The 6 Best Martini Glasses

There’s a reason that the martini is a classic cocktail: It’s pretty much perfect the way it is. The best martini glasses have a capacity of anywhere between 4 and 10 ounces, and they’re made from high-quality crystal, glass, or stainless steel.

To learn more about what to look for in a great martini glass, I reached out to Flavien Desoblin, who owns two chic Manhattan cocktail lounges: The Brandy Library in TriBeCa and Copper & Oak on the Lower East Side. Desoblin is not only a celebrated owner, but he’s been a regular judge for the New York International Spirits Competition for over a decade, so it’s safe to say that he knows a thing or two about classic cocktails.

The first thing you’ll want to consider when purchasing a martini glass is the capacity, since that will impact how you make your drinks. According to Desoblin, “the smaller the better, down to 4 ounces actually. The reason being a gin or vodka is meant to be consumed crispy cold (stirred) and therefore quickly, and you don't want to let it warm up, at which point you would lose the delicate notes of the spirit.”

While the experts may love smaller martini glasses that cater to a refined palate, there are those times when you just want a larger drink — or to use your martini glasses to serve desserts or appetizers. That’s why I’ve included a variety of sizes on this list, so there’s a martini glass set for every kind of home bar.

Next, you’ll need to get into the great martini glass debate: stemmed or stemless. Desbolin says, “stemmed, no question. Thin rim, thin stem.” Stemmed glasses are classic, but if you love the minimalist aesthetic of stemless glasses, there are still some great options — especially in the stainless steel category.

So, what’s the best material for martini glasses? Stainless steel can actually be a great option, since it won’t shatter and will keep your drink insulated. Stainless steel martini glasses are perfect for camping and outdoor drinking, but if you’re primarily going to be using your new glasses indoors, opt for either glass or crystal for an elegant look. The other benefit of glass is that it lets you see your drink, or as Desbolin notes, “Glass better convey[s] the purity and cleanliness of the vodka/gin.”

Whether you like your martinis with vodka or gin, shaken or stirred, these are the best martini glasses that you can buy on Amazon.

1. The Best Small Martini Glasses

• Capacity: 5 ounces
• Material: glass

These 5-ounce martini glasses are Desbolin’s pick for a great set of classic martini glasses. Since they’re on the smaller side, they’re perfect for using with high-end vodka or gin so you can really let your spirit of choice shine. They’re made from glass and have both a thin stem and a thin rim. This boxed set comes with six glasses, so it makes a perfect gift or addition to a home bar for anyone who loves to entertain. They’re also dishwasher-friendly for easy cleaning.

One fan raved: “Great set of glasses. Just the right size and durable. Plus very well shipped!”

2. The Best Large Martini Glasses

• Capacity: 10 ounces
• Material: crystal

These crystal martini glasses from Mikasa feature an oversized 10-ounce capacity, so they’re perfect for larger cocktails as well as serving desserts or chilled soups at your next dinner party. Each glass in this set of four has a unique festive design, which both adds to their aesthetic and ensures that your guests won’t get their glasses mixed up. They have a traditional shape, and while they are top-rack dishwasher safe, the brand recommends hand-washing to prolong the life of these glasses.

One fan raved: “I am a martini [aficionado]. I enjoy one martini every night before dinner. The martini has to consist of really good vodka, vermouth and blue cheese olives. Of course a little olive juice too! Equally important is the glass.These glasses are absolutely perfect. They are just the right size, shape and weight. They are beautiful to look at too!So glad I bought them.”

3. The Best Stemless Martini Glasses

• Capacity: 8 ounces
• Material: glass

If you prefer stemless martini glasses, this set is a great buy, as it boasts over 6,300 five-star ratings on Amazon. The boxed set comes with four glasses that have a classic martini shape on the top and an elegant stemless bottom that’s easy to hold. The base is weighted for better balance, and the glasses are dishwasher-friendly. The 8-ounce capacity is great for standard martinis as well as cocktails, desserts, and cold soups.

One fan raved: “Great glasses! Holds a nice sized martini. We received the glasses and had to break them in immediately. Our Lemon Drop Martinis were extra delicious in these great, easy to hold glasses. Cheers!”

4. The Best Stainless Steel Martini Glasses

• Capacity: 8 ounces
• Material: stainless steel

This set of two stainless steel martini glasses from Snowfox is not only fantastic for outdoor drinking, but for anyone who loves their martini to stay extra cold. Made from stainless steel, they have the same elegant, thin-rimmed design as a classic stemless martini glass, but they’re far more versatile. Take them out to the pool without worrying that they’ll shatter, or use them as the chicest ice cream bowls ever. The brand recommends hand-washing, though some Amazon reviewers noted that they have run theirs through the dishwasher without issue.

One fan raved: “After breaking the last of my short neck glass martini glasses, I decided to give these a try. I was concerned about the "mouth feel" of stainless steel, but the curvature at the rim is perfect, so the lips feel no sharp edges. It's insulated design keeps the martini cold for quite a while, which far surpasses traditional glass martini glasses. I have dropped these martini glasses from a height of 3 feet several times and there are no dings. They also looks great! These will probably be the last martini glasses I'll ever buy and will probably be in use long after I'm gone!”

• Available colors: 7

5. The Best Martini Glass For Camping

• Capacity: 10 ounces
• Material: stainless steel

If you’re looking for a martini glass for camping, this one is not only made from double-walled, shatterproof stainless steel, but also has a convenient lid. This martini glass is on the larger side at 10 ounces, but that also means it’s versatile enough to use for other cold beverages like margaritas or iced lattes. It comes with a splash-proof lid that keeps your drink inside the glass while keeping bugs and dust out, and the base is nonslip, so it’s less likely that you’ll knock it over. Note that this option is sold individually rather than in a set, and it should not be run through the dishwasher.

One fan raved: “Perfect for a martini on the patio, by the pool or hot tub, or anywhere you don't want glass. Also, the lid keeps unwanted stuff out and the double insulation keeps your martini cold longer. Love it!”

• Available colors: 5

6. The Most Unique Martini Glasses

• Capacity: 7 ounces
• Material: glass

This set of six double walled martini glasses has an elegant, modern design that actually helps to keep your drinks colder, for longer. With a 7-ounce capacity, these make a great all-around cocktail glass, but they’re ideal for martinis. They come in a gift-ready box, and the stemless design is easy to hold without feeling too bulky. Note that these glasses are not dishwasher-safe and should be washed by hand.

One fan raved: “Great perfect martini glasses. Help to keep the martini cold and aren't top-heavy like regular martini glasses. Love these glasses.”

Also Great: A Cocktail Shaker That Doubles As A Tumbler

• Capacity: 20 ounces
• Material: stainless steel

This insulated cocktail shaker is made from stainless steel that will keep your drinks cold, and it comes with a shatter-proof lid that makes this the perfect choice for pool parties and cocktails on the beach, though it’s also great for general indoor use. The large 20-ounce capacity means you can mix as many as five 4-ounce martinis in a single batch, and the unique design means you won’t have to deal with leaks or condensation. Remove the top and it doubles as a tumbler, which is a helpful feature for those who like to keep their barware minimal. This shaker comes in seven colors and should be washed by hand.

One fan raved: “Over the years I have used and discarded many shakers. They leaked, they sweat, they stained and they simply did not deliver what they promised. This one is fantastic. No leaks, no sweat, just a great shaker. It also serves as a tumbler. Best purchase you can make.”

• Available colors: 7

Experts

Flavien Desoblin, curator for Spirits Network