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The glass is a crucial consideration in any Martini, as important as the choice of vermouth or gin. The appearance, feel in your hand, or contact with your lips can drastically alter the character of the drink.
The glass most of us associate with the Martini is, of course, the Y-shaped one, a decorative-era motif that has been captured on countless neon signs around the world. A curvy coupe can also look very elegant, as well as being lovely to hold. (It is often claimed that the coupe was inspired by Marie Antoinette’s breasts, but sadly this is a myth.) 1980s Nick & Nora, named after Nick and Nora Charles, the Martini-drinking detectives in the post-Prohibition novel and film The thin manis another classic design: its wine glass shape, slightly more vertical, is ideal for cocktails of all kinds.
He size glass is also very important. Most cocktail glasses these days are too big, which means you’re completely spoiled and your Martini will be hot before you’re halfway through the drink. The first cocktail glasses, on the other hand, contained between 75 and 90 ml or only a few sips. I’ve seen pictures of Ernest Hemingway drinking Martinis not much bigger than a thimble.
So my advice for Martinis is: keep them ice cold and small. After all, that first electrifying sip is usually the best. A 150ml glass is perfect. Or even smaller if you can. Old fashioned liquor glasses are great for cocktails that are really tiny.
Whatever type of glass you choose, test it in the freezer first. And then hold it by the stem so your hot little hand doesn’t heat up the Martini.
The Martini: The Definitive Guide to a Cocktail Icon by Alice Lascelles is published by Gang at £18.99
five to buy
Urban Bar 15cl Retro Coupette
Perfectly proportioned, party proof and for the reduced price of £8.50. The Martini glass I use most often. £8.50, urbanbar.com
Richard Brendon Classic Martini Glass
A brand seen at the Connaught bar and many other high-end cocktail venues. This glass offers a five-star drinking experience. £75 for a pair, richardbrendon.com
Atomic Design Chesterfield Glasses
Muddled Vintage is a treasure trove of delicate retro finds – these colorful numbers are so much fun. £40 for 6, muddledvintage.co.uk
LSA Boris Nick and Nora
A contemporary take on the Nick & Nora classic, with room for a few extra olives. £75 for two, lsa-internacional.com
Kimura Kikatsu Glass 3322 3oz Stem
This Japanese company’s exquisite glasses make every cocktail hour feel like a ceremony. Not suitable for the dull. $83.11, kimuraglass.com