Sip in Style: 17 Divine Coupe Glass Cocktails
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Step into the world of effortless elegance with our selection of easy-sipping coupe glass cocktails. This dainty glass with its signature shallow, saucer-like design is enjoying a moment in the limelight, and we’re loving it.
Join us as we explore the allure of coupe glasses and discover which drinks shine brightest in these timeless beauties. From classic Martinis to creative after-dinner sippers, we’ll show you how to raise the bar, one coupe at a time.
What is a coupe glass?
The coupe glass, with its distinct shallow bowl and elegant stem, has a storied history that dates back to the 17th century. Initially known as a coupe de Champagne, it gained popularity in France. Legend has it that the glass was molded from the breast of Marie Antoinette, though this charming tale lacks historical evidence.
Originally crafted for sparkling wine, the coupe became synonymous with celebration during the Roaring Twenties and Prohibition in the United States. However, as preferences shifted towards drier cocktails, the Martini glass claimed the spotlight.
While the coupe’s popularity waned, it experienced a resurgence in the craft cocktail renaissance. Bartenders and mixologists, appreciating its timeless charm, reintroduced it to serve classic and creative cocktails alike. Today, the coupe glass stands as a symbol of vintage glamour, blending history with contemporary cocktail culture.
Now, let’s take a look at a few of our favourite cocktails to serve in a coupe glass.
1. Cosmopolitan
Bringing together citrus-infused vodka, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice, with an orange peel garnish for a touch of elegance, the harmonious Cosmo is a revitalising drink that beautifully balances citrusy sweetness with the invigorating sharpness of lime. The coupe glass exudes classic sophistication, elevating the visual appeal of this classy cocktail.
We love making a Cosmo with SKYY Infusions Citrus Vodka because its crisp lemon and lime flavours add a bright, zesty kick. This infused vodka blends seamlessly with tart cranberry and fresh lime juice, making for a fresh and lively sip. It’s the perfect base for a Cosmopolitan that’s fun, flavourful, and effortlessly stylish.
Learn more: 10 Cocktail Glass Types to Level Up Your DIY Drinks
2. Italian Gentleman
Combine crimson-red Campari and mellow bourbon and you get the Italian Gentleman cocktail. The wide bowl of a coupe glass allows this drink’s aromas to be fully appreciated, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
Make it with: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon,
3. Lime Daiquiri
The classic Lime Daiquiri uses only three simple ingredients, and the recipe is a delicate balance between the sweet and the sour. Served in a coupe glass, the stem prevents the warmth of the hand from affecting the temperature of your perfectly chilled cocktail.
Make it with: Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum
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4. Sidecar
One classic cocktail that has stood the test of time is the Sidecar, and there’s a good reason why it has remained popular for over a century—it’s downright delicious! If you’re hosting a cocktail party, serving it in a coupe is a great choice. The broad base of the glass provides stability, reducing the risk of spills and offering a secure grip.
Make it with: Bisquit & Dubouché Cognac VSOP
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5. Rob Roy
The coupe glass is nothing if not versatile and makes a great receptacle for a Rob Roy cocktail as well. Sweet, smoky, and strong, this daring drink does its Scottish namesake justice and looks extremely dapper in a coupe to boot.
Make it with: Cinzano Rosso
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6. Gibson
The coupe glass carries a rich history, adding a touch of nostalgia and tradition to the cocktail-serving experience. Serve up a Gibson with its dainty cocktail onion in this glass to give it that real Queen’s Gambit vibe.
Make it with: Bulldog Gin
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7. Mudslide
The coupe stem allows for comfortable holding without warming the drink, ensuring a pleasurable sipping experience. This makes it a great choice for dessert drinks like the Mudslide, which is often served after dinner, and goes down a treat when it’s extra cold and creamy.
Make it with: SKYY vodka
8. Greyhound
The coupe offers a unique and memorable presentation for cocktails. So, if you’re keen to show off pretty drinks like the gorgeous Greyhound, it makes a fine choice indeed.
9. Lychee Martini
The shallow design of a coupe glass minimises the chances of spills and drips, maintaining a clean and polished presentation. As such, it makes a great poolside glass for tropical drinks like the lovely Lychee Martini.
10. Reverse Martini
Cocktails served in coupes often exude a certain charm and allure, making them stand out at any gathering. This is why we love serving classic drinks like the Reverse Martini in this type of glass, to impart a nice time-honoured feel to the whole experience.
11. Last Word
The wide bowl of a coupe glass allows for gentle swirling, enhancing the aeration of aromatic cocktails. This is why it’s often the go-to glass for serving drinks like the Last Word, which walks the fine line between subtle sweetness and inviting tartness, underpinned by the captivating aroma of ripe cherries and bitter herbs.
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12. Derby
Coupes harken back to vintage cocktail culture, adding a retro flair to drinks like the Derby cocktail. This old-school drink is a classic combination of grapefruit juice, bourbon, and honey syrup. The result is a sweet and tart refreshing drink that’s sure to be a frontrunner at your next event.
Make it with: Wild Turkey Bourbon
13. Matador
The broad rim of a coupe provides ample space for creative garnishes, which makes adding a decorative touch to a drink a breeze. With cocktails like the Matador, which is quite simple in terms of composition, a fancy bit of garnishing can be a nice touch – try getting expressive with a twisty bit of lemon peel.
Make it with: Reposado Espolón Tequila
14. Bee’s Knees
The moderate size of the coupe ensures a perfect balance between a generous serving and preventing overindulgence. This is great when you serve a slow sipper like the Bee’s Knees, which is quite spirit-forward.
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15. Watermelon Daiquiri
Finally, we also love serving drinks like the easy Watermelon Daiquiri in a coupe glass simply because it makes it look cool. Sure, you could go for a Daiquiri glass, but dare to be different and indulge your sense of adventure— the rules are there to be broken…
16. Vieux Carré
The Vieux Carré, a classic cocktail from New Orleans, is a sophisticated and complex drink that beautifully balances strong flavours. The wide, shallow bowl of the coupe glass enables you to fully appreciate the complex aromas of the Vieux Carré. As you bring the glass to your lips, the bouquet of rye, cognac, and bitters unfolds, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Make it with: Averna Amaro
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17. Paper Plane
The Paper Plane is a modern classic cocktail that has gained popularity for its harmonious blend of flavours and striking presentation. The Paper Plane and its many iterations are typically served up, meaning they’re served without ice, typically in a portion of around 120 – 150ml. The coupe glass’s size is perfect for this volume, ensuring the cocktail maintains its intended balance of ingredients without dilution from melting ice.
Make it with: Aperol
There you have it – 17 amazing coupe-glass cocktails to try at home. For more easy inspiration like this, sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll make sure our latest articles land right in your inbox.
