15 Delicious Cocktails to Serve in Your Favorite Coupe Glass
September 29, 2023 by Anna-Bet Stemmet
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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 glamor, blending history with contemporary cocktail culture.
Now, let’s take a look at a few of our favorite cocktails to serve in a coupe glass.
1. Cosmopolitan
Bringing together citrus-infused SKYY Vodka, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice, with an orange peel garnish for a touch of elegance, the harmonious Cosmo is a revitalizing 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.
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2. Italian Gentleman
Combine crimson-red Campari and mellow Wild Turkey 101 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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 minimizes 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-honored 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.
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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.
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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 are serving 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…
There you have it – fifteen 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.
