Stemware
Types of Stemware
Champagne flute
Champagne flutes are stem glasses with a tall, narrow bowl on top. The long handle allows the drinker to hold the glass without affecting the temperature of their beverage. Champagne flutes can also be used with sparkling wine and fruit and Belgian beers. They typically hold 6 to 10 fl. oz.
Champagne coupe
Champagne coupes are saucer-shaped stem glasses with a broad, shallow bowl. They typically hold 4 to 8 fl. oz. and function the same as a traditional champagne flutes.
Water goblet
Water goblets are footed, handle-free pieces of stemware that are conically shaped. Used purely for drinking water, goblets are usually made of glass or crystal, and can also be found in metal, ceramic, wood or plastic. They are typically used with formal place settings, alongside champagne flutes and wine glasses.
Cocktail glass
Cocktail glasses are stem glasses with a rounded, inverted cone bowl on top. They are slightly smaller than martini glasses, having a shorter stem and narrower rim. Cocktail glasses are used to serve martinis, as well as other popular mixed drinks, including Manhattans, Cosmopolitans and Brandy Alexanders. They also contain mocktail versions of classic cocktails.
Snifter
Snifters are a type of stemware that’s used to serve brandy, whiskey and bourbon. They are also known as a brandy snifters or cognac glasses. Snifters have short stems and wide-bottomed bowls that narrow toward the top—trapping the aroma of the liquor.
Wine glass
Wine glasses are stem glasses that come in many different styles and designs meant to optimize the taste of the wine. Red wine glasses and white wine glasses are the most popular. Reds tend to have rounder, wider bowls, while whites feature a smaller mouth to preserve flavor. Another type of wine glass, stemless, resembles a tumbler and is used more casually.