History

• Before the martini was invented, martini glasses were simply called cocktail glasses. However, It is rumored the wide mouth of the glass helps bring out the bouquet of the gin.

Function

• Martini glasses are designed with a long stem in order to keep the drink cold without the use of ice. This is why drinks served "on the rocks" or with ice do not need a stem. Drinks served "straight up" like martinis taste best in long stemmed, wide-mouthed glasses so the liquid can remain cool.

Types

• Contemporary martini glasses come in several sizes, styles, materials and colors. Lolita Designs, a popular martini glass designer, paints glasses for every occasion.

Famous Ties

• Celebrities who famously loved martinis include Jack London, Dean Martin, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Mae West.

Fun Fact

• There is some speculation about the design of the martini glass. Some believe the wide mouth is attributed to prohibition, when it would be necessary to finish a drink quickly at the time of a raid.