Tumblers, also known as rocks glasses or lowball glasses, are short, flat-bottomed glasses typically used to serve liquor “on the rocks” (with ice) or mixed drinks. They have thick, heavy bases and sides to retain chilled temperature when holding liquors or liquors-forward cocktails. Tumblers come in a variety of sizes, ranging anywhere from 6-12 ounces, and are a bar staple due to their versatility.
What types of drinks are typically served in tumbler glasses?
Tumblers are most commonly used to serve liquor such as whiskey, scotch, bourbon, or rye, either neat, on the rocks, or with a simple mixer like soda water or ginger ale. The short yet wide bowl shape helps concentrate the aromas of nuanced brown spirits. The thick glass also retains chilled temperature well. In addition to neat pours or simple two-ingredient cocktails, tumblers can also be used for drinks like:
- Old fashioneds
- Manhattans
- Moscow mules
- Whiskey sours
- Negronis
Essentially any cocktail that is spirit-forward rather than juice- or soda-based would be appropriately served in a rocks glass. The exceptions would be drinks served straight up in a coupe or Martinez glass, like a vesper martini.
Are tumbler glasses interchangeable with other glassware?
Tumblers are not necessarily interchangeable with other glassware due to their unique attributes:
- Rocks/lowball glasses: Tumblers are designed specifically for serving liquor on the rocks. The short, wide bowl shape allows ice cubes maximum surface area contact to chill the liquor. Taller highball glasses are not optimized for chilling with ice.
- Highball glasses: Highball glasses are taller and slimmer than tumblers. While appropriate for tall drinks like gin and tonics or whisky highballs, their shape is not ideal for chilling spirit-forward cocktails.
- Old fashioned glasses: Old fashioned glasses have a similar wide, short profile to tumblers, but generally have thicker bottoms and walls. The extra thickness retains temperature even better.
There are some cases where tumblers can double duty:
- As a water glass at an informal dinner
- For soft drinks, juices, or ice water in casual settings
- For shaken cocktails like Manhattans if old fashioned glasses are not available
However, a tumbler’s optimized design makes it best suited for serving liquor on the rocks or liquor-forward cocktails. For drinks with other mixing ingredients, different glassware may be better.
What are some key considerations when choosing tumbler glasses?
If stocking up on tumbler glasses for your home bar, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Size: Standard tumblers typically range from 6-12 ounces. Choose smaller 6-8 oz versions for neat pours and spirit-forward drinks with just a splash of mixer. Go with 10-12 oz for cocktails with more ingredients.
- Thickness: Thicker, heavier tumblers retain temperature best. Lighter glasses may be more prone to breaking.
- Design: Tumbler styles range from very basic to intricate hand-cut patterns. Choose clear glass to showcase liquor color or etched/cut designs to upgrade plain clear glass.
- Material: Glass is standard, but acrylic, stainless steel, or crystal provide durability, insulation, or brilliance. Glass is best for aroma though.
Consider if you’ll want variety for serving different liquors like whiskey vs. vodka. You may opt for a few 6 oz whiskey tumblers paired with some larger 12 oz vodka rocks glasses. For versatility, have 8-10 oz tumblers on hand too.
What’s the history behind the tumbler glass?
Tumblers have been around since the early 1700s, but had some key evolutions in design and purpose over the centuries:
- 1700s: Early tumblers were handblown and had rounded, thicker bottoms. They were designed to be “tippled” or tilted to easily swallow the contents in one gulp.
- 1800s: The Industrial Revolution brought mass production of flat-bottomed tumblers with thinner glass. This shifted them from single-sip to multi-sip drinkware.
- Late 1800s: The advent of ice machines popularized icy drinks. Thicker, heavier bottomed tumblers emerged to retain chilled temperature when holding liquor on the rocks.
- 1900s: Repeal of Prohibition increased home bartending. Variations like old fashioned glasses joined the tumbler family as iconic home bar glassware.
So while tippling tumblers date back centuries, the iconic rocks glass profile we know today evolved thanks to Prohibition-era ingenuity. Tumblers are now a standard in any barware collection.
How should you care for tumbler glasses?
Tumblers should be hand washed only using warm water and mild soap or detergent. Avoid harsh scrubbing and abrasive cleaners. For stuck-on residue, let the glass soak for 10-30 minutes to loosen. Acrylic tumblers can go in the dishwasher, but hand washing is still recommended for glass. Allow glasses to fully air dry upside down on a rack before storing to prevent bacteria growth. Polish with a microfiber cloth before use for spotless shine.
Do you need to chill a tumbler glass before use?
You don’t need to chill a tumbler before using it. The thick glass bottom and sides retain temperature well once ice or chilled spirits are added. For additional chilling, filling the glass with ice water while preparing other drink ingredients can help drop the temperature. But letting glasses sit in the freezer runs the risk of condensation forming once removed, creating a slippery glass.
Conclusion
With their versatile design optimized for ice retention, tumbler or rocks glasses have rightfully earned their place in every home bar setup. Keep a variety of sizes on hand for serving chilled liquor on the rocks or crafting spirit-forward cocktails. With proper care and cleaning, a good set of tumblers can last for years of cocktail enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tumbler Glasses
What are some common types of tumbler glasses?
The most common types of tumbler glasses are:
- Rocks glass: The standard short, wide-bottomed tumbler for serving liquor on the rocks.
- Lowball glass: A smaller version of the rocks glass in sizes like 5-6 oz.
- Old fashioned glass: Similar to a rocks glass but with thicker walls and bottom.
- Whiskey glass: Usually used to describe shorter tumblers for whiskey on the rocks.
- Highball glass: A taller, slimmer tumbler better suited for “highballs” with lots of mixer.
What’s the difference between a highball and rocks glass?
The main differences between a highball glass and rocks glass are:
- Height: A highball glass is taller and slimmer, while a rocks glass is short and wide.
- Purpose: Highballs contain a lot of mixer. Rocks glasses are optimized for drink “on the rocks.”
- Volume: Highball glasses typically range 10-14oz. Rocks are usually 6-8oz.
How much liquid should you pour into a tumbler?
For ice retention and aroma, tumblers should be filled 1/2 to 2/3 full. For a 12oz tumbler, you would pour between 6-8oz of liquid. Underfilling leaves too much empty space and overfilling can cause drinks to spill when adding ice. The short tumbler shape lets you fill most of the glass while leaving a bit of headspace.
Can you put tumblers in the dishwasher?
It’s best to handwash glass tumblers to prevent chipping and wear over time. The heat and harsh detergents in a dishwasher can cause damage. However, acrylic or stainless steel tumblers often hold up fine in the dishwasher. Be sure to read any care instructions from the manufacturer.
How many tumblers should you have for entertaining?
For entertaining, a good rule of thumb is to have 8-12 tumblers on hand for every 6 guests. This allows you to serve a range of spirits and cocktails while having extra glasses ready. For large parties over 12 guests, round up accordingly – 24 glasses for 18 guests, 36 glasses for 30 guests. Having too many is better than running short!
Should you store liquor in a tumbler glass?
It’s best not to store liquor in a tumbler glass long-term. The alcohol can slowly erode the glass over time. Use a glass bottle with a tight seal to store spirits. However, for short-term use like overnight infusions, a tumbler is fine. Just transfer it to a storage bottle after.
Are tumblers oven and freezer safe?
Glass tumblers are not oven safe, as the thermal shock from the temperature change can cause them to crack or shatter. You also should not put empty glasses in the freezer, as condensation will immediately form when removed and make them slippery. Metal tumblers like stainless steel may have more thermal tolerance if specified by the manufacturer.
Can you make iced coffee in a tumbler?
While not their intended use, tumblers actually work quite well as iced coffee cups. Their insulation helps keep iced coffee cold. And sizes from 12-16oz work perfectly for the amount of coffee you’d brew. For convenience, tumblers with lids and straws allow you to shake up cold brew and walk out the door.
Is there lead in crystal tumblers?
Some crystal glasses contain trace amounts of lead, which can leach out over time, especially in acidic beverages. Lead-free sonic/ultrasonic-welded crystal is considered food-safe. For peace of mind, look for lead-free labeling or opt for soda lime glass instead of crystal.
Should you wash tumblers by hand or dishwasher?
It’s generally recommended to wash glass tumblers by hand instead of the dishwasher. The intense heat, pressure spray, and harsh detergents in a dishwasher can cause wear, cloudiness, and chips over time. Handwashing also allows you to inspect glasses for cracks or damage. However, durable acrylic or stainless steel tumblers often hold up fine in the dishwasher.