If you’re on the quest for the best Collins glass for your mocktails, look no further. It is important to consider the glassware’s material, shape, stability, and how much liquid it can hold. To help you shop, I’ve rounded up some of the best Collins glasses on the market, as rated by cocktail fans and bar owners.
A staple drink in many bars, the Tom Collins is a refreshingly simple and citrusy, drink. And it’s best served in a glass designed for it: the Collins glass. When making the non-alcoholic version of a Tom Collins, simply substitute the gin with a great Non-Alcoholic Gin. Lots of other mixed drinks that are icy and refreshing can be served in these too.
A Collins glass and a highball glass are similar and often mixed up with one another. However, there are some subtle distinctions between these types of cocktail glasses. They both have a cylindrical and narrow body, but the perfect Collins glass is on the taller side and usually holds more liquid than traditional highball glasses.
With more ounces of liquid capacity, a Collins glass adds a little more space for liquid and a good amount of ice. At the end of the day, you can choose a Collins or highball glass based on size and your mixing preferences and this decisions will make a big difference in how you serve drinks.
What Is a Collins Glass?
The Collins glass is a tall and slim cocktail glass. It is an ideal receptacle for fizzy and classic cocktails, juices, and pretty much any drink enjoyed tall or with a lot of ice. Collins glasses’ thin and tall profile is also intended to maintain carbonation and fizziness in mixed drinks.
These glasses can be clear or frosted, and a Collins Glass will hold anywhere between 8 and 14 ounces. The best size is the one that works for your drink and mixing style.
I’ve compiled a list of five of the top Collins glasses to make your mocktails shine!
The Best Collins Glasses
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Editor’s Choice  |
| Check Price →Read Our Review |
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| Check Price →Read Our Review |
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| Check Price →Read Our Review |
Great Value  |
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| Check Price →Read Our Review |
Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Fizz – Best Overall
Created as a collaboration with well-known bartender Zane Harris, the Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Fizz for egg foamy-topped drinks like Gin Sours. It’s also a great glass for mocktails because of the size. Typically the flavor of non-alcoholic spirits isn’t as strong as alcoholic spirits, so adding more mixer and ice will dilute tall drinks too much. The shape and cut-glass design is pretty sharp, too.
The Riedel glasses are durable and have a large base that helps avoid tipping the glass over accidentally. The glasses are also elegant and tall, enhancing the appearance of your drinks and well-crafted cocktail garnishes.
These glasses are sturdy through and through, which is something you need in a bar setting. This set includes two 9-ounce glasses made of lead-free glass and are dishwasher-safe.
I do think that this glass set is a bit more expensive than others, though. But for its design and functionality, I think it’s still a wonderful addition to your barware collection. Plus, they are easy to wash!
Pros:
– Durable and lead-free
– Great size for mocktails
– Nice cut design
– Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
– A bit pricey for 2 glasses
– Smaller capacity than other options
Marquis by Waterford Markham Collins Glasses – Best Crystal Collins Glasses
Crystal glasses elegantly refract light at bars, gleaming them into sparkles. If you want to add some glitz to your craft cocktails, then you may want to consider the 13-ounce Marquis by Waterford Markham Collins Glasses.
This four-piece crystal glass set has exquisite cut-pattern features but are made with modern lead-free crystal and are jut under 6” tall. While the design might not be everyone’s “everyday glass,” these glasses are likely to be fan favorites that you’ll grab for hosting a party.
I recommend hand washing them, though. Other users say it didn’t hurt the glasses when they run them in the dishwasher, but it would be safer to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. These glasses are also on the pricier side, but I still think they are worth considering and adding to your home bar glassware.
Pros:
– Durable and safe construction
– Intricate cut-pattern design
– Has a good heft
– Offers large capacity
Cons:
– Hand wash recommended
– Pricey
Godinger Collins Glasses – Best Collins Glass for Weddings
I don’t know about you, but I love the slim and modern cut crystal design of the Godinger Collins Glasses. This set includes four tall and narrow glasses with elegant etchings that suit any occasion.
These glasses hold 12 oz and are just over 7” tall. They are made of lead-free crystal that’s very thick with an overall good weight. Some users find the sides a bit too thick for their liking, though. And since the glasses are heavy, you need to be careful washing them.
But you might like the thickness and durability of these glasses since they are also looking lovely and stylish. They also feature perfectly smoothed rims that make sipping from them a delight.
Pros:
– Durable construction
– Has a good overall weight
– Elegant design
Cons:
– Glasses are too thick
– Some users find the glasses heavier than expected
Paksh Novelty Italian Highball Glasses – Great Value
Understated but classic, with a nice weighted bottom, you might fall in love with the Paksh Novelty Italian Highball Glasses. This six-piece, 13-ounce glasses set is made of Italian glass. Each glass is lead-free and is sure to look classy with any tall drink.
These premium European glasses have a modern yet timeless aesthetic that I like. Plus, they are a good value, which makes them a great addition to any bar or kitchen needing several glasses. Plus, they are super clear so you can showcase the beverage and not the glass!
I like how the glasses are also adaptable enough to use for both casual and formal occasions – thanks to their elegant profile and simple design. Their thin, cylindrical shape makes them easy to hold. Plus, they are dishwasher-safe.
Another thing that I like about these glasses is that they offer the ideal balance of lightweight and a thick base that protects the glass from breaking while being pleasant to handle for as long as you want to get lost in a conversation.
Pros:
– Durable and safe construction with thickened base
– Classic design suits all occasions
– Good value
– Super clear
– Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
– Some users still find the glasses fragile
Libbey Impressions Tumbler and Rocks Glass Set – Modern Alternative
It may be the last on the list, but the Libbey Impressions Tumbler and Rocks Glass Set is a bartender’s favorite when it comes to serving ice-filled drinks. This set includes 16 durable pieces of glassware. You get (8) 16.7oz cooler/collins glasses plus (8) 12.5oz double old-fashioned rocks glasses.
Made of lead-free glass and safe to throw in the dishwasher, this set is a versatile option for serving Tom Collins and mojito mocktails. What I like about the glasses is their unique four-sided dimpled design. This allows them to fit snugly in your hand. The weighted base and chip-resistant rim also add to its overall value. While they are larger than the other options, they might be perfect for your mix!
Pros:
– Durable and safe construction
– Great value with 16 pieces of glassware
– Nicely weighted base
– Chip-resistant rims
– Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
– Some users find the glasses fragile
Things To Look For in a Collins Glass
As I’ve mentioned earlier, the best Collins glasses aren’t as easy to find as other bar glassware. You might see them labeled as “highball glasses,” which might be confusing to some. When you shop for Tom Collins glass, here are a few general key features to look at.
Material and Stability
When it comes to material, Collins glasses are made of either glass or crystal. Glass is a durable material and gives your glasses a thicker profile. Crystal Collins glass is also durable, but they are thinner than standard glass glassware. But it is a durable material that lasts longer.
Crystal and glass are made of different materials, with a crystal having a higher luster and more detailed decorations.
A thick, heavy base is also a must-have element of a Tom Collins glass. When you become hooked in a conversation and begin making hand gestures, you may accidentally tip the glass over. To avoid this, a hefty or weighted base will be a wonderful feature.
Shape
The shape of a Collins glass will determine how comfortable it is to hold. These glasses have a cylindrical or chimney-like shape, which is similar to highball glasses. Some Collins glasses also have intricate etchings, especially crystal ones. This adds to the overall look of your cocktail.
Capacity
In terms of capacity, a 12-ounce Collins glass should hold enough ice for a variety of cold cocktails. Some glasses can even hold as much as 14 ounces. However, the best thing to do is test out a couple of drinks you like to serve “tall” to determine the right size for you. Sometimes smaller is better when it comes to glassware for non-alcoholic beverages.
Price
Collins glasses are available at a range of price points. More pricey but very durable and beautiful bar glasses are available from brands such as Riedel and Waterford. However, getting sets of four or more glasses will save you money if you’re stocking a whole bar.
Types of Drinks You Can Make in a Collins Glass with NA Spirits
A Collins glass helps keep your drinks fizzier. It’s ideal for drinks that are diluted with a lot of ice and selected mixer. This large, tall glass was inspired by the Tom Collins cocktail, although you can use it for any beverage served with a lot of ice.
In addition to the cocktail it was designed to serve, you can also use this vessel for serving other mocktails including:
Caleño Collins. This is a fresh take on a Collins cocktail with a tropical twist.
Non-Alcoholic Paloma. Grapefruit soda and a great non-alcoholic tequila makes a wonderful mocktail-sipping experience for steamy summer days.
Non-Alcoholic Ramos Gin Fizz. Ramos Gin Fizz is a delightful citrusy drink. It has a perfect blend of sweetness, sourness, and acidity. This drink also has a frothy, with an airy texture. It is one of those great traditional cocktails that get even more delightful when properly crafted. Try it with Monday non-alcoholic gin.
Collins glasses are great for serving non-alcoholic beer as well! Head over to the recipe library for more mocktail inspiration.
Collins Glass FAQs
What is the function of Collins glass?
A Collins glass keeps your cocktails cool and fizzy. It is ideal for refreshing drinks that have been heavily diluted with ice and include more than one mixer. It’s named after the Tom Collins drink, but you can also use it for any ice-filled cocktails.
What’s the difference between a highball glass and a Collins glass?
While they look similar, highball and Collins glasses aren’t really the same but their difference is very subtle. A highball glass is slightly smaller and a Collins glass is essentially just a taller glass. Collins glasses are often a couple of ounces bigger than highball. But this is because of their extra height.
What drinks are served in Collins glass?
The Collins glass looks closely similar to a highball glass but taller. It was mainly used for the range of Collins gin beverages. These days this tall glass is used for soft drinks, juices, and anything served on ice.
How many oz does a Collins glass hold?
12 ounces is average for a Collins glass, but play around with mixing your own drinks to decide which size is best for you.
Conclusion
My favorite is the Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Fizz because not only does it make drinks pretty to look at with its elegant cut pattern, but these glasses are also durable and a great size for mocktails.
If you’re stocking a bar or need a bunch of glasses for an event, the Paksh Novelty Italian Highball Glasses boast a heavy base that’s durable and comfortable to hold. This set’s classic and simple design makes it ideal for all occasions.
And that concludes my hunt for the best Tom Collins glass, and I hope you’ve found some great new glassware from this list. Cheers!
