Highball Glass: Features, Purpose, and Volumes
The highball glass is a tall, cylindrical glass used for serving chilled and alcoholic cocktails that contain a large amount of ice and mixers such as tonic, soda, or juice. Due to its versatility, this glass is one of the most popular in bar culture.
Features of the Highball Glass
The main characteristics of a highball glass include:
- Tall cylindrical shape – allows for a significant amount of liquid and ice.
- Thick base – provides stability and prevents the glass from heating up from hand contact.
- Volume of 240 to 350 ml – ideal for mixed drinks with carbonated and non-carbonated fillers.
- Transparent glass – traditionally used to showcase layered cocktails or visually appealing beverages.
What Is a Highball Glass Used For?
The highball glass is commonly used for serving various drinks, such as:
- Classic highball cocktails – including Whiskey & Coke, Gin & Tonic, Moscow Mule, and Rum & Coke.
- Long drinks – beverages with a large liquid volume, such as Tequila Sunrise or Mai Tai.
- Non-alcoholic drinks – lemonades, juices, iced tea, and carbonated mocktails.
- Refreshing drinks with a lot of ice – such as Mojito or Piña Colada.
Highball Glass Volume Options
There are several standard highball glass sizes:
- 240-280 ml – the classic option, suitable for most cocktails.
- 300-350 ml – a larger volume used for drinks with more ice and mixers.
- 400 ml and above – less common but suitable for exotic cocktails and refreshing summer beverages.
Conclusion
The highball glass is an essential element in any bar, perfect for serving refreshing cocktails and long drinks. Its convenient shape, stability, and capacity make it a versatile choice for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.