RCR Marilyn

Pay particular attention to the size here, because Marilyn is a series with modest capacities. The 21 and 26 cl wine glasses are smaller than the bowls you would reach for with a full-bodied red; they work best for crisp white wine, rosé and dessert wine, where you pour a smaller measure and serve it cold. The 17 cl flute is the classic bubble size for a single glass of sparkling wine. The 34 cl tumbler is the low shape for water or whisky, and the 35 cl long drink glass is the tall shape for anything with ice and a mixer.

With cut glass the pattern shows best if you do not fill to the rim; in the wine glasses, leave at least a third empty. Fill the flute by pouring down the side of the wall, so the foam does not run over the rim and the bubbles stay in the drink. A Bellini looks good in the 35 cl long drink glass, with peach purée at the bottom and prosecco on top. If you want something in the flute, a Mimosa of equal parts orange juice and bubbles is the simplest choice.

Marilyn is made of lead-free crystal glass, which is harder than ordinary drinking glass and keeps the cut grooves sharp. The glasses may go in the dishwasher. With cut glass in particular, rinse aid is worth using, because otherwise limescale stays behind in the grooves and dulls the pattern. If it happens anyway, a soft brush with a little vinegar in the water takes the deposit out.

The full range from this brand is at RCR. If you would rather choose by shape, you will find the matching sizes with the white wine glasses, the long drink glasses and the champagne flutes. For stirring and building drinks in the tall glass, a bar spoon is the tool you need alongside it: with the rounded back you guide a stream down the wall of the glass without the layers running into each other.