20 Irresistible Coupe Glass Cocktails for Elegant Entertaining

Coupe glass cocktails are a vibe. With their low bowls and elegant stems, coupe glasses are built for style and steeped in history. First introduced in 17th-century France and glamorized during America’s Prohibition era, they were once the darlings of speakeasies and silver screens. Now, they’ve been making a serious comeback, and honestly? We’re here for it.

Unlike the sharper, V-shaped Martini glass, the coupe brings a soft, vintage energy to the party. It’s ideal for cocktails typically served “up” (shaken or stirred, no ice) and adds a smooth, cinematic finish to whatever you’re pouring. Whether you’re mixing a Cosmo or a Paper Plane, the coupe takes it to the next level.

What is a coupe glass?

Let’s talk about the coupe—that curvy, stemmed beauty that’s been making waves on bar carts everywhere. This elegant cocktail glass first popped up in 17th-century France, originally designed as a coupe de Champagne. There’s even a cheeky rumor that it was modeled after Marie Antoinette’s breast, though historians aren’t exactly backing that one.

The coupe really found its groove during the Roaring Twenties and the Prohibition era, where it became a symbol of glamor, jazz, and cocktails served on the sly. Later, as dry drinks took over and styles changed, the sharp-edged Martini glass stole the spotlight.

Fast-forward a few decades and the coupe is firmly back in the mix. Bartenders and home mixologists have rediscovered its vintage charm and use it to show off both old-school favorites and bold new serves. Whether you’re throwing it back with a Sidecar or mixing up something new, this glass adds instant flair to your pour.

What drinks belong in a coupe glass?

Rule of thumb: if it’s served up-style, there’s a good chance it belongs in a coupe. These are shaken cocktails or stirred drinks that are chilled with ice in the shaker or mixing glass, but served without it. That means they’re silky, undiluted, and perfectly balanced when they hit the glass.

The coupe shines with classics like the Sidecar or Last Word, but it’s also a go-to for modern builds like the Paper Plane. Common liquors in coupe cocktails include gin, cognac, bourbon, tequila, and herbal liqueurs; basically anything you’d find in a bold, flavor-packed recipe that doesn’t need ice hanging around. If the cocktail’s been aerated, chilled, and is all about the aroma or texture, the coupe’s your best friend.

Whether you’re looking for the best drinks to serve in coupe glasses or just keen to try some Insta-worthy cocktail recipes, you’re in for a treat. Let’s get into it.

1. Cosmopolitan

Bringing together citrus-infused vodka, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice, with an orange peel garnish for a touch of elegance, the Cosmo beautifully balances citrusy sweetness with the invigorating sharpness of lime. The coupe gives this cocktail a clean, timeless look.   

We love making a Cosmo with SKYY Infusions Citrus Vodka because its crisp lemon and lime flavors add a bright, zesty kick. This infused vodka blends seamlessly with tart cranberry and fresh lime juice, making for a fresh and lively sip. It’s the perfect base for a Cosmopolitan that’s fun, flavorful, and effortlessly stylish.

Learn more: 10 Cocktail Glass Types to Level Up Your DIY Drinks 

2. Italian Gentleman

Combine crimson-red Campari and mellow 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. 

Make it with: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

Also see: Tiny Cocktails (Big Flavor in Small Servings)

3. Lime Daiquiri

The classic Lime Daiquiri uses only three simple ingredients, and the recipe is a delicate balance between sweet and sour. Served in a coupe glass, the stem prevents the warmth of your hand from affecting the temperature of your perfectly chilled cocktail. 

Make it with: Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum

Read next: The Best 28 Aperitif Cocktails for Any Occasion

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.     

Make it with: Bisquit & Dubouché Cognac VSOP

Read next: 15 of the Best Winter Whiskey Cocktails to Sip by the Fire

5. Rob Roy

The coupe glass is nothing if not versatile and makes a great receptacle for a Rob Roy cocktail. Sweet, smoky, and strong, this daring drink does its Scottish namesake justice, and looks extremely dapper in a coupe to boot. 

Make it with: Cinzano Rosso

You might also like: Be a Little Extra with These 12 French Cocktails 

6. Gibson

The coupe glass carries a rich history, adding a touch of nostalgia and tradition to the cocktail-drinking experience. Serve up a Gibson with its dainty cocktail onion in this glass and you instantly boost the drink’s style.  

Make it with: Bulldog Gin

License to thrill! 22 Types of Martinis You Should Know

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.  

Make it with: SKYY Vodka

Stay on trend! Every State’s Most Trending Cocktail (2024) 

8. Greyhound

We’ve already established that a coupe makes any cocktail look better. So if you’re ready to show off drinks like the sleek Greyhound, this glass is definitely the way to go.  

9. Lychee Martini

The shallow design of a coupe glass minimizes the chances of spills and drips. That’s why it’s a great poolside glass for tropical drinks like the lovely Lychee Martini.  

10. Reverse Martini

Cocktails served in coupes often exude a certain charm, 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 time-honored feel to the whole experience.  

Explore more: 15 Savory Cocktails (Bold Flavors to Transform Your Cocktail Game)

11. Last Word

The wide bowl of a coupe glass allows for gentle swirling, enhancing the aeration of aromatic cocktails. That’s why it’s often the go-to glass for drinks like the Last Word, which walks the fine line between subtle sweetness and inviting tartness, underpinned by the aroma of ripe cherries and bitter herbs. 

More inspo! 10 Chartreuse (Yellow & Green) Cocktails to Try

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 sweetly tart drink that’s sure to be a frontrunner at your next event.

Make it with: Wild Turkey Bourbon

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.

Make it with: Reposado Espolón Tequila

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.   

Clink, clink: 11 Summer Whiskey Cocktails that Go Down a Treat 

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…  

Learn more: 10 Crème de Violette Cocktails to Try in 2025

16. Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré, a classic cocktail from New Orleans, is a sophisticated and complex drink that beautifully balances strong flavors. The wide, shallow bowl of the coupe glass enables you to fully appreciate the complex aromas of the Vieux Carré. As you bring the glass to your lips, the bouquet of rye, cognac, and bitters unfolds, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Make it with: Averna Amaro

You might also like: The 10 Most Popular Cocktails in the World (2025)

17. Paper Plane

The Paper Plane is a modern classic cocktail that has gained popularity for its harmonious blend of flavors and striking presentation. The Paper Plane and its many iterations are typically served up, meaning they’re served without ice, typically in a portion of around 4-5 ounces. The coupe glass’s size is perfect for this volume, ensuring the cocktail maintains its intended balance of ingredients without dilution from melting ice.

Make it with: Aperol

Retro cool: Cocktails with Sherry (How to Mix & Enjoy This Classic Ingredient)

18. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is pure old-school swagger; rich bourbon, bold Campari, and sweet vermouth come together in a cocktail that’s smooth, strong, and a little bit mysterious. Served in a coupe, its layered aromas open up beautifully, while the stemmed situation keeps those deep, spirit-forward flavors cool from first sip to last.

Make it with: Wild Turkey Bourbon and Campari

19. Negroni Up

This Negroni variation skips the ice and lets the holy trinity of gin, Campari, and vermouth speak for itself. Stirred down and served up, it’s bold and punchy with a dry edge, and it looks razor sharp in a coupe, where its ruby hue and bittersweet nose can really steal the spotlight.

Make it with: Bulldog Gin and Campari

20. Tequila Daisy

Born from a happy mix-up in post-Prohibition Tijuana, the Tequila Daisy is bright, citrusy, and full of flair, the Margarita’s cheeky ancestor with just as much zing. Poured into a coupe, it brings a splash of sunshine to the party, with a light, lifted feel that suits its playful, unexpected origin story.

Make it with: Espolòn Tequila Blanco

Why it’s worth the glass swap

Let’s be honest: looks matter. A coupe doesn’t just hold your drink, it elevates it. Classic coupe drinks just hit differently when they’re served in the right glass. That curved shape feels great in your hand and catches the light in all the right ways.

Beyond aesthetics, the coupe also sets the stage for effortless elegance. It says “I know what I’m doing” without trying too hard. And while the coupe vs Martini glass debate comes down to preference, the coupe’s rounder silhouette and deeper bowl often make it the comfier, cooler choice, especially for home bartenders trying to impress.

There you have it: 20 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. In the meantime, visit the Wild Turkey, SKYY Vodka, Aperol, and Campari websites if you want some more retro-cool cocktail inspiration.