Old fashioned bourbon glass

The Old Fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass, is the iconic vessel for the eponymous cocktail made with bourbon, sugar, and bitters.

About this subject

The Old Fashioned glass, often called a rocks glass or lowball, is one of the most recognized pieces of barware. Its short, heavy-bottomed, wide-mouthed design is functional: it allows muddling ingredients with a pestle, holds a large ice cube without tipping, and releases the aromas of bourbon. This shape emerged in the 19th century when drinks began being served with ice and required sturdier vessels.

The Old Fashioned cocktail’s history dates to around 1806, when the word cocktail first appeared in print in the United States, defining a mixture of spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. The name Old Fashioned came later, in the 1880s, at Louisville’s Pendennis Club. Patrons asked for “a cocktail made the old-fashioned way” to distinguish it from the fancier recipes. The glass adopted the drink’s name and today symbolizes bartending tradition and sophistication.

Culturally, the Old Fashioned glass is tied to bourbon and American whiskey, though it is used worldwide for neat spirits or on the rocks. In minimalist photography, its simple silhouette and solid weight emphasize the drink’s purity. A fun fact: many bartenders recommend a 240 to 300 ml capacity, allowing room for ice and a wide orange peel twist, the classic citrus accent of the cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the Old Fashioned glass originate?

The Old Fashioned glass emerged in the 19th century in the United States as drinks began to be served with ice, requiring short, sturdy vessels. Its name comes from the Old Fashioned cocktail, created in the 1880s at the Pendennis Club in Louisville.

Why is the Old Fashioned glass shaped that way?

Its short, wide-mouthed shape allows for easy muddling of ingredients like sugar and bitters, accommodates a large ice cube, and concentrates the spirit's aroma at the rim of the glass.

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

In practice, they are the same. The name Old Fashioned refers specifically to the cocktail, while rocks glass or lowball are generic terms for any short tumbler used for neat spirits or on the rocks.