5 Barware Essentials for Cocktail Hour

Evidence shows the first cocktail shaker was invented in South America as early as 7,000 B.C. Archaeologists unearthed fragments of a gourd with traces of alcohol, indicating it was used for mixing. Even our ancestors knew that a cocktail shaker is a drink-mixing essential—there’s simply no better way to achieve a perfectly blended, ice-cold sip. The Tiffany 1837 Makers collection celebrates the craft and character of expertly made objects, and features barware essentials expertly crafted in sterling silver and brass. Lustrous and solid in the hand, a Tiffany shaker adds welcome personality to your bar and drinks alike.

The old-fashioned cocktail dates back to 1806, when a periodical in Hudson, New York published a recipe for a “potent concoction” that contained spirits, bitters, water and sugar. Sometimes called a “lowball,” the short, sturdy shape of this classic glass makes easy work of mixing up a Manhattan or old-fashioned. Its thick base is meant for muddling sugar and bitters directly in the glass before layering in your citrus and spirit of choice. Or you can just enjoy the best single malt scotch, as the wide rim elevates your aromatic experience. Here’s a tip: the single- or double-sized descriptors of these glasses refer to the size of your drink, so perfecting your cocktail ratios is a cinch. 

Evidence shows the first cocktail shaker was invented in South America as early as 7,000 B.C. Archaeologists unearthed fragments of a gourd with traces of alcohol, indicating it was used for mixing. Even our ancestors knew that a cocktail shaker is a drink-mixing essential.

In the early 1800s, ice was a rare treat reserved for the wealthy. Frederic Tudor, a wealthy Bostoner, believed ice could have mass market appeal and endeavored to turn ice into big business. American cocktails, in particular, became a lavish showcase for ice. Bartenders began using it as a garnish to give drinks a signature look as well as signify excess, such as shaved ice teeming over the edge of a julep or frosted metal cups that promised a chilly refreshment. So, next time cocktails call for on-the-rocks or champagne needs a chilling station, fill up an ice bucket and toast tradition. 

Associated with sophistication and class, it’s thought that the martini glass was first introduced at the 1925 Paris Exhibition, when it was presented as an elegant update to the coupe. Whether you like your martini shaken or stirred, it tastes best when served in its namesake glass for a reason—the famously long stem prevents warm hands from cooling down the cocktail, and its wide rim enhances the aroma and flavors of spirits. To give this iconic vessel a memorable look, we perfected its proportions and crafted it in mouth-blown glass.

Also called a chimney glass or Collins glass, the origin stories for the highball’s name vary. One answer for its etymology is that English bartenders used the slang “ball” for glass. “High” or “highball” indicated a tall glass. Reach for this must-have glass for gin and tonics, mojitos, Tiki drinks, soda-mixed cocktails and spritzers. The tall, slender shape means there’s plenty of room for crushed ice or the effervescent fizz of something deliciously bubbly. Discover our range of highball glasses, as versatile in design as the drinks they serve.

From crystal brandy snifters to sterling silver cocktail sets, Tiffany barware has turned a drink into an occasion for over 100 years.