A Collins Glass is not just a simple glass; it’s the tall, elegant friend your favorite drinks love to hang out with. When you pour a fizzy lemonade, a mojito, or even a fancy Tom Collins, this glass makes it look extra special. The collins glass is tall and slim, which helps the bubbles dance longer and the ice stay cool for more time. It’s like magic in a glass! Whether you are at home, at a café, or hosting a small party, using a collins glass makes every drink feel like it came from a stylish bar.
Many people don’t know the difference between a collins glass and other glasses, but once you learn, you’ll see why it matters. This glass holds more liquid than a regular tumbler, so it’s perfect for tall mixed drinks that need space for ice, soda, and flavor. You can use it for cocktails, mocktails, or even fancy juices when you want to impress your friends. Plus, it’s super easy to clean and looks great on any table. In this post, we’ll explore everything about the collins glass — from its shape and size to how you can use it to make your everyday drinks feel fancy and fun.
What Is a Collins Glass
A collins glass is a tall, narrow glass used mainly for mixed drinks that include soda or tonic water. It usually holds between 10 to 14 ounces of liquid, which gives enough space for ice cubes and a generous pour of your favorite beverage. Its straight sides and clear design show off the beautiful colors of your drink, making it look fresh and fancy.
The collins glass was named after the famous cocktail called the “Tom Collins,” which is made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. This drink became so popular that bartenders started calling the tall glass it was served in a “collins glass.” Over time, this glass became a must-have for anyone who loves cocktails or refreshing drinks. Today, it’s used in homes, restaurants, and bars all over the world.
What Is a Collins Glass and Why It’s So Popular
A collins glass is a tall, straight-sided glass used for serving mixed drinks and cocktails. It’s taller and slimmer than most everyday glasses, and its design helps keep drinks fizzy for a longer time. The narrow shape holds the carbonation, so your soda or sparkling water stays bubbly until the last sip. The glass is most famous for the Tom Collins cocktail, which gave it its name. Over time, it became popular for many other drinks like Mojitos, Palomas, and Long Island Iced Teas.
What makes the collins glass special is how it balances style and function. It’s comfortable to hold, easy to fill with ice, and makes any drink look beautiful. The tall size lets bartenders show off colorful layers of ingredients, from bright fruit slices to sparkling bubbles. Many people also love using collins glasses at home because they bring a bar-style look to simple homemade drinks. Whether you’re pouring juice, soda, or an elegant cocktail, the collins glass makes it look better.
The History of the Collins Glass
The history of the collins glass starts in the 1800s in England. The glass was named after the “Tom Collins” cocktail, which became a hit during the late 19th century. The drink itself came from a funny hoax called “The Great Tom Collins Hoax.” In 1874, people in New York and London played a prank where they told friends that someone named Tom Collins was spreading rumors about them at a nearby bar. When the person rushed to find him, bartenders served them a gin-based drink called a “Tom Collins.” The joke became famous, and so did the cocktail.
Because the drink was served in a tall glass with lots of ice and soda, bartenders started calling that type of glass a “collins glass.” Soon, it became a standard size for long, refreshing drinks that needed more room than a tumbler or rocks glass. Over the years, glassmakers refined the design, making it more balanced and easier to hold. Today, the collins glass remains one of the most common and timeless drink glasses in the world.
Collins Glass vs Highball Glass – What’s the Difference
Many people mix up the collins glass and the highball glass because they look very similar. However, they are not exactly the same. The main difference is in their height and capacity. A collins glass is taller and slightly narrower than a highball glass. It usually holds 10 to 14 ounces, while a highball glass holds 8 to 12 ounces.
A highball glass is perfect for short, simple mixed drinks such as whiskey and soda or gin and tonic. A collins glass, on the other hand, is used for “long drinks” that include more mixer, such as soda, tonic, or juice. The taller shape gives more room for ice and bubbles, keeping the drink cold and lively.
In short, if you want a light, refreshing drink with fizz and flavor, go for a collins glass. It’s also more visually appealing because it lets you see all the ingredients clearly — perfect for drinks with fruit slices, mint leaves, or colorful syrups.
Best Drinks to Serve in a Collins Glass
The collins glass is known for its versatility. You can use it for many classic cocktails and even non-alcoholic drinks. Here are some of the best drinks to serve in a collins glass:
Tom Collins – The original drink for which the glass was named. It’s made with gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda water, giving it a crisp and fizzy taste.
Mojito – A refreshing Cuban cocktail made with rum, mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and soda water. The collins glass helps the mint float beautifully and keeps the drink cool.
Paloma – A Mexican favorite made with tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice. The collins glass keeps it light and bubbly.
Long Island Iced Tea – A mix of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and cola. The collins glass holds the perfect amount for this famous strong cocktail.
Non-Alcoholic Options – You can also use a collins glass for lemonade, iced coffee, smoothies, sparkling juice, or mocktails. The tall shape makes every drink look festive and elegant.
How to Choose the Best Collins Glass
When shopping for a collins glass, keep a few key things in mind. First, consider size and capacity. A good collins glass should hold between 10 and 14 ounces. This gives you enough space for ice, liquid, and soda without spilling.
Next, look at the material. Most collins glasses are made of clear glass, but you can also find crystal, tempered glass, or even acrylic versions. Crystal glasses look elegant for parties, while tempered glass is durable for everyday use.
You should also pay attention to design and grip. Some collins glasses have straight sides, while others have a slight curve for comfort. Choose one that feels good in your hand and matches your tableware.
Finally, check for care instructions. Dishwasher-safe glasses are convenient, but handwashing helps them last longer and stay crystal clear. If you often serve cold drinks, consider double-walled or thick glasses that prevent condensation.
Creative Ways to Use a Collins Glass
A collins glass isn’t only for cocktails — it’s great for many creative uses too. You can use it to serve breakfast smoothies, milkshakes, or iced lattes. Its tall shape shows off layers of whipped cream, fruits, and toppings beautifully.
You can also turn collins glasses into mini dessert cups for parfaits, yogurt bowls, or layered puddings. They’re perfect for showing off colorful ingredients and adding a fancy touch to your table.
Some people even use collins glasses as home décor items. You can fill them with flowers, candles, or decorative stones to make simple yet elegant centerpieces. They can also hold cutlery or straws during parties.
If you love photography or food blogging, collins glasses are perfect for pictures. The tall design helps drinks and desserts look more stylish, which is great for social media or blog posts.
How to Care for Your Collins Glass
Taking care of your collins glasses properly will make them last for years. After every use, rinse them right away to prevent stains or stickiness. Use warm water and mild soap, and avoid using harsh scrubbers that can scratch the surface.
If you use a dishwasher, place the glasses on the top rack to prevent breakage. However, if your glasses are thin or made of crystal, it’s better to wash them by hand with a soft sponge. Dry them immediately with a microfiber cloth to keep them shiny and clear.
For water stains, soak your collins glass in a mix of vinegar and water for a few minutes. This will remove cloudy spots and restore the sparkle. Always store your glasses upright in a clean, dry place. If you have special collins glasses, you can use a glass rack to display them safely.
Why Bartenders Love the Collins Glass
Bartenders around the world love using collins glasses because they are practical and stylish. The tall design gives plenty of space for ice, garnishes, and mixers, making it easy to craft layered drinks. The straight sides also make stirring and mixing simpler.
The clear glass allows customers to see the beauty of the drink — from bubbles rising to the surface to slices of lime floating in the mix. This visual appeal enhances the drinking experience.
Another reason bartenders love collins glasses is that they are versatile. Whether it’s a cocktail, mocktail, or even plain soda, the collins glass suits every occasion. It’s easy to stack, store, and clean, which makes it perfect for busy bars and restaurants.
Fun Facts About Collins Glass
- The collins glass got its name from the Tom Collins cocktail, first served in the 1870s.
- The typical height of a collins glass is about 6.5 inches.
- The glass is sometimes called a “long drink glass” in Europe.
- Bartenders prefer it for fizzy drinks because its shape helps keep carbonation longer.
- Collins glasses are often used in cocktail competitions because they show off drink presentation.
- Some luxury bars engrave their logos or initials on collins glasses for a signature touch.
- Modern designers have created eco-friendly collins glasses made from recycled materials.
Best Occasions to Use a Collins Glass
The collins glass fits perfectly into almost any event or gathering. It’s great for family dinners, outdoor barbecues, pool parties, or even weddings. Because it looks elegant, even a simple drink feels like something special when served in it.
For casual events, you can use plastic or acrylic versions to prevent breakage. For fancy occasions, crystal collins glasses add a luxurious touch to your table. They also make excellent gifts for weddings, anniversaries, or housewarming parties.
If you enjoy hosting guests, having a set of collins glasses will instantly upgrade your presentation. You can serve signature cocktails or refreshing non-alcoholic drinks, and everyone will be impressed by the look.
The Modern Design of Collins Glasses
Today, glassmakers have added creative twists to the classic collins glass design. Some are double-walled to keep drinks cold without condensation. Others feature colored rims or patterns for a trendy look. There are even insulated stainless-steel versions for outdoor use.
Eco-friendly brands also make collins glasses using recycled glass or bamboo-based materials, combining sustainability with style. Some come with matching reusable straws or lids, making them ideal for picnics or travel.
Despite all the innovations, the traditional clear, tall collins glass remains the favorite. It’s timeless, simple, and fits every kind of drink beautifully. Whether you prefer modern or classic, the collins glass continues to be a symbol of cool refreshment.
The Importance of Presentation
In the world of drinks, presentation is everything — and the collins glass helps make that happen. The tall, slim design allows drinks to look layered, colorful, and fresh. When you add lemon slices, mint, or berries, they stay visible from top to bottom.
The glass also helps balance the ingredients. Because it’s narrow, the carbonation stays trapped, and the flavors mix perfectly. That’s why many professional bartenders prefer it over shorter glasses. It turns an ordinary drink into something eye-catching and elegant.
Even at home, using a collins glass makes a big difference. A simple soda or juice looks much more appealing when served in a tall, shiny glass with ice and fruit. Presentation adds to the enjoyment and makes your guests feel special.
Conclusion
If you enjoy making cocktails at home, collins glasses are essential. They let you experiment with different recipes, layering techniques, and garnishes. Because they’re tall, you can easily build drinks directly in the glass without needing a shaker.
Home bartenders also appreciate how collins glasses show off creativity. Whether it’s a bright tropical drink or a colorful mocktail, the glass makes it shine. You can even freeze fruits or herbs into ice cubes to add beauty and flavor to your drinks.
Having a set of collins glasses also helps you serve guests with confidence. They look professional, yet they’re easy to use. Pair them with matching coasters or straws for an even more stylish setup.
FAQs
What is the main use of a collins glass?
A collins glass is mainly used to serve tall, refreshing drinks like cocktails, mocktails, and soda-based beverages.
How much liquid does a collins glass hold?
Most collins glasses hold between 10 and 14 ounces of liquid, giving space for ice and mixers.
Can I use a collins glass for non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes, you can serve lemonade, smoothies, iced coffee, or fruit juices in it. It works beautifully for any cold drink.
