Coupe vs Nick and Nora Glass: A Bartender’s Showdown

When you step behind the bar or order a classic cocktail, the glassware you choose can elevate the experience or leave it feeling flat. Two of the most iconic and elegant cocktail glasses you’ll encounter are the Coupe and the Nick and Nora. Both have a vintage charm and a sleek silhouette, but they differ in subtle ways that make them favorites for different drinks and occasions.

The Coupe Glass: Glamour and Flair

The Coupe glass, with its wide, shallow bowl and elegant stem, originated in the early 20th century. Legend has it that it was modeled after the shape of Marie Antoinette’s breast, but what really matters is its timeless style. The broad surface area allows aromas to escape quickly, which can be great for drinks that benefit from a little air, like the classic Champagne cocktail or a Sidecar.

The Coupe typically holds between 150 to 200 ml, making it perfect for cocktails that are served “up” (without ice) and enjoyed slowly. Its wide rim makes sipping a breeze, and it’s a favorite for drinks that want a bit of flair and presentation.

The Nick and Nora Glass: Sleek and Sophisticated

Named after the famous detective couple Nick and Nora Charles from the 1930s film “The Thin Man,” the Nick and Nora glass is a modern revival of vintage stemware. It has a smaller, more upright bowl than the Coupe, usually holding around 120 to 150 ml. Its shape is designed to concentrate aromas and keep the drink cooler longer by limiting surface area exposed to the air.

Bartenders love the Nick and Nora for delicate, spirit-forward cocktails like the classic Martini, Manhattan, or a well-crafted Negroni. Its narrower rim focuses aromas towards your nose, enhancing the tasting experience.

Side-by-Side Comparison

| Feature | Coupe Glass | Nick and Nora Glass |

|--------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------|

| Bowl Shape | Wide and shallow | Narrow and upright |

| Typical Volume | 150–200 ml | 120–150 ml |

| Aroma Exposure | More open, aromas diffuse quickly | Concentrated, aromas focused |

| Drink Style | Flamboyant, sparkling, aromatic | Spirit-forward, delicate, cool|

| Historical Era | Early 1900s, Jazz Age | 1930s, Prohibition-era revival|

Original Cocktail Recipe: The Jazz Age Martini

Celebrate the golden era of cocktails with a drink that suits both glasses but shines in the Nick and Nora.

Ingredients:

1) 60 ml Gin (London Dry)

2) 15 ml Dry Vermouth

3) 5 ml Orange Liqueur

4) 2 dashes Orange Bitters

5) Lemon twist for garnish

Method:

1) Chill your Nick and Nora glass in the freezer.

2) In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine gin, dry vermouth, orange liqueur, and bitters.

3) Stir gently for about 30 seconds until well chilled.

4) Strain into the chilled Nick and Nora glass.

5) Express the lemon twist over the drink and drop it in.

This cocktail shows how the Nick and Nora’s shape enhances the aroma and keeps the drink crisp. The subtle orange notes play beautifully with the botanicals in the gin, making each sip a refined experience.

Choosing between a coupe and a Nick and Nora glass comes down to the style of your cocktail and how you want to experience its aroma and temperature. While the coupe offers a wide, open surface perfect for sparkling or aromatic drinks, the Nick and Nora’s narrower bowl keeps flavors focused and chilled. Both glasses bring a touch of vintage elegance to your bar setup and elevate your drinking experience with their distinctive designs and functional qualities like the best classic cocktail glass comparisons and insights from the mixology mastery guide

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