Gin glasses: What is the best glass for a gin and tonic: the Copa balloon or hi ball?
Gin glasses: Which is the best glass for a gin and tonic? The Copa de Balon Balloon glass or the hi-ball tumbler?
Answer: Both have their merits and it's down to personal taste. But if you want a quick answer - the Copa can be a bit unwieldy and the biggest thing to remember is to have plenty of ice in either gin glass!
The debate about the best gin glasses to use for your G&Ts has come about from the rise of the Copa de Balon (Balloon) glass – an import from the Basque country and the Spanish obsession with the G&T.
The hi-ball tumbler is still a popular option too - and with good reason. Let's see if we can get to the bottom of the controversy.
But before then, a quick reminder that you can buy quality, branded York Gin glasses:
The Copa’s supporters say that the shape of the glass - large at the bottom and smaller at the top - concentrates the odours of the gin as they emerge, adding a dimension to the drinking experience. The size of the glass also allows for more and bigger ice cubes: they melt more slowly, and reduce the dilution of the drink. Likewise, given that the drinker can hold the stem, she is less likely to contribute to the melting of the ice cubes. Finally, this type of glass reminds the British drinker of happy times, sitting in the Spanish sunshine.
Detractors say these glasses are unwieldy, look ridiculous and are out of place – especially at a smart party or if you have small hands.
The hi-ball gin glass or tumbler
The major alternative to the Copa is a hi-ball. Smart, easy to hold, and traditional. Hi-balls are big enough to hold a decent measure with plenty of ice - and you don't feel self-conscious while you're holding one.
Conclusion
We’re on the fence on this one. We actually think of far more consequence is the quality of the gin, the quality of the tonic and the quantity of the ice. Get these first three variables right, and you’re basically home and dry.
It then comes down to personal taste. We love drinking all our gins out of both types of glasses and we stock both branded Copa and hi-ball glasses
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