The old fashioned glass, otherwise known as the rocks glass, whiskey glass, and lowball glass (or simply lowball), is a short tumbler used for serving spirits, such as whisky, neat or with ice cubes (“on the rocks”). It is also normally used to serve certain cocktails, such as the old fashioned.
Cocktail Glasses – essentials and favorites
FAQ
What is the difference between a rocks glass and an old fashioned glass?
How much does a rocks glass hold?
How do you hold a rock glass?
What is a rocks glass used for?
It’s primarily used to serve drinks on the rocks (over ice), but can also be used for certain neat drinks like the Sazerac. Cocktails served in an old-fashioned glass are usually built right in the glass, or strained over fresh ice after stirring or shaking. What is a “rocks glass”?
What is the difference between old fashioned and rocks glass?
The biggest difference is the size: The Old Fashioned glass is smaller, sized to hold a single Old Fashioned with a large cube of ice or smaller cubes. The rocks glass (or double Old Fashioned glass) offers a larger capacity—ideal for a bigger mixed drinks or those with a generous amount of ice. What else defines these two glasses?
Do you need a rocks glass for Old Fashioneds?
If you’re on the fence about which glass to buy, look for a rocks glass. There’s no need to own both glasses, and the rocks glass pulls double duty for Old Fashioneds and a wide range of other drinks. Bonus: the Yarai Rocks Glass from Cocktail Kingdom doubles as an impromptu mixing glass.
Why is it called a rocks glass?
The name “rocks glass” derives from the fact that most of its contents are served on the rocks—whether that’s a cocktail or a straight spirit like whiskey. Finally, the name “lowball glass” (probably the least common) is a reference to the taller highball glass or Collins glass, both of which are tall, straight-sided tumblers.