The 6 best gin glasses for your G&T

If gin is your go-to spirit, make sure you select the right gin glasses to make your cocktail taste even better. The right glassware contributes to the taste, temperature, and enjoyment of the drink, so we’ve rounded up our pick of the best gin glasses to help you make the most of your next G&T.

What is the best shape for a gin glass?

1. Balloon gin glasses

Originating from the Basque region in Spain, Copa de Balon glasses or balloon gin glasses are perfect for gin lovers as their large, rounded cups push the aromas of the gin’s botanicals towards your nose while you drink. The spacious bowl of the Copa glass allows space for plenty of ice to keep your drink refreshingly chilled, while the tall stems prevent your hands from warming and melting the ice when you’re holding it. Additionally, there’s more room for garnishes that will help to flavour your G&T. Take your pick from citrus fruits, herbs or pretty petals. How do you make a gin and tonic drink that’s spot on? Start with a balloon glass.

2. Highball gin glasses

Named for the classic whiskey and soda cocktail, highball glasses are tall and elegant, ideal for serving classic G&Ts or other cocktails that require carbonated mixers and lots of crushed ice. The slim shape of the glass and narrow opening minimise carbonation loss and keep mixers fizzy, while the limited surface area means drinks will stay cool for longer. Highballs will make a modern, versatile addition to your home bar as they’re used for many other cocktails, including a mojito, Bloody Mary and Long Island iced tea.

3. Gin goblets

A gin goblet has a very similar shape to the fancy Copa de Balon, with a rounded glass to hold soda, ice and garnishes. Colder ice equals less dilution, so you’ll be able to taste the botanical flavours of your favourite cocktail much more cleanly. Choose a design with hand-finished details, including mouthblown glass that gives each piece of glassware a distinctive and colourful finish.

4. Stemless gin glasses

Favoured for their cool shape, stemless gin glasses have the same wide, rounded cups as balloon glasses, without the tall stem. Like balloon glasses, their shape makes it easier to taste the botanical notes of the gin when you sip, with plenty of space for ice and garnishes. However, this style of glass will warm up in your hands more quickly than other long or short stem options, which may melt the ice and dilute your drink. To avoid this, don’t use crushed ice. Instead, make your own blocks using an ice mould or use waterless cooling gin stones.

5. Tumblers

If you want to enjoy a G&T or cocktail with fizzy mixers, avoid choosing a tumbler as their short shape restricts the space for the drink’s ingredients. However, gin tumblers or lowball glasses are a nice choice when serving straight gin or other soda-less gin cocktails, including the Negroni or Gin Sour. The drinks trolley of any gin lover will be well stocked with a selection of specialty or luxury flavoured gins, so if you want to enjoy the clean taste of the spirit without any other flavourings, fill your tumbler with a large ice cube and add a measure of your favourite gin.

6. Unusual gin glasses

If you’re hosting a party and want to wow your guests, why not serve your drinks in funky and unusual gin glasses? A pineapple cocktail glass is a showstopping option – ours has a wide bowl with plenty of room for the G&T, ice and pretty garnishes. If you’re serving a gin punch, use a larger carafe or a quirky gluggle jug, making sure to fill it with decorative fruits or unique-shaped ice cubes. After a special gift? Choose a gin glasses gift set with matching designs to elevate their dinner drinks, summer parties or picnics.