Understanding the Difference
Highball and lowball glasses are two of the most common types of glassware found behind a bar. Here’s when you should use each one:
Highball glasses hold 10 to 14 oz. of liquid and are used to serve drinks made with a lot of juice, mixer or soda. Rum and Coke, Gin & Tonic, or scotch and soda are all examples of this popular drink option. Highballs are traditionally served over ice. The three-step process of adding ice to a glass and pouring two liquids together make this a favorite for busy bartenders.
The short and wide lowball glass holds 4 to 10 fluid oz. Also called a rocks glass, bartenders use the glass for simple drinks with a limited number of ingredients served over ice. Lowballs are also known as old fashioned glass or rocks glass. So, typically, that would be cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Whiskey on the rocks and Negroni.
