The Old Fashioned Glass (aka lowball or rocks glass) came into vogue during the era of the Old Fashioned, a chilled whiskey, sugar, and bitters cocktail that was quite popular in previous decades. The drink was a favorite of the clubs of the time, and was so popular, that the tumblers that it was being served in quickly became associated with the drink, forever designating them as Old Fashioned Glasses. The Old Fashioned is making a comeback in the younger crowds frequenting bars now, and a number of hip establishments are even advertising their own bartender’s skill at making a classic, delicious Old Fashioned to entice customers.
The Old Fashioned Glass is a squat tumbler resembling the highball glass. It will usually have a decorative exterior that tapers slightly towards the bottom of the vessel. An Old Fashioned Glass will usually be made of thicker glass than other drinking glasses as well, because chilled cocktails are usually served in these tumblers, and the thick glass will prevent the drinker’s hands from becoming too cold and water from condensing on the outer edges of the glass itself. The bottom of the glass is almost an inch thick, adding to the sturdiness and insulation of the entire piece of glassware.
The design of the Old Fashioned Glass makes it perfect for chilled drinks, and its short nature makes it sturdy and rigid enough to stand up to the rigors of being handled in clubs, and its low center of gravity ensures that your high class cocktails will not be spilled or knocked over unintentionally. As a result of this, many of the classier cocktails that you will find in clubs and bars will be served in an Old Fashioned Glass. This includes drinks made with fresh fruit juices, such as the Apricot Lady, or simply straight liquor drinks, such as your favorite scotch “on the rocks”. Even the highest class cocktails are often served in an Old Fashioned Glass because a great deal of the glassware that they are traditionally served in is highly breakable. For example, at many clubs and bars with dance floors, it is not uncommon to order a Martini or a Manhattan and have the drink show up in a decorative Old Fashioned Glass rather than its traditional stemware glass.
The Old Fashioned Glass is versatile, elegant, and sturdy, making it popular with bartenders around America. These glasses are also home to one of the most iconic American cocktails, so any home or professional bar is simply is not complete without a set of Old Fashioned Glasses.
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