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Which one should you buy?

A thin, modest-sized martini glass on a good long stem, so the drink stays cold to the last sip. Here's what I'd point you to:

Prefer a rounder shape? A coupe, like the Glasvin Coupe, is far less likely to spill and suits espresso martinis and daiquiris just as well.

A proper martini glass turns a simple drink into an occasion. Hand someone a cold cocktail in a fine, stemmed glass and you can see them sit up a little straighter. It's theatre, and there's nothing wrong with a bit of theatre at home.

But it isn't only about looks. The right glass keeps the drink cold, keeps it off your fingers and makes it easier to sip. The wrong one, usually a huge one, leaves you with a warm, sad cocktail halfway down.

Why the right martini glass matters

A martini, a Manhattan, a cosmopolitan or an espresso martini is served "up", which means chilled and strained into the glass without ice. With no ice in the glass, the drink starts warming the moment you pour it.

That's why the glass has a stem. Your hand is warm, and holding the stem keeps that warmth away from the drink. It's also why size matters so much. A modest glass of about 5 to 8 ounces means you finish the drink while it's still cold. Those enormous glasses you see in some bars mean a bigger pour, and the last third is lukewarm.

Then there's the shape. The classic V-shaped martini glass is beautiful but notorious for sloshing. A coupe, with its rounded bowl, does the same job and is much more forgiving if you're walking across a room or talking with your hands.

Riedel Vinum Martini at a glance

These aren't cheap. If that price makes you wince, the Spiegelau glasses are a very good second choice for about half as much.

What to look for in martini glasses

• A modest size. Around 5 to 8 ounces. Huge glasses mean warm drinks.

• A long stem. About 2½ to 3½ inches gives you something to hold well away from the bowl.

• A thin rim. For a clean sip. Thick, chunky rims feel clumsy.

• Light weight. A heavy glass feels cheap and tips more easily.

• Crystal over ordinary glass. It can be made thinner and clearer, though ordinary glass is tougher and cheaper.

The Riedel scores well on every point. Its only real drawback is the price.

Who it suits, and who should skip it

Good for you if

• You make shaken or stirred drinks served up, like martinis, Manhattans and espresso martinis

• You like a bit of elegance when friends come round

• You're happy to treat fine glass with a little care

Skip it if

• You mostly drink on the rocks: a rocks glass is the better buy

• You're prone to spills: a coupe or a smaller Nick & Nora glass is more forgiving

• You're on a tight budget: get the Spiegelau

How to get the best from it

Chill the glass first

Pop the glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before you need them. Or fill them with ice and water while you mix the drink, then tip it out just before you strain. A cold glass buys you several extra minutes of a cold drink.

Strain, don't overfill

Leave a little room under the rim so you can carry it without a spill. A full-to-the-brim V-shaped glass is an accident waiting to happen.

Hold the stem

Not the bowl. It keeps the drink cold and the glass free of fingerprints.

Measure your drinks

A jigger keeps every drink balanced and lets you know exactly what's in the glass. A good cocktail is meant to be sipped and savoured, not rushed.

Looking after it

• Dishwasher with care. Riedel says this range is dishwasher safe. Put the glasses where they can't touch each other or anything else.

• Hand-washing is gentlest. Warm water, a soft sponge, and support the bowl as you wash.

• Don't twist. When drying or polishing, hold the bowl, never twist the base against the stem.

• Store upright in a cupboard where they won't get knocked.

The one rule

Keep the glass cold and the drink small. A little cold martini beats a big warm one every time.

Questions people ask

Martini glass or coupe?

Either works for any drink served up. The coupe's rounded bowl is less likely to spill. The V-shape is the classic look. Pick the one you enjoy holding.

What size should a martini glass be?

About 5 to 8 ounces. Any bigger and the drink warms up before you've finished it.

Can Riedel glasses go in the dishwasher?

Riedel says this range can. Space them out so they don't knock together, and hand-wash if you want to be extra careful.

How do I chill a martini glass quickly?

Fill it with ice and water while you mix the drink, then empty it just before you pour. Or keep a couple in the freezer for about 15 minutes.

Mix something to fill it

My Espresso Martini, or browse my Cocktails recipes.

Updated October 2026. Prices change often, so check before you buy.