What is a Highball Glass?
A highball glass is a tall, medium width glass that usually holds between 8 to 12 fl oz.
They are used in bars to serve mixed drinks and other types of cocktails. Although because of their design and durability, they have also become common to see in the everyday household.
They make great drink glasses for things like orange juice, milk, or sweet tea. That is because they have the extra room needed to fit a lot of ice and still fit in a good-sized drink.
Highball Glass vs. Collins Glass
This distinction often confuses people, and that is because the highball glass and the collins glass are used pretty interchangeably.
The highball glass is noted for its tall, medium width stature. But when compared side by side, you will see that the collins glass is usually taller with a thinner profile.
The collin glass will often hold a bit more than the average highball glass because of this added height.
On average, a highball glass will hold 8 to 12 fl oz. The ordinary collins glass will hold between 12 and 16 fl oz.
Advantages of Using a Highball Glass
Added Capacity
Since the two most common types of glassware in any bar are the lowball glass and the highball glass, it makes sense that the highball became so advantageous because of its added capacity.
When you have a highball cocktail, something with lots of ice and more mixer than alcohol, you need a bigger glass to hold it. This is when the highball glass becomes so useful.
It’s large enough to hold a highball cocktail but not so big that it is hard to maintain. It also remains small enough that you can indulge in a few cocktails without getting too drunk.
Durability
The highball glass is one of the most durable pieces of glassware behind the bar. They don’t need to be exceptionally thin, and they usually have a thick, sturdy base.
They also lack the stem that causes weak spots in an ordinary wine or coupe glass.
Stability
Your average highball glass will have a thick wide base that gives it great stability on the table. This reduces spills and other accidents at the bar.
Appearance
A highball glass has an excellent appearance for two reasons.
The long style of the glass can allow intricate details to be added into the sides, making beautiful, distinct looking pieces of art.
But even a completely clear glass is still stunning it how it displays a drink. Its elongated profile shows off the details of any handcrafted cocktail.
Things to Consider Before You Buy a Highball Glass
How You’re Going to Use It
The highball glass is a very versatile piece of glassware, and because of this, you need to think about how you are really going to use it before you buy one.
If it is going to be an everyday drinking glass used for milk, juice, or sweet tea, then you’ll probably want something that is a little bit thicker to add durability. As well as something with a bit more size so that you can easily pour a large glass of your favorite beverage.
On the other hand, if this is going to be a glass that you use for cocktails, you’ll probably want just the opposite.
A glass that is a bit thinner for more elegance and so that you can get added clarity to show off your latest cocktail creation.
You’ll also probably want something with a little bit less capacity.
This will allow you to enjoy a few more cocktails before you’re three sheets to the wind.
Thickness
Reiterating what we said above, you need to analyze the thickness of the glass that would fit your lifestyle best.
If you are more prone to accidents or have small kids that may drink juice out of these glasses, then something thicker and more durable with an extra-large low center of gravity base may help.
It gives the glass better resistance against drops or spills.
But if you want these as cute serving glasses, or perhaps you enjoy the feel of a lighter weight glass, then you should pick something with a thin base and a low profile rim.
This will allow you to enjoy whatever cocktail you mix up behind the bar more fully.
Style
Our suggestion for finding the perfect highball glass is to do your research.
Yes, all highball glasses will be taller with a naturally thinner profile than, say, a lowball or old-fashioned glass.
But the amount at which those dimensions differ can matter a lot. Both in the look and style of the glass, the way it feels in your hand, and the weight and thickness against your lips.
Find the glass that strikes your style and fits your requirements for durability. Enjoying your glass is the first step in enjoying your cocktail.
OUR FAVORITE HIGHBALL GLASSES!
Everyday Upscale
These are Red Rock Highball Glasses. These are our best overall pick because they are simple, elegant, and durable.
The lead-free crystal clear glass gives a perfect view of your latest creation in mixology. We loved the design of the square base smoothing out to the circular rim.
We found it provides the drinker with a better hold on the glass if it starts to sweat in the summer heat.
The 16 fl oz capacity makes it big enough to hold any cocktail, and it is completely dishwasher safe.
Vintage Highball Glass
These Incana Highball Glasses have a Gatsby-era art deco design inspired by the roaring 20s. These glasses are definitely on the heavier side. They have a thick base and thick sides but are incredibly durable.
They are made from lead-free ultra-clarity glass. Although they are on the heavier end, they are not a pain to walk around with.
I would say that they were designed for someone who likes the feel of a heftier glass in their hand. I personally love these glasses for iced tea!
They each hold 12 ounces and come in a set of 4. They are also big enough to hold a standard-sized ice ball.
Crystal Highball Glasses
With these Le’raze Crystal Highball Glasses, you are going to get compliments at every party you throw.
These are classic cut crystal glasses made in the Tuscan region of Italy.
They have perfect weight and balance, and the diamond cuts offer a slip-free handhold. Each glass holds 11 fl oz.
Frosted Highball Glass
This is the Vitorrio Frosted Highball Glass.
These glasses have a beautiful honeycomb design with a frosted exterior.
They hold a little over 13 fl oz making them perfect for any sized drink even if it needs extra ice.
The only downside to these glasses is that they are hand wash only, but I suppose that’s the price you pay for beauty.
Heavy Highball Glasses
These Le’raze Elegant Highball Glasses are what you want if you like a thick heavy highball glass.
They come in a set of 12 at an incredibly low price, giving you enough glasses for everyone.
These glasses hold 16 fl oz making them the perfect size to hold any beverage, and the thick glass gives good insulation while making them completely dishwasher safe.
The beautiful cuts in the glass also catch the light and shine brilliantly, giving these glasses a classic old school feel.
Simplicity
This Borosil Classic Vision Glass is the epitome of simplicity becoming style. There is no thick base, no etching, no curvatures, or design.
The glass becomes whatever drink you put into it.
Making it the perfect glass to display a homemade artisan cocktail without the glass stealing any of the show.
It is made of borosilicate glass. An extremely durable lab-grade glass that can withstand temperatures from -40 to 660 degrees Fahrenheit. Easily being able to go from the freezer to the stove and back again without cracking.
Subsequently, these can easily withstand a light drop or spill and are entirely dishwasher safe despite the thin design.
The thin edges also allow this glass to hold a massive 16 fl oz.
Modern Design
The most eye-catching design on our list is the JoyJolt Infiniti Highball Glasses.
These glasses are made from beautiful lead-free crystal glass. Highly durable with the ability to go years without ever losing its brilliance.
The geometric shapes add a stunning design, and the flat sides offer a firm grip on the glass.
Due to their wide base, they have unbelievable stability and can hold a massive 18 fl oz.
These glasses are also completely dishwasher safe making them easy to use as everyday glasses.
Designer Highball
As it so often does, Riedel has made it as our designer pick with the Riedel Spey Highball Glass.
These glasses were explicitly created with drinks like the Mojito in mind. This is Riedel’s line of drink specific glassware.
They believe that every cocktail should have its own particular glass. This is their perception of the perfect highball glass.
It is machine blown with lead-free glass.
It holds 10 ounces, which is worth noting as being on the smaller end of the highball scale. But that is because they expect these premium glasses to keep premium spirits.
Overall, these glasses are visually stunning, they have great balance in your hand, and best of all, they are 100% dishwasher safe.
Most Unique
The Bormioli Rocco Cassiopea Highball Glass is a unique piece of art.
The multi-faceted design is modern and elegant and gives you a solid grip on the glass while insulating your beverage.
Bormiolo Rocco is an Italian company that started in 1825, and every year since, they have been improving and perfecting their craft.
These are the glasses that have resulted from those generations of hard work and know-how.
Budget Pick
The Godinger Highball Glass is an elegant set that comes with four glasses.
These glasses are 100% dishwasher safe and are thick to ensure that your drinks stay insulated and cold.
Although they have an exquisite look, they are actually one of the most affordable highball glasses on this list.
So pick up your own set today and enjoy these upscale glasses at an unbelievably affordable price.
Plastic
These are some pretty simple but nice plastic highball glasses. These US Acrylic Highball Glasses are made from durable BPA-free acrylic plastic.
They come in many different colors and are perfect for outdoor parties. The thick base gives them an excellent low center of gravity to avoid spills, and they have a bowl large enough to hold 16 ounces.
They are also dishwasher safe making for an easy after-party cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Highball Glasses For?
Highball glasses are used to serve mixed drinks or cocktails. They have a larger capacity than most glasses so that they are able to hold an ample amount of mixer and ice. And they are built tall and thin so that they can display these beautifully crafted cocktails properly.
What Drinks are Served in a Highball Glass?
The most common drinks served in a highball glass include the Mojito, Bloody Mary, Tequila Sunrise, Gin and Tonic, Long Island Iced Tea, Mint Julip, Highball, Screwdriver and many more!
What is the Difference Between a Highball Glass and a Collins Glass?
The highball glass is a tall glass of medium width. The collins glass is taller than the highball but has a thinner profile. Because of this added height, the collins glass will hold between 12 and 16 fl oz. While on average, a highball glass will only hold 8 to 12 fl oz.
Highball Glass vs. Rocks Glass
A highball glass is a tall, medium width glass that usually holds between 8 to 12 fl oz. A rocks glass, also sometimes called a lowball glass, whiskey tumbler, or old fashioned, is a short wide glass that usually holds between 6 to 10 fl oz.
