CRYSTAL CLEAR GLASSWARE

For fantastic drinks you need fantastic glasses and The Diageo Bar Academy team has put together the ultimate guide to your glassware. Covering everything from the basics of storage to the right glassware for every type of cocktail.

A great drink requires a great glass, and your customers are demanding this more and more. They expect their cocktails in clean, correctly branded glassware, making your glasses an essential attribute to maximize your customers’ experience in your bar.

With a varied range of glassware now available through many different suppliers, there are all sorts, types and styles of glasses to suit each and every occasion.

Glassware creates an opportunity to promote occasional drinks in the bar. It is bar staff’s job to grasp opportunities to promote occasional drinking by enhancing the experience with appropriate glassware.

Getting to grips with the various types of glassware will help improve your knowledge, and the advice you can give your customers. When drinks are served perfectly, customers will spend more money and are more likely to return to your bar.

Our guide not only outlines the fundamentals of glassware but it will also take you through the different glasses to use for each of your cocktail serves...

BACK TO BASICS

Let’s get back to basics and explore the six fundamental principles that need to be applied to all glassware.

Familiarizing yourself with these steps will help ensure that no matter the glass type, you will always maintain high standards within your bar. Remember it’s all about consistency, consistency, consistency:

Don’t touch the top of the glass - This is not only for hygienic reasons, but the less you handle the glass the colder your drink will be and we all know that means a better serve! Always hold glasses at the base, leaving the top two thirds for the customer.

• Size of glassware - There are subtle differences in the size of different glasses and these differences are very important. Think wine glass vs. martini glass; we all know these look very similar so it’s important to know the distinctions. The size of the glass also has implications for quality of the serve, as the glass need to accommodate the right amount of ice and liquid to achieve a great tasting drink.

• Check glassware - Before serving a drink check the glass for marks, lipstick or cracks. Even if the glass has been washed, there is a chance that some traces of detergent may remain. To ensure this is removed, polish glassware with paper towels after washing. There is only one chance to make an impression.

• Allow glassware to cool - Chilled glasses keep drinks colder. If glassware has been freshly washed, a cold substance can cause the glass to shatter. Take care when using washed glassware and allow time to cool.

• Stock up - To maintain high levels of service throughout the shift make sure there is a sufficient number of glasses washed and polished. Regularly prep glassware throughout your shift to ensure service levels are maintained. In any bar there’s always a quiet period, use this to your advantage.

• Store carefully - Take care with glasses that have delicate rims, as these are more likely to shatter. All shelving for glassware should be lined with matting and cleaned regularly.

Once you have mastered the basics of glassware the next step is to make sure you understand which glass is suitable for which drink.

With a glass for every occasion, it’s time to get your head around the types of cocktails to serve in each style of glass. 76% of consumers say that aside from taste, presentation is what makes a drink perfect (PMA Spirits Survey, January 2012), with this in mind it’s time you got up to scratch on your glassware.

If you’re aiming to impress - take note…