RAISE YOUR GLASS. Did you know there's method to the madness of cocktail glasses? (Nick & Nora glass pictured at far left is from Valley Burger)

It seems in the Chippewa Valley – and likely worldwide – nearly everyone has a favorite drink they order the moment they step up to a bar. There is something truly special about being served your favorite drink in an elegant (perhaps even handcrafted) glass; the glassware itself being integral to the beverage's story. We're here to explore some classic glassware, discuss what they are typically used for and help you find the perfect complement for your next cocktail!

The Coupe Glass

A coupe glass, pictured above, at The Good Wives (2161 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire).

A personal favorite for serving drinks like a negroni or an oliveto, the coupe glass has a rich history dating back to the early 17th century.

Although it's an “olden times” classic, it’s currently witnessing a rapid resurgence in popularity here in the Valley bar and restaurant scene.

Unlike a traditional flute glass – where bubbles playfully float to the top as they bounce off of each other – the shallow, bowl-shaped design of this glass causes bubbles in beverages to quickly dissipate.

The Nick and Nora Glass

Some may call it one of the most “famous glasses of the cocktail revival” – but one question remains: who are Nick and Nora? Well, it turns out the glass was named after the fictional detectives – Nick and Nora Charles – from the 1934 film, The Thin Man. Fast forward to the 1980s, this glassware re-emerged on the scene, coined as the “Nick and Nora glass.” A step-up from a 2oz cordial glass, this vessel can also be called a “Little Martini” glass and is perfect for serving drinks like a martini or daiquiri.

The Stemless Champagne Glass

You simply can’t go wrong with a champagne-based cocktail – the French 75 being one of the more timeless options with lemon and gin acting as complements to the fizzy frenzy that ensues with each sip. Yet, sometimes it’s just better to bypass the “height” of a typical champagne glass and ground yourself (literally) in the sipping experience. There isn’t much more to it than that; the stemless champagne glass is exactly what it sounds like. A styled garnish – such as an orange peel or lemon twist – offers an aesthetic-forward addition to further complement cocktails served in this glass.

The Rocks Glass

A whiskey sour in a BenShot glass, pictured above. These rocks glasses and others are available to purchase online and in person at The Local Store (205 N Dewey St, Eau Claire). (Submitted photo)

It’s a tale as old as time: a glass passed down through generations – from grandfather to father, and now to you – from which you currently enjoy a drink. “Can I please have  four roses on the rocks,” a customer might ask at The Lakely in downtown Eau Claire. The rocks glass welcomes all shapes and styles of beverages, from spirit-forward cocktails like the old fashioned and whiskey sour; “neat” beverages including whiskey or rum on the rocks; even serving cocktails with a muddled base – a mojito or caipirinha just to name a few.

Here in the Chippewa Valley, one father son duo set to reinvent the glassware designs they were all too familiar with. BenShot specializes in high-quality and hand-crafted glassware, each vessel fitted with a small “memento” embedded into the side of the glass. The business’ vintage workspace in the Northwoods of Wisconsin offers an intimate glass working environment, eliciting that “home-grown” feel with each sip.

Still thirsty for more insights and cocktail knowledge? Check out the Chippewa Valley's favorite cocktails, cocktail bars and more online at volumeone.org/cocktails.