In many cases, the glass you use for cocktails may or may not be important. But there are some situations where it’s really important- especially on occasion when you need to serve your guests. For the best presentation, your limoncello has to be served in the best limoncello glasses.
The common mistakes that people can make when doing cocktails, in the professional bartenders, or people at home making cocktails for their friends. One of the mistakes that sometimes happen is using the wrong glassware. Now, in many cases, it may not matter that much which glass we use. Manhattan, for example, can be served in a martini type glass. Or you can do it on the rocks, in which case you use a rocks glass of some sort. But it really doesn’t matter. The cocktail would basically taste the same. You got ice on the drink in one glass and you’ve got no ice on the drink in another glass.
However, to get the most out of your wine collection, you must have an understanding of the different types of wine glasses as well as what makes each glass ideal for one type of wine over another.
Quick Navigation
Why Glassware is Important
But there are going to be cases where the glassware can be important. Because of the presentation style of the glass is doing, or even just a commonality of using the glass. For example, you would not expect an old-fashioned to be served in a martini glass, but rather, in a rocks glass with ice. That is the case of the cocktail placed in a wrong glass.
Another drink is limoncello. Again for that, you wouldn’t want to use a standard cocktail glass. Although you may use usual shot glasses to serve it, if you’re going to serve it to friends, you could use some presentation. And it would be but proper to invest in appropriate glassware.
Characteristics and Quality
The less experienced believes that it doesn’t matter which glass you use to serve cocktails. In reality, it is not so: it is very important to use the glass suitable for the type of liqueur that you want to taste and enjoy. In fact, using the appropriate glass tells about a person’s qualified professionalism and marked aesthetic taste. It is important to have a strong attention to the type of glass to be used according to the liqueur. Moreover, the glassware should have the following characteristics.
- The glass should be transparent and therefore, devoid of decorative motifs, of written and drawings: in this way it will be possible to enhance the color of the liqueur you are about to taste;
- The liqueur glass must always be very clean, free of fingerprints, signs of wear, dripping and, even worse, chipping.
- In order to rotate the wine, the glass should never be filled more than a third of its volume.
photo by Webstaurant Store
Parts of a Wine Glass
The Foot – is the part of the glass that allows the glass to stand upright.
The Stem – it is the part that allows you to hold your wine glass to avoid the heat from your hand to warm our wine. The stem also prevents smudges on the bowl so the glass will always be clear.
The Bowl – The shape captures and distributes the wine’s aroma toward the mouth and nose. The bowl also shows the variation between glasses. For example, red wine glasses have a larger bowl to allow the wine to breathe, in contrast to the white wine glass. Another example is the champagne glass which has a small amount of surface area to allow the wine to retain carbonation.
The Rim – It is necessary and important to achieve full wine experience. A good wine glass has a tapered rim that is smooth to touch and does not prevent the wine as it flows from the glass. Cheaper glasswares may still be practical and functional but distracts the wine to flow because of its rolled or bumpy rim.
The Color – Accents and color provide beauty but it would hamper the true beauty of the wine to shine through the glass. That is why it is ideal for wine glasses to be crystal clear.
Different Types of Liquor Glasses
There are different types of liqueur glasses on the market and all differ in shape and design. Here are some glasses used in serving different cocktails.
Red Wine Glass
Large wine glasses are the best glassware to serve red wines. These glasses have a larger opening, fuller, and rounder. This allows your nose to detect aroma by dipping your nose into the glass.
White Wine Glass
The white wine glass has a U-shaped bowl. It is also more upright than red wine glass to allow the release of aroma while keeping a cooler temperature.
Younger whites have a larger opening aiming the wine to the sides and the tip of the tongue to savor the flavor.
Mature white wines use glasses that are taller and straighter to disburse the wine to the tongue to taste the more intense flavor.
Sparkling Wine Glasses
A champagne flute or sparkling wine glass is narrower and upright than other wine glasses. This ensures retained carbonation and captured flavor.
Rose Wine Glass
Stemmed glasses with a short bowl and short bowl with a slightly flared lip are the types of wine glasses for rose wines. Rose Wines are similarly processed like the white wines. White wine glasses can be uses if rose wine glasses are not available.
Dessert or Fortified Wine Glass
Dessert wine glasses are smaller to aim the wine to the back of the mouth in order to prevent the sweetness from overwhelming. Since dessert wines have a high alcohol content, small dessert wine glasses are ideal for a smaller serving. The same thing goes for sherry and cordial glasses.
Specialty Wine Glasses
All purpose wine glass is your option if no specific wine glass is available. It may not provide you with the same experience but these glasses offer the same function. The shape of the bowl is acceptable for both red and white wines. The stemless wine glass has a modern look and appearance. It does not break easily compared to wine glasses with a stem, therefore, less care to maintain them.
Best Limoncello Glasses
Limoncello is consumed after a meal and served in small quantities. This is because of its high alcohol content. The drink may be presented in different types of glass depending on the bar or restaurant.
Traditional Shot Glasses
Typical shot glasses are perfectly acceptable to serve limoncello to your guests. Short and tall shot glasses are satisfactory.
Ceramic Shot Glasses
Amalfi Coast in southern Italy is known for its limoncello as well as for its ceramics. The people in Amalfi serve limoncello in traditional ceramic shot glasses featuring its logo. Some wine stores have these shot glasses, as well as auction sites and package stores.
Stemmed Cordial Glasses
Classic cordial glasses are ideal glassware for many liqueurs because they hold the same volume of liquid as a usual shot glass. The only difference is that they have a short stem that makes them easy to hold. This also helps the limoncello kept chilled. These kinds of glasses break easily than regular shot glass.
Tips for Serving Limoncello
This yellow sunshine in a glass is still refreshing whether you serve it on a regular glass, and it doesn’t matter which glass you put it in. However, here are a few tips for a more pleasing presentation:
- It is better to use clear glasses than the colored ones to show off its bright yellow color.
- Keep the glasses chilled in the freezer before you serve limoncello. This keeps the chilled liqueur icy cold for a more refreshing flavor.
- Keep the limoncello bottle in the freezer for a chilled drink every time. Do not worry about it freezing because of its high alcohol content.
- When in Italy, you may buy a decorative set of limoncello shot glasses. These make a great souvenir and gift.
- If you have the budget, go to Italy and purchase authentic ceramic glasses from Amalfi for a more authentic experience.
- You can also serve limoncello in wine glasses. Pour only a shot glass amount of liqueur in it as limoncello is strong.
- You may check several online stores for specialty limoncello glasses you can avail.
Limoncello does not change its flavor when served with any kind of glass. This Italian liqueur is still beautiful, refreshing and delicious. But limoncello served in a proper glass enhances the experience. It’s like enjoying sunshine and spring in Italy.