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8 glasses to keep on hand for a cocktail party

When you’re going all out at your next cocktail party, you need to know whether to pour a piña colada in a hurricane or cocktail glass. Or whether a mai tai goes in a lowball or highball. Luckily, it doesn’t require hours of study—the following guide makes it crystal clear…

When you’re going all out for your next cocktail party, you need to know whether to pour a piña colada in a hurricane or cocktail glass. Or whether a mai tai goes in a lowball or highball. Luckily, it doesn’t require hours of study—the following guide makes it crystal clear...

Cocktail This conical-shaped glass makes most of us think of martinis—for good reason. Martinis and other neat drinks without ice or a mixer can be served in them.  Highball This large tumbler can hold up to 12 ounces, a perfect size for mixed drinks with a high proportion of mixer to alcohol. Think tom collins, bloody marys, or Jack and gingers.  Old-fashioned Also knows as a lowball or rocks glass, holds between 5 to 10 ounces, just the right amount for black and white russians, mai tais and no-mixer, on-the-rocks drinks.  Champagne Its classic tall, thin and tapered look isn't just pretty. The flute design holds Champagne's bubbles longer, while the stem keeps your hand from warming the drink.  Irish coffee Like a coffee mug with a little flair, use this glass for hot buttered rum, hot toddies and other hot drinks.  Hurricane It makes you wonder if this glass got its pear-shaped curves from one too many piña coladas, coco coladas and the other blended, frozen drinks it holds.  Margarita The 60-ounce version probably inspired the lyrics to that old Jimmy Buffet classic, but to tame your tequila, limit the glass size to around 12 ounces.  Shot Perhaps the best-known bar glass, it's easily recognized by its diminutive 1.5-ounce size and thick glass, especially at the base.