Vintage style cocktail glasses borrow shapes from the early twentieth century: the shallow coupe, the small bell-like Nick & Nora, the angled martini and the art deco stem. They are made for shaken or stirred drinks served up, with no ice, and they look the part on a home bar. Their small bowls also help portion control, since a proper serving rarely needs more than a few ounces.
The six sets below cover several of those shapes, from simple glass to crystal-style pieces. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm capacity, set count and dishwasher guidance on the current listing before buying.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Shape | Coupes are wide and classic; Nick & Nora is taller and spill resistant |
| Capacity | A smaller bowl keeps drinks cold and prevents warming |
| Stem | A long stem keeps your hand off the chilled bowl |
| Material | Crystal-style glass is thinner and sparkles; regular glass is sturdier |
| Style | Plain, cut or art deco details change the room’s mood |
| Weight | Light glasses feel elegant but need steady hands |
| Set size | Check pack size, since hosts often need more glasses than a pair |
| Pairing | Match glasses to the drinks you actually make, such as stirred spirit cocktails or sours |
Specs at a Glance
| Glass | Shape | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libbey Nick & Nora | Nick & Nora | Glass | Bar-friendly, set pack |
| Riedel Nick & Nora | Nick & Nora | Crystal | Drink-specific line |
| JoyJolt Gatsby Martini | Martini | Crystal-style glass | Art deco detailing |
| Viski Admiral Coupe | Coupe | Crystal-style glass | Sold in sets |
| Libbey Classic Coupe | Coupe | Glass | Everyday coupe |
| Libbey Classic Martini | Martini | Glass | Simple and traditional |
The 6 Best Vintage Style Cocktail Glasses
1. Libbey Nick & Nora Cocktail Glasses
A sturdy take on the small bell-shaped glass, ideal for stirred drinks like a Manhattan or a martini. Sold as a set, it is easy to restock.
Suits: stirred classics. Strengths: a practical build and a tidy shape. Weaknesses: plain styling. Skip it if you want ornate detail.
View Libbey Nick & Nora Glasses on Amazon
2. Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Nick & Nora
A refined crystal Nick & Nora from a well-known glassmaker. It is intended for upscale home bars and tasting nights.
Suits: serious cocktail fans. Strengths: a thin, polished crystal feel. Weaknesses: careful washing needed. Skip it if you want an indestructible glass.
View Riedel Nick & Nora on Amazon
3. JoyJolt Gatsby Martini Glasses
An art deco style martini set with an angular bowl and a crisp look. It is aimed at hosts who want a vintage theme with a modern build.
Suits: themed party hosts. Strengths: a dramatic look. Weaknesses: stems are tall and need careful handling. Skip it if you like minimalist glass.
View JoyJolt Gatsby Martini Glasses on Amazon
4. Viski Admiral Coupe Glasses
A wide coupe that works for daiquiris, sidecars and sparkling wine. It reads as old-world while staying practical.
Suits: daiquiris and sidecars. Strengths: a classic, versatile shape. Weaknesses: shallow bowl can spill. Skip it if you carry drinks across a room.
View Viski Admiral Coupe Glasses on Amazon
5. Libbey Classic Coupe Cocktail Glasses
A traditional coupe in sturdier glass, good for casual service. It echoes mid-century barware without the fuss.
Suits: everyday home bars. Strengths: a durable build. Weaknesses: less refined appearance. Skip it if you need crystal sparkle.
View Libbey Classic Coupe Glasses on Amazon
6. Libbey Classic Martini Glasses
A conventional V-shaped martini glass with a long stem. It is a safe, familiar choice for gin and vodka classics.
Suits: martini nights. Strengths: a familiar, simple shape. Weaknesses: bowl is easy to spill. Skip it if you want a compact glass.
View Libbey Classic Martini Glasses on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Chill the glass in the freezer or with ice water before pouring.
- Wash by hand to protect thin rims and stems.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth for a clear shine.
- Store upright so rims do not chip.
- Rinse out citrus oils soon after serving.
- Keep glasses away from the dishwasher’s top rack heat if the maker advises.
- Use a soft brush for fine detailing on art deco pieces.
- Warm the stem rather than the bowl when polishing, so you do not smudge the chilled glass.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Filling a coupe to the top and spilling on the walk.
- Using a wide martini glass for ice-heavy drinks.
- Washing stems by twisting the bowl.
- Stacking glasses on top of each other.
- Ignoring dishwasher warnings on crystal-style glass.
- Buying a glass that is too tall for your cabinet.
- Mixing very large and very small glasses on one tray.
- Treating decorative detailing as dishwasher proof.
Vintage Cocktail Glass FAQ
What is a Nick & Nora glass?
It is a small, stemmed glass with a rounded bowl, named after the film couple. It resists spills better than a V-shaped glass.
Coupe or martini glass?
A coupe is rounder and more forgiving. A martini glass has the iconic V but spills easier.
Can I serve drinks on the rocks in them?
Not ideally. These shapes are for drinks served up. Use a rocks glass if you want ice.
Are vintage-style glasses harder to keep?
They can be more delicate than modern tumblers, so hand washing helps them last.
The Short Version
For a practical Nick & Nora, the Libbey. For crystal, the Riedel. For art deco style, the JoyJolt. For a classic coupe, the Viski. For casual coupes, the Libbey Classic. For a traditional V, the Libbey martini.