A Guide to Glasses Used in UK Bars
The Different Glasses Used for Drinks in the UK: A Complete Guide
When you order a drink in a British pub or bar, the type of glass you receive isn’t random. Each one is designed for a purpose, from enhancing aroma to presenting the right measure. Whether you enjoy gin, rum, vodka, whisky, or beer, understanding glass sizes helps you pour the right amount and serve your drink properly. Here’s a breakdown of the most common glasses used across the UK, including both metric and imperial measurements.
Shot Glass
A shot glass is used to serve spirits neat or to measure alcohol for cocktails.
- Standard UK measure: 25 ml (0.88 fl oz)
- Large measure: 35 ml (1.23 fl oz)
- Double measure: 50 ml (1.76 fl oz)
How many millilitres in a shot glass?
In the UK, a single shot is 25 millilitres, although some pubs use 35 millilitres depending on their licence. The shot glass itself usually holds around 50 ml, enough for a double measure or small mixer.
Shot glasses are ideal for serving spirits like vodka, rum, tequila, or gin. They’re also used to measure ingredients in cocktails such as Espresso Martinis or Gin Fizzes.
Highball Glass
The highball is a tall, straight-sided glass often used for mixed drinks and long cocktails.
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Typical size: 250–350 ml (8.8–12.3 fl oz)
This glass is perfect for drinks like a Gin and Tonic, Rum and Coke, or Vodka Soda. The shape helps retain carbonation and allows space for ice, mixer, and garnish.
Collins Glass
Similar to a highball but taller and slimmer, the Collins glass holds:
- Size: 300–400 ml (10.5–14 fl oz)
Named after the Tom Collins cocktail, it’s used for long, refreshing drinks. Its slim shape keeps bubbles alive and showcases layered ingredients.
Old Fashioned or Rocks Glass
The Old Fashioned glass, also known as a rocks or tumbler, is short and sturdy with a wide rim.
- Size: 200–300 ml (7–10.5 fl oz)
It’s used for serving spirits over ice, such as whisky, rum, or cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Negroni. The thick base makes it comfortable to hold while allowing space for ice cubes or whisky stones.
Copa de Balon Glass
For gin lovers, the Copa de Balon has become the glass of choice.
- Size: 600–800 ml (21–28 fl oz)
This large, balloon-shaped glass originated in Spain and is now popular in the UK for serving gin and tonics. The wide bowl allows botanicals and aromas to open up, while the stem keeps your hand from warming the drink.
Wine Glass
The UK uses various sizes of wine glasses, depending on the type of wine being served.
- Small wine glass: 125 ml (4.4 fl oz)
- Medium wine glass: 175 ml (6.1 fl oz)
- Large wine glass: 250 ml (8.8 fl oz)
The shape of a wine glass affects flavour and aroma. White wine glasses are narrower to preserve freshness, while red wine glasses are wider to allow oxygen to soften the wine’s tannins.
Champagne Flute
The flute is tall and narrow to keep sparkling wines fizzy for longer.
- Size: 175–250 ml (6.1–8.8 fl oz)
Its design minimises surface area, helping bubbles rise evenly while focusing aroma. It’s ideal for Champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling cocktails like a French 75.
Pint Glass
A staple in every UK pub, the pint glass holds:
- Size: 568 ml (20 fl oz)
This is the standard legal measure for draught beer, ale, cider, or lager. You’ll also find the half pint at 284 ml (10 fl oz). Modern pint glasses often feature a bulge near the rim, known as the Nonic design, which facilitates stacking and prevents chipping.
Half Pint and Schooner Glasses
- Half pint: 284 ml (10 fl oz)
- Schooner (two-thirds pint): 379 ml (13.3 fl oz)
These are often used for stronger beers or craft ales, allowing you to sample a range of styles without committing to a full pint.
Whisky Nosing Glass
For whisky enthusiasts, the Glencairn or nosing glass helps concentrate aroma and flavour.
- Size: 175–200 ml (6.1–7 fl oz)
Its tulip shape narrows at the top to focus the scent while allowing space to swirl the spirit. It’s the preferred choice for whisky tastings and distillery tours.
Martini Glass
The classic Martini glass features a wide bowl and a long stem.
- Size: 150–250 ml (5.2–8.8 fl oz)
This glass is ideal for gin or vodka martinis, Manhattans, and other cocktails served “up” without ice. The stem keeps the drink chilled, and the angled rim adds a touch of sophistication.
Coupe Glass
Before the flute became standard, the coupe glass was the traditional choice for Champagne.
- Size: 180–240 ml (6.3–8.4 fl oz)
It’s also popular for cocktails such as a Daiquiri or Sidecar. Its shallow bowl is stylish, but bubbles escape faster than in a flute.
Beer Tankard
The tankard is a traditional British beer mug made of glass, pewter, or ceramic.
- Size: 568 ml (20 fl oz)
The handle keeps your hand from warming the beer, and the solid design suits ales, porters, and stouts.
Irish Coffee Glass
This tall, handled glass is used for hot alcoholic drinks like Irish coffee or mulled wine.
- Size: 240 ml (8.4 fl oz)
It’s heat-resistant and allows for layering of coffee, cream, and spirits.
Summary Table
| Glass Type | Size (Metric) | Size (Imperial) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shot Glass (single) | 25 ml | 0.88 fl oz | Spirits, measures |
| Shot Glass (double) | 50 ml | 1.76 fl oz | Spirits, cocktails |
| Highball | 250–350 ml | 8.8–12.3 fl oz | Long drinks |
| Collins | 300–400 ml | 10.5–14 fl oz | Refreshing cocktails |
| Old Fashioned / Rocks | 200–300 ml | 7–10.5 fl oz | Spirits over ice |
| Copa de Balon | 600–800 ml | 21–28 fl oz | Gin and tonic |
| Wine Glass | 125–250 ml | 4.4–8.8 fl oz | Wine |
| Champagne Flute | 175–250 ml | 6.1–8.8 fl oz | Sparkling wine |
| Pint Glass | 568 ml | 20 fl oz | Beer, cider |
| Whisky Nosing Glass | 175–200 ml | 6.1–7 fl oz | Whisky tasting |
| Martini Glass | 150–250 ml | 5.2–8.8 fl oz | Cocktails |
| Coupe Glass | 180–240 ml | 6.3–8.4 fl oz | Classic cocktails |
| Irish Coffee Glass | 240 ml | 8.4 fl oz | Hot drinks |
Understanding glassware helps you serve every drink correctly. Whether you’re mixing cocktails, pouring beer, or enjoying a dram of whisky, the right glass enhances the experience. And if you ever wonder again how many millilitres are in a shot glass, remember: in the UK, it’s 25 ml for a single, 35 ml for a large, and 50 ml for a double—cheers to precise pouring.