The Manhattan. A timeless cocktail, a symbol of sophistication, and a drink steeped in history. But beyond the perfect blend of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, lies another crucial element: the glass. Choosing the right glass isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about enhancing the drinking experience, influencing the aroma, and ultimately, paying homage to this iconic cocktail. So, what glass is a Manhattan served in? Let’s delve into the world of glassware and uncover the ideal vessel for your next Manhattan.
The Coupette: A Storied History and Elegant Choice
The coupette, often mistakenly called a coupe, boasts a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Legend has it that the shape was modeled after Marie Antoinette’s breast, adding a touch of romanticism to its legacy. While the accuracy of this tale is debated, the coupette’s elegance is undeniable. Its wide, shallow bowl and delicate stem make it a visually stunning choice for presenting a Manhattan.
Why the Coupette Works
The coupette’s wide mouth allows the aromas of the Manhattan to fully express themselves, enhancing the sensory experience. This is particularly important for a cocktail with complex aromatic notes from the whiskey and bitters. The stem prevents your hand from warming the drink, ensuring it remains chilled and refreshing. Finally, its elegant design elevates the entire drinking experience, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or when you simply want to savor your Manhattan.
Coupette Variations and Considerations
While the classic coupette is a beautiful choice, variations exist. Some coupettes have a more rounded bowl, while others are more angular. Consider the size of the coupette as well. A larger coupette might be suitable for a double Manhattan, while a smaller one is perfect for a single serving. The thickness of the glass also plays a role. Thicker glass is more durable, while thinner glass offers a more delicate feel.
The Martini Glass: An Iconic but Imperfect Companion
The martini glass, with its iconic conical shape and long stem, is perhaps the most recognizable cocktail glass in the world. While often associated with the Manhattan, its suitability is a subject of debate among cocktail enthusiasts.
The Appeal of the Martini Glass
The martini glass is undeniably stylish and adds a touch of glamour to any cocktail. Its wide mouth allows for easy sipping, and the long stem keeps the drink chilled. For many, the martini glass is simply synonymous with sophisticated cocktails, making it a familiar and comfortable choice.
The Drawbacks of the Martini Glass for a Manhattan
The martini glass’s design, while aesthetically pleasing, has some drawbacks when it comes to serving a Manhattan. Its wide mouth, while good for aroma, can also lead to faster evaporation and dilution, especially if the drink isn’t consumed quickly. The steep sides can also make it more prone to spills, particularly when the glass is full. While visually striking, the martini glass might not be the most practical choice for a Manhattan intended to be savored.
The Nick & Nora Glass: A Modern Classic
The Nick & Nora glass is a relative newcomer to the cocktail scene, gaining popularity in recent years. Named after the stylish detective duo from Dashiell Hammett’s “The Thin Man” series, this glass offers a sophisticated and practical alternative to the traditional martini glass.
The Advantages of the Nick & Nora
The Nick & Nora glass strikes a balance between elegance and functionality. Its smaller bowl size helps to keep the drink colder for longer and reduces the risk of spills. The inward-curving rim helps to concentrate the aromas, enhancing the drinking experience. The stem, of course, keeps the drink chilled.
Why the Nick & Nora is a Great Choice for a Manhattan
The Nick & Nora glass addresses many of the shortcomings of the martini glass. Its smaller size makes it ideal for a single serving of a Manhattan, and its shape helps to preserve the drink’s temperature and aroma. Its sophisticated design also complements the elegance of the Manhattan cocktail. Many cocktail aficionados consider the Nick & Nora to be the ideal modern choice for serving a Manhattan.
The Rocks Glass: A Departure from Tradition
While not traditionally used for serving Manhattans, the rocks glass, also known as an old fashioned glass, can be an acceptable option in certain circumstances. This short, sturdy glass is typically used for serving spirits on the rocks or for cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
When a Rocks Glass Might Work
If you prefer your Manhattan on the rocks, a rocks glass is the obvious choice. Some people also enjoy a Manhattan served “up” in a rocks glass, particularly if they prefer a more casual presentation. The rocks glass is also a good option if you’re serving a Manhattan in a setting where breakage is a concern.
The Disadvantages of Using a Rocks Glass
Serving a Manhattan in a rocks glass deviates from the traditional presentation and may not be preferred by purists. The lack of a stem means that your hand will warm the drink, potentially affecting its temperature and flavor over time. The wide mouth, while allowing for easy sipping, can also lead to faster dilution. While a rocks glass is functional, it doesn’t offer the same level of elegance and sophistication as the other options.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Glass
Choosing the right glass for your Manhattan depends on several factors, including your personal preferences, the occasion, and the desired drinking experience.
Personal Preference: What Do You Like?
Ultimately, the best glass for a Manhattan is the one that you enjoy drinking from the most. If you love the look and feel of a martini glass, then by all means, use it. If you prefer the practicality and elegance of a Nick & Nora glass, that’s a great choice too. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the glass that suits your individual taste.
The Occasion: Formal or Casual?
The occasion can also influence your choice of glass. For a formal dinner party or a special celebration, a coupette or a Nick & Nora glass would be an appropriate choice. For a casual get-together with friends, a rocks glass might be perfectly acceptable.
The Drinking Experience: Temperature, Aroma, and Presentation
Consider the desired drinking experience. If you want to savor your Manhattan slowly and appreciate its complex aromas, a Nick & Nora glass or a coupette would be the best choice. If you prefer a colder drink and don’t mind a slight dilution, a rocks glass with ice might be suitable. The presentation also plays a role. A beautiful glass can enhance the entire drinking experience, making it feel more special and memorable.
In Conclusion: The Quest for the Perfect Manhattan Glass
There is no single “right” answer to the question of what glass a Manhattan should be served in. The coupette, martini glass, Nick & Nora glass, and rocks glass all have their pros and cons.
| Glass Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Coupette | Elegant, enhances aroma, keeps drink chilled | Can be fragile, wide mouth can lead to faster evaporation |
| Martini Glass | Iconic, stylish, easy to sip from | Wide mouth can lead to faster dilution and spills |
| Nick & Nora Glass | Elegant, practical, preserves temperature and aroma | Less common than other options |
| Rocks Glass | Sturdy, suitable for Manhattans on the rocks | Lacks elegance, hand warms the drink |
The ideal choice depends on your personal preferences, the occasion, and the desired drinking experience. Experiment with different glasses and find the one that best complements your appreciation for this classic cocktail. The Manhattan is a drink to be savored, and the right glass can make all the difference. Choose wisely, and enjoy!
What is the most traditional glass for serving a Manhattan?
The most traditional glass for serving a Manhattan is the coupe glass. This stemmed glass, with its broad, shallow bowl, elegantly presents the cocktail. Its shape also helps to prevent spills and allows the aromatic vapors to release, enhancing the drinking experience. For many cocktail purists, the coupe is the quintessential choice for this classic drink.
Alternatively, a martini glass can also be used, although it’s arguably less traditional. The martini glass shares a similar stemmed design but features a more conical bowl. While visually appealing, the wider opening of a martini glass can lead to quicker evaporation of the cocktail and its aromas, and the steeper sides may increase the risk of spills compared to the coupe.
Are there other acceptable glass types for a Manhattan?
Yes, while the coupe and martini glasses are most common, a rocks glass (also known as an old-fashioned glass) is sometimes used. This short, sturdy glass provides a more casual presentation and is particularly suitable if the Manhattan is served on the rocks. The rocks glass emphasizes the drink’s simplicity and allows for easy swirling of the ice, if desired.
Another less frequent but still acceptable option is a Nick and Nora glass. This glass offers a vintage aesthetic with its small, stemmed bowl and inward-sloping rim. It’s named after characters in the film “The Thin Man” and provides a unique and elegant alternative to the more conventional choices.
Why is the stem important in a Manhattan glass?
The stem is crucial for maintaining the ideal temperature of the Manhattan. By holding the glass by the stem, you avoid transferring heat from your hand to the drink, keeping it chilled for a longer period. This is particularly important for cocktails like the Manhattan, which are best enjoyed cold.
Furthermore, the stem adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation. It elevates the drinking experience, both visually and practically, setting it apart from serving the cocktail in a stemless glass. The stem also contributes to the overall balance and feel of the glass in hand.
Does the glass size matter for a Manhattan?
Yes, the size of the glass is important, as it should complement the standard serving size of a Manhattan, which is typically around 3-4 ounces. An overly large glass can make the drink look small and less appealing, while a glass that’s too small might be difficult to manage and could lead to spills.
For a coupe or martini glass, a capacity of 5-6 ounces is usually ideal. This allows enough room for the cocktail plus any garnish, without the glass appearing empty. A rocks glass, if used, should have a capacity of around 8-10 ounces to accommodate ice and the cocktail comfortably.
What are the benefits of using a coupe glass specifically?
The coupe glass offers several advantages for serving a Manhattan. Its broad, shallow bowl allows for a wider surface area, which enhances the release of the cocktail’s aromatic compounds. This helps to elevate the overall drinking experience by engaging the sense of smell alongside taste.
Moreover, the shape of the coupe glass is less prone to spills than the conical shape of a martini glass. Its elegant and timeless design also adds a touch of sophistication to the presentation, making it a preferred choice for many cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders.
Can I use a stemless glass for a Manhattan?
While technically possible, using a stemless glass is generally not recommended for serving a Manhattan. The main reason is temperature control. Holding a stemless glass directly warms the drink, potentially diluting it faster and affecting the intended flavors.
However, in very casual settings or when prioritizing practicality, a stemless glass can suffice. Just be mindful of the temperature and perhaps consider chilling the glass beforehand. A stemless glass also loses some of the traditional elegance associated with the Manhattan.
Does the type of glass impact the taste of a Manhattan?
The type of glass can subtly influence the perceived taste of a Manhattan, primarily through its effect on aroma and temperature. A glass that allows for better release of aromas, like a coupe, can enhance the overall sensory experience and make the drink seem more flavorful.
Furthermore, maintaining the correct serving temperature is crucial for optimal flavor. A stemmed glass helps to keep the Manhattan chilled, preventing dilution and preserving the intended balance of sweetness, bitterness, and spice. Therefore, while the recipe itself is paramount, the glass plays a supporting role in maximizing the drink’s potential.