Collins Glass vs Highball: What’s the Difference?
Collins and highball glasses look alike, but they serve different purposes. Choosing the right one makes a big difference in how your drink tastes and feels. Let’s break down their differences.
A Collins glass is taller and slimmer, designed for cocktails that need more space for ice and mixers. A highball glass is shorter and wider, making it ideal for simple, spirit-forward drinks.
Many people mix them up, but they are not the same. If you want to serve drinks the right way, knowing when to use each glass is key. Let’s dive in.
What is a Collins Glass?
Collins glasses are a staple in any bar, but what makes them special? Their unique size and design play a big role in how drinks are served.
A Collins glass is a tall, narrow glass that holds between 10 to 14 ounces. It is best used for mixed drinks that need more space for ice and carbonation.
Size and Design
Collins glasses have a distinct shape that helps with both function and presentation. Here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | Taller than a highball glass, usually around 6 to 7 inches |
| Capacity | Holds about 10 to 14 ounces |
| Shape | Narrow and cylindrical, which helps retain carbonation |
| Ice Usage | Works well with large ice cubes or crushed ice |
| Best For | Cocktails that need more mixer, like a Tom Collins |
This shape helps keep drinks fizzy and enhances the drinking experience. The added height also makes it easy to stir or shake drinks before serving.
Best Cocktails for Collins Glass
Collins glasses are used for classic cocktails that have a good balance of spirits and mixers. Some of the best drinks for this glass include:
- Tom Collins – A mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water
- John Collins – Similar to a Tom Collins but made with bourbon
- Gin Fizz – A lighter drink that includes egg whites for a frothy texture
- Vodka Collins – A refreshing twist using vodka instead of gin
- Ramos Gin Fizz – A creamy cocktail that requires shaking for a smooth texture
These drinks benefit from the tall glass because it allows for more mixer and ice, keeping them cool and refreshing.
What is a Highball Glass?
A highball glass may look similar to a Collins glass, but it serves a different purpose. It’s commonly used for drinks with a stronger spirit base.
A highball glass is shorter and wider than a Collins glass, holding about 8 to 12 ounces. It is used for cocktails with fewer ingredients and less ice.
Size and Design
The highball glass is a go-to choice for simple drinks. Here’s what sets it apart:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | Shorter than a Collins glass, usually around 5 to 6 inches |
| Capacity | Holds about 8 to 12 ounces |
| Shape | Wider and slightly shorter than a Collins glass |
| Ice Usage | Often filled with ice cubes to chill drinks quickly |
| Best For | Spirit-forward drinks with fewer mixers |
The highball glass is ideal for straightforward cocktails that highlight the liquor rather than the mixers.
Best Cocktails for Highball Glass
Highball glasses work best for drinks that use a simple formula of spirit plus mixer. Some popular choices include:
- Whiskey Highball – Whiskey with soda water and ice
- Rum and Coke – A classic mix of rum, cola, and ice
- Gin and Tonic – Gin with tonic water and a lime wedge
- Tequila Sunrise – Tequila, orange juice, and grenadine for a layered look
- Moscow Mule – Vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice
These drinks benefit from the glass’s width, which allows flavors to blend well while keeping the drink chilled.
Glass Materials Used for Collins and Highball
Glass type affects durability, clarity, and how the drink feels in hand. Most Collins and highball glasses are made from:
| Material | Features |
|---|---|
| Soda-lime glass | Affordable, durable, but can scratch over time |
| Crystal glass | More elegant and clear, but fragile and expensive |
| Borosilicate glass | Heat-resistant and lightweight, but not as common in bars |
Soda-lime glass is the most widely used because of its cost-effectiveness and strength.
Production Ways for Collins and Highball
Glassware can be made using different methods. Each affects price, durability, and overall look.
| Method | Process | Price | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine-made | Mass-produced, uniform shape | Lower | More durable |
| Hand-blown | Individually crafted, unique shapes | Higher | More fragile |
For bars and restaurants, machine-made glassware is the best option due to its consistency and strength.
Collins vs. Highball Glass
Though similar, these two glasses have key differences:
| Feature | Collins Glass | Highball Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Taller | Shorter |
| Capacity | 10-14 oz | 8-12 oz |
| Shape | Slim and long | Wider and short |
| Best Use | Mixed drinks with more ice | Spirit-forward drinks |
Choosing the right glass ensures the best drinking experience.
When to Use a Collins Glass vs. a Highball Glass
Use a Collins glass when:
- You need more space for mixers
- The drink needs carbonation
- The cocktail benefits from a tall, narrow shape
Use a highball glass when:
- The drink has fewer ingredients
- You want to highlight the spirit
- You need a sturdy, simple glass for casual cocktails
Why DM Glassware is the Best Option for Your Bulk Collins and Highball?
Finding the right supplier for bulk Collins and highball glasses is essential for businesses looking for quality, customization, and affordability. DM Glassware offers high-quality glassware at competitive wholesale prices, with custom branding options and fast production. Here’s why we are the best choice:
1. High-Quality Glassware at Wholesale Prices
Our Collins and highball glasses are made from durable, crystal-clear glass designed for long-term use. We ensure:
- Scratch-resistant and break-resistant glass for bars and restaurants
- Dishwasher-safe designs for easy cleaning
- Smooth rims and balanced weight for better drinking experience
We offer direct factory pricing, making bulk purchases cost-effective while maintaining top quality.
2. Custom Options for Branding and Packaging
We provide a variety of customization services to enhance brand visibility:
- Logo printing, etching, or engraving for permanent branding
- Custom shapes and textures to make your glassware unique
- Branded packaging options like printed boxes, foam inserts, and eco-friendly materials
3. Fast and Reliable Production with Low MOQs
We offer low minimum order quantities (MOQs) and fast delivery times to meet your needs.
With efficient production lines and trusted logistics, we ensure on-time delivery worldwide.
4. Trusted by Businesses Worldwide
DM Glassware supplies bars, restaurants, hotels, and wholesalers in over 50 countries. Our glassware is known for its durability, style, and affordability, making us a trusted partner for bulk orders.
For high-quality, customizable, and affordable Collins and highball glasses, DM Glassware is your best choice. Contact us today to discuss your bulk order needs!
DM Glassware is providing custom glasswares for various occasions.
Our main products are machine-made glasswares, glass cups, glass drinkwares and tablewares for home and kitchen use. Such glasses like glass tumblers, glass mugs, whiskey glasses, shot glasses, glass candy jars, glass bowls, beer glasses, etc.
We also recommend the most suitable packaging method based on different sales types, such as different display boxes, adding stickers, tags, etc.
