What is a Martini Glass?
A subtype of cocktail glass, the martini glass is distinguished by its v-shaped cup, long stem, and circular base. Although the shape of a martini glass is distinctively ornate, it was mainly designed to be functional, as the stem prevents the person holding the glass from warming the drink with their hands. The cone shape of the martini glass prevents the ingredients of a martini: gin and vermouth, from separating; and also displays the onion, olive, cherry, or lemon rind that often garnishes the traditional martini. The size of a martini glass can affect the quality of the drink, according to some drink aficionados who consider the four-ounce glasses ideal for the drink’s ingredients, versus the six-ounce glasses often used by bartenders.