Old fashioned bourbon glass

The Old Fashioned glass is an icon of classic cocktail culture, recognized by its wide base and straight rim, perfect for bourbon drinks.

About this subject

The Old Fashioned glass, also known as a lowball or rocks glass, is one of the most traditional vessels in cocktail culture. Its origins trace back to the 19th century, when the term 'old-fashioned' referred to a style of cocktail preparation using sugar, bitters, water, and whiskey. The glass was designed specifically for serving this drink, featuring a robust build: thick walls, a heavy base, and a wide mouth that allows the drinker to appreciate the aroma and color while accommodating a large ice cube.

The shape of the Old Fashioned glass is intentional. The wide base provides stability and facilitates muddling ingredients like sugar and citrus peels, common in classic recipes. The straight rim, without curvature, directs the aroma directly to the nose. Historically, it evolved from American whiskey glasses of the 19th century, gaining global popularity with the cocktail revival in the 2000s.

Although often associated with bourbon (a type of American whiskey), the Old Fashioned glass is versatile. It works perfectly for other spirits like rye whiskey, scotch, or cocktails such as the Negroni. Its key feature is enhancing the sensory experience, ice melts slowly, diluting the drink evenly, while the thick glass helps maintain temperature longer.

Interestingly, the glass name comes from the Old Fashioned cocktail, which itself was named after the 'old-fashioned' method of making drinks. The original recipe, documented in 1806 by the newspaper 'The Balance and Columbian Repository', called for whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water. Today, the glass is a symbol of elegance and tradition, found in upscale bars and casual settings alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an Old Fashioned glass and a highball glass?

An Old Fashioned glass is short and wide, holding about 200-300 ml, ideal for drinks with little volume and lots of ice. A highball glass is tall and narrow, used for long cocktails like gin and tonic.

Which whiskey is most commonly used in an Old Fashioned glass?

Bourbon and rye whiskey are most common, especially for the Old Fashioned cocktail. The glass also works well for scotch and other spirits served on the rocks or neat.

Why is the glass of an Old Fashioned so thick?

The thickness helps keep the drink cold longer and provides durability. Additionally, the heavy base makes the glass more stable when stirring.