If you’re in the market for the best martini glasses, the most important factors to look for are the design and type, as well as how much beverage they can hold.
Half the fun of crafting mocktails is making them pretty! To help you shop, I’ve put together the top martini glasses for the perfect presentation, plus a buying guide and detailed reviews.
Martini glasses are timeless glassware, but you can now select from a wide range of designs and types. Check out my top picks for this classic style of cocktail glass. Each of these are well-rated, reviewed, and have unique features suited to different personalities and styles.
My Top Picks: The Best Martini Glasses
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Editor's Choice |
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Splurge Pick |
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Reviews: The Best Martini Glasses
With all the choices available, it can be hard to discern which are the best martini glasses. I’ve based my recommendations on their designs, as well as their volume capacity and price. Reading my reviews, you’ll find classic styles, stemless styles, and some with unique designs. They are all excellent choices, so pick the ones that suit your style best.
Best Overall
Riedel VINUM Martini Glasses
For a truly classic martini glass, the Riedel VINUM Martini Glasses will not disappoint. Made with high quality crystal, these are the best martini glasses with the classic shape associated with the martini. Riedel is known for its quality glassware.
I also selected the Riedel martini glasses because they are the perfect size for a classic martini with a 4-⅝ ounce capacity. I compared these to the Schott Zwiesel crystal glasses, and those have beautiful proportions and design, but they are quite a bit larger, holding a 9 ounce martini.
Two glasses come in this set and are dishwasher safe, but they are fairly fragile, so handwashing might still be your best bet. This is a very classy set of martini glasses that would fit right in at your home bar.
Pros:
– High quality crystal
– Size is perfect for smaller portioned classic cocktails
Cons:
– Fragile
Best Martini Glass Set
Mikasa Cheers Martini Glass
If you want a crystal, but with a little more personality, the Mikasa Cheers Martini Glasses is a great option. This set comes in four pieces with playful and whimsical etchings. It’s also the most generous set of glasses on the list, having a 10 ounce capacity per glass. Though this might seem large for a classic dry martini, the proportions of your preferred mocktail might be completely different.
The Mikasa martini glass is made with precision-etched European crystal glass. Glassware with patterns is pretty common, but having multiple designs in one set isn’t. So, I think it’s a nice idea to have them in your glassware arsenal, so guests don’t mistake another’s drink for their own.
A few drawbacks though, although they are very stylish, I found out they are fragile. Also, since the glasses are patterned, you cannot put them in the dishwasher – the manufacturer recommends carefully hand washing these precious glasses.
Pros:
– Identifying etched pattern on each glass
– Glasses are made of crystal
– Large capacity for generous drinks
Cons:
– A bit too fragile
– Hand wash only
Best Stemless Martini Glasses
Libbey Cosmopolitan Martini Glasses
Looking for some stemless martini glasses? You should check out the Libbey Cosmopolitan Martini Glasses. This set comes with four glasses that are lead free and made for a creative mocktail presentation. The glasses can hold up to 8.25 ounces of liquid.
The Libbey stemless glasses transform any crafted mocktails into eye-catching, classy works of art. The glasses have a good weight to them, allowing you to comfortably hold them. As stemless glasses, they are less prone to being tipped over – a common complaint among professional bartenders. They are also very easy to clean without stems; just throw them in the dishwasher, and they’ll be ready for your next batch of delicious mocktails.
When I was reading through online reviews, however, some users say the glasses are fragile but others swear by the functionality of this set. I have heard of them being used for scooped ice cream, so they are multi-purpose too!
Pros:
– Will not tip over easily
– Offer generous capacity
– Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
– A bit fragile
JoyJolt HUE Martini Glasses
Now, if you like the idea of stemless glasses, you may just fall in love with these that have a splash of color! The JoyJolt HUE Martini Glasses are fun but also practical, with a different color for each glass. And I think these glasses would look so good with a colorful table setting at a baby shower or a dinner party.
The JoyJolt hued glasses offer 8 ounces of liquid capacity, which is a great size for a martini mocktail glass. This set includes six sturdy glasses, the largest set on the list. No need for drink markers – I appreciate that they come in six bejeweled colors that are helpful in keeping track of your drinks when needed.
To maintain the color on the glasses, you must hand wash them. Despite this, I think they are still a great addition to your bar glassware collection.
Pros:
– Chic and cute design
– Set comes with 6 vibrant glasses
Cons:
– Hand wash only; color might fade
Unique Design
Riedel Nick & Nora Cocktail Glasses
A favorite among cocktail enthusiasts, the Riedel Nick & Nora Cocktail Glasses have a unique coupe design and story. If you’re looking for a martini glass but don’t love the classic v-shaped design, this set is a no-brainer. These glasses have been designed in partnership with master mixologist Zane Harris to make the ideal glass for a martini.
Nick and Nora were characters from a novel turned movie series called The Thin Man. They loved their martinis and were the inspiration for the design of these glasses.
The Riedel Nick and Nora set comes with two lovely glasses. You know, spillage is such a common issue with martinis. These are popular among bartenders because the design will hold your drink in the glass a little better, thanks to the curved silhouette and elongated lip. These glasses are also made so that every sip hits your mid-palate, so no need for the dramatic head tilt.
Another great thing about this design is its versatility as a cocktail glass. Many types of drinks can be enjoyed in them. These Nick & Nora glasses are needed in every home bar. The only drawback I could think of is the smaller liquid capacity at only 4.8 ounces, but if you enjoy classic recipes, the size is perfect. These glasses are dishwasher-safe, so cleaning them will be a breeze.
Pros:
– Elegant design
– Offers less spillage and effortless sip
– Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
– Some noticeable seams on the stems
– Smaller capacity
A Buyer’s Guide in Choosing the Best Martini Glasses
Before spending tons of time searching for martini glasses, you should ask yourself, “What size drink do I want it to serve?” Then, you can decide what type of glasses, and pick from designs that match your style. Find out everything you need to know with the handy buying guide below.
Material
Glass is the most common material, however plastic and stainless steel martini glasses are also available. Crystal is the nicest type of glass, and a classy choice for glassware.
Stainless steel and plastic are the most durable of these materials, and would be appropriate outdoors or poolside, but most martini fans love sipping on a glass.
Glass Capacity
Martini glasses can hold liquid generally with a volume of 3 to 10 ounces. The capacity is something to think about if you have specific mocktails in mind for this glassware. A classic drink usually has less liquid, so they may seem empty if they are too large. On the other hand, mocktails are non-alcoholic, so the volume might not be as much of a concern.
Glass Type
Designers are constantly experimenting with new methods to make the traditional martini glass more interesting. With features such as double-walled glass and playful patterns or colors, there are so many styles to match your personality and decor. Before getting into glass decoration, there are a few basic glass styles to know.
Classic Triangle
The triangle shape is the timeless martini glass design. These have a long stem, ideal for keeping your drinks cold by keeping your hands off your drink.
Stemless
These are one of the most common of modern designs. With stemless glasses, you can avoid unnecessary accidents, because they are less prone to being knocked over.
Coupe Glasses
Coupes are the most recommended cocktail glass, especially if presentation is important to you. Coupes are made for cocktails and champagne, but you could just as easily serve martinis in them, and they look great. Also, coupes have a curved, wide rim, so they are less susceptible to spilling. The only coupe option on the list is the Nick and Nora set. If you prefer a coupe glass for your cocktails, here are the best coupe glasses.
Double-Walled Martini Glasses
Double-walled glasses are ideal for keeping your drinks cold. They’re designed to keep cocktails at the right temp by not permitting heat to escape or enter. I think it’s a very simple science; such glasses keep your drink insulated for a longer period due to the added wall of glass. And they are usually quite durable.
Glass Design
The fun part of shopping for a martini glass is that you can pick a design that suits you, as well as the drink you plan to serve. Aside from the shapes of the glasses listed above, other features are available, which give the glasses even more personality.
Glasses can have etched patterns, cut crystal patterns, or hand painted designs. Some use color in the glass and some are clear. Consider color or pattern if you have a theme, or if you want the glasses to be easily identified by your guests without having to use a drink marker.
All of these glasses are perfect for classic gin, vodka, and whiskey mocktails, served up, which is shaken or stirred, but strained and served cold. Martini glasses are not rocks glasses and therefore unsuitable for use with ice.
Price
Martini glasses generally come in sets. And the good news is that they are pretty affordable. The crystal, brand named glasses will cost more, but they are often better quality. However, the more affordable options are lovely as well, and there are several to choose from on this list, so you are free to pick what is best for your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best size martini glass?
The ideal size of martini glass depends on your personal preference. Most bartenders prefer a smaller-sized glass, around 5-6 ounces, because most classic drinks are made with less volume. Classic mocktails are similar, but since they are non-alcoholic, going bigger is not as much of an issue. Just know, the larger the glass, the more prone to spilling and your drink getting warm over time.
What should I look for in a martini glass?
Look for a durable material like crystal, and one with an elegant design. They will give you the best presentation points.
Are martini glasses out of style?
If we’re talking about the V-shape cocktail glass, I think it’s safe to say that the ever-chic coupe glasses have officially dethroned it as the go-to cocktail glass. Coupe glasses tend to be the better option for less spillage and more attractive design. However, martini glasses are timeless, so you really can’t go wrong with keeping them around.
Conclusion
My favorite martini glasses are the Riedel VINUM Martini Glasses and the Riedel Nick & Nora Cocktail Glasses because they are both elegant designs and will make any martini mocktail look amazing.
If you want to be more practical, the Libbey Cosmopolitan Martini Glasses stemless set could also be a good option. They fit more easily in the dishwasher.
I hope you find this guide helpful in finding the best martini glasses. Make sure to check out the full collection of mocktail recipes made with quality non-alcoholic spirits to put in your new glassware. Happy mixing!