.

What are the most popular highball glass styles?

Highball glasses vary from classic straight tumblers to modern tapered styles and specialty designs. The best ones mix function and style to improve your cocktails.

How do I care for my highball glasses?

Keep your highball glasses looking great by cleaning them regularly and storing them carefully. Avoid scratches and damage to ensure they last.

What are the best whiskeys for highball cocktails?

For highballs, choose from bourbons, Japanese whiskies, or Scotches. Each type brings unique flavors that go well with fizzy mixers and ice.

What are some of the best highball cocktail recipes to try?

Enjoy the highball in classic and new ways. Try the whiskey and ginger ale or modern recipes with Japanese whisky, soda water, and citrus.

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