A versatile home bar can cover most drinks with three basic shapes: a rocks or double old fashioned glass for spirit-forward cocktails, a highball or Collins glass for tall mixed drinks and a coupe or other stemmed cocktail glass for drinks served up. Specialty glasses can be added for favorites such as Hurricanes or mules.

A rocks glass is short and wide, making it ideal for spirits served neat or over ice and cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Negroni. A highball is taller and narrower, providing more room for ice, mixers and carbonated drinks.

Coupes are commonly used for cocktails that are shaken or stirred with ice and then strained into the glass without ice. Examples include Daiquiris, Sidecars and many modern craft cocktails. Coupes can also be used for sparkling wine and Champagne cocktails.

Yes. Glass shape affects serving temperature, aroma, room for ice and mixers and the overall drinking experience. Using the appropriate glass also helps present the cocktail as intended, although versatile shapes can handle many different drinks.