Collins Glass vs Highball Glass

When it comes to serving cocktails, the type of glass you choose can make a big difference in the overall drinking experience.

Two popular cocktail glasses are the Collins glass and the Highball glass. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Collins glass vs Highball glass and explore the differences between these two popular cocktail glasses.

What is a Collins Glass?

Collins glass is a tall, narrow glass that is typically used for serving cocktails that are made with soda water or other carbonated mixers. It is named after the Tom Collins cocktail, which is traditionally served in this type of glass.

Collins glasses are typically 10 to 14 ounces in size and have a straight-sided shape that tapers slightly toward the bottom. They are often used for serving cocktails like the Gin and Tonic, the Mojito, and the Tom Collins.

What is a Highball Glass?

Highball glass is a tall, narrow glass that is typically used for serving cocktails that are made with a high ratio of mixer to alcohol. It is named after the highball cocktail, which is traditionally served in this type of glass.

Highball glasses are typically 8 to 12 ounces in size and have a straight-sided shape that is similar to the Collins glass. However, they are slightly wider and shorter than Collins’s glasses. They are often used for serving cocktails like the Whiskey Highball, the Cuba Libre, and the Screwdriver.

Use

Another difference between the Collins glass and the highball glass is its intended use.

Collins glasses are typically used for serving cocktails that are made with soda water or other carbonated mixers. The tall, narrow shape of the glass helps to preserve carbonation and keep the drink fizzy.

Highball glasses are typically used for serving cocktails that are made with a high ratio of mixer to alcohol. The wider, shorter shape of the glass allows for more room for ice and a mixer, making it easier to mix the drink and enjoy the flavors.

Cocktails

When it comes to serving cocktails, both the Collins glass and the Highball glass are versatile options that can be used for a variety of drinks.

However, certain cocktails are better suited for one glass over the other.

Cocktails that are typically served in a Collins glass include:

• Gin and Tonic: This classic cocktail is made with gin, tonic water, and a squeeze of lime. The tall, narrow shape of the Collins glass helps to preserve the carbonation and keep the drink fizzy.
• Tom Collins: This cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. It is traditionally served in a Collins glass and garnished with a lemon wedge.
• Mojito: This refreshing cocktail is made with rum, lime juice, mint leaves, simple syrup, and soda water. It is typically served in a Collins glass and garnished with a sprig of mint.

Cocktails that are typically served in a highball glass include:

• Whiskey Highball: This simple cocktail is made with whiskey and soda water. It is typically served in a highball glass and garnished with a lemon or lime wedge.
• Cuba Libre: This cocktail is made with rum, cola, and a squeeze of lime. It is typically served in a highball glass and garnished with a lime wedge.
• Screwdriver: This classic cocktail is made with vodka and orange juice. It is typically served in a highball glass and garnished with an orange slice.

Which is Better?

When it comes to deciding between the Collins glass and the highball glass, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of cocktail you’re serving.

If you’re serving a cocktail that is made with soda water or other carbonated mixers, then the Collins glass may be the better choice. Its tall, narrow shape helps to preserve carbonation and keep the drink fizzy.

If you’re serving a cocktail that is made with a high ratio of mixer to alcohol, then the highball glass may be the way to go. Its wider, shorter shape allows for more room for ice and a mixer, making it easier to mix the drink and enjoy the flavors.