Old fashioned bourbon glass

The Old Fashioned glass is an icon of mixology, traditionally used for serving bourbon and the classic cocktail that shares its name.

About this subject

The Old Fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass or lowball glass, is one of the most recognizable vessels in the world of spirits. Its short stature, wide mouth, and thick bottom are designed to enhance the whiskey-drinking experience, especially for American bourbon. The shape allows the drinker's hand to gently warm the liquid, releasing aromas, while a large ice cube or sphere melts slowly, achieving optimal dilution. The glass traces its origins to the 19th century, when the Old Fashioned cocktail was invented at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, quickly becoming a symbol of refinement and tradition.

Bourbon is a whiskey distilled primarily from corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, with Kentucky producing about 95% of the world's supply. The Old Fashioned glass is the preferred vessel for purists who enjoy bourbon neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails. The thickness of the glass is not merely aesthetic: it helps maintain the drink's temperature, preventing rapid warming from hand heat. Many craft cocktail bars use hand-cut crystal glasses, adding elegance and a nod to history.

Historically, the Old Fashioned glass was among the first whiskey glass types mass-produced in the United States during Prohibition (1920-1933). Speakeasies served smuggled whiskey in these lowball glasses, which were easier to conceal than tall stemware. Today, the glass is a bar essential, its popularity boosted by shows like Mad Men, where the Old Fashioned cocktail epitomized status and taste. The glass is also versatile, serving Scotch whisky, aged rum, or cocktails like the Negroni and Manhattan.

In Brazil, the Old Fashioned glass gained prominence with the craft cocktail movement of the 2010s. Local bartenders adopted it for signature drinks featuring aged cachaça and regional bitters. Despite its simplicity, the glass demands technique: large ice to slow dilution, and optional garnish of orange peel or cherry, respecting tradition. For bourbon enthusiasts, pouring a glass of bourbon into an Old Fashioned glass is almost a ritual, connecting the drinker to over a century of history.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

An Old Fashioned glass is short and wide with a thick bottom, ideal for spirits served neat or with a large ice cube. A highball glass is tall and narrow, used for drinks with more mixer, like whiskey and soda or gin and tonic.

Why is the Old Fashioned cocktail called that?

The name refers to an 'old-fashioned' style of cocktail recipe that predates the elaborate mixed drinks of the late 19th century. The classic recipe combines whiskey, sugar, bitters, and citrus peel, served in this specific glass.

What type of ice is best for an Old Fashioned glass?

A large cube (2 to 3 inches) or a sphere is best because it melts slowly, providing gradual dilution without watering down the drink. Crushed or small ice is not recommended for this glass.