Luigi Bormioli Mixology

Start with the drink you make most often. For a gin and tonic, reach for the 80 cl Spanish copa: it gives room for a generous pile of ice, so the ice melts more slowly and the tonic keeps its fizz longer. Stirred classics go in the 38 cl D.O.F. tumbler, low and heavy so a large ice block stays upright. Drinks served without ice call for the 21.5 cl martini glass or the 30 cl coupe. Long drinks go in the 48 cl highball, a spritz in the 57 cl goblet and a shot in the 7 cl glass. If you want to compare shapes side by side, look at the cocktail glasses and the gin and tonic glasses.

Fill a tumbler with ice first and pour only afterwards, so the glass chills along and the drink dilutes less. In the copa, use large blocks rather than crushed ice; they melt more slowly and keep the garnish upright. Pour a shot to just below the rim and a coupe to roughly two thirds, so you can pick it up without spilling. The proportions of a negroni or an espresso martini match these sizes exactly. The 75 cl carafe is for whisky or for a cocktail you mix in advance.

Mixology is made from SON.hyx, the lead-free crystal glass from Luigi Bormioli whose rim and stem are additionally tempered. That lets the glass be thinner and clearer than ordinary soda-lime glass without breaking the moment you clear the table. The glasses are dishwasher safe and keep their shine even after hundreds of cycles. Stand them upright in the rack, keep the bowls from touching and rinse off citrus residue quickly.

If you would rather see the whole brand range before settling on a series, look at Luigi Bormioli, which also holds Bach, Diamante and Optima. Looking for individual shapes rather than a complete series? You will find those among the martini glasses. And if tools belong with the glassware, the cocktail shakers and the jiggers complete your bar. That way you know exactly where to look next.