A highball glass is a tall, straight-sided tumbler, typically 8 to 12 oz. Its height accommodates plenty of ice and a large amount of mixer, making it appropriate for long drinks — Highballs, Collins, Mojitos, Mules. The narrow shape helps preserve carbonation by minimizing the surface area exposed to air. It's the most versatile glass in a home bar because it works for cocktails, water, juice, and any tall, ice-filled drink.
Why It Matters
Using the right glass for the format matters for carbonation preservation and for how the drink is experienced. A Highball in a short rocks glass has less room for ice and mixer — it changes the ratio of the drink.
Where You'll Use It
Moscow Mule, Mojito, Gin and Tonic, Dark and Stormy, Paloma, and all Collins formats.
Worth Knowing
Collins Glass
A Collins glass is similar to a highball glass but taller and narrower — typically 10 to 14 oz. Named for the Tom Collins. The extra height is designed for tall, ice-filled drinks with a lot of sparkling mixer.
Copper Mug
The copper mug is the traditional vessel for the Moscow Mule. Copper is an excellent conductor of cold — it chills the drink faster than glass and keeps it colder longer. The mug also frosts dramatically, which is part of the visual appeal. Some argue the copper imparts a slight metallic flavor that enhances the ginger; this is contested. What's not contested is that the drink looks better in a copper mug.