Rocks glass

Glassware

The rocks glass is a short, wide tumbler, also called an old fashioned glass, for spirits served neat or over ice.

Also called: old fashioned glass · lowball glass

Single: 6 to 10 oz (180 to 300 ml)
Double old fashioned: 12 to 14 oz (350 to 410 ml)
Capacity: 6 to 10 oz (180 to 300 ml)
Used for: Spirit-forward drinks such as the Old Fashioned, the Negroni and the Sazerac, and spirits neat or on the rocks

What rocks glass means

You will mostly see this glass on menus for spirit-forward drinks such as the Negroni, the Sazerac and the Old Fashioned. The short, wide shape suits drinks that are stirred and sipped, not topped with soda. Spirits served neat also arrive in one.

A rocks glass holds 6 to 10 oz (180 to 300 ml). You can serve a Martini in one, but only on the rocks. A Martini served up goes in a stemmed glass instead, so the order decides the glass. Say on the rocks or up when you order, so the glass arrives right.

The old fashioned glass and the rocks glass are one glass under two names. The first name comes from the Old Fashioned, the drink most tied to it, and the second describes how drinks are served in it.

How to serve a drink in a rocks glass

Decide first whether the drink is served on the rocks, neat, or built right in the glass.

1.Add one large cube or fresh cubes before you pour, since most drinks here are served on the rocks.
2.Muddle right in the glass when you build an Old Fashioned, since the heavy base takes the pressure.
3.Serve a Negroni or a Sazerac in this glass when the recipe calls for it on the rocks.
4.Pour a spirit neat into this glass when you want no ice in the drink.

Rocks glass compared

Highball glassA highball glass is tall and narrow for drinks topped with soda. This glass is short and wide for spirit-forward drinks over ice.
Double old fashionedThe same shape made bigger, with room for a large cube or a longer pour.
SnifterA snifter narrows at the top to hold the aroma of a spirit served neat. A rocks glass is open at the top and made for ice.

Related terms

Put it to use in your next drink

Garçon explains every step as you make the drink.