The Nick and Nora Glasses Vintage Shape ENHANCES Cocktails
The Nick and Nora glass is a vintage cocktail glass style that's experiencing a renaissance in craft cocktail bars, and for good reason—it's functionally superior to the V-shaped martini glass for most cocktails served up.
The shape makes the difference. Nick and Nora glasses have a bell-shaped or slightly rounded bowl with a moderate opening, unlike the wide V-shape of traditional martini glasses. This narrower opening concentrates aromatics, directing them toward your nose as you sip. For aromatic cocktails like Martinis, Manhattans, or anything with expressed citrus oils, this enhances the drinking experience significantly.
The smaller size is also an advantage. Most Nick and Nora glasses hold 5-6 ounces, compared to the 7-10 ounce capacity of oversized martini glasses. This matches actual cocktail volumes better—a standard 3-ounce cocktail looks properly proportioned in a Nick and Nora, not lost in a giant glass. It also means drinks stay colder since there's less surface area exposed to warm air.
Stability matters in practical terms. The shallow, wide bowl of a V-shaped martini glass makes it prone to spilling, especially when full. Nick and Nora glasses have deeper bowls and are harder to slosh over the rim. This is crucial during service when you're carrying multiple drinks or when guests are holding cocktails while socializing.
The stem length on Nick and Nora glasses is typically shorter than exaggerated martini glass stems, which improves stability and makes them easier to store. Fewer broken stems means lower replacement costs and less hassle.
Aesthetically, the Nick and Nora evokes 1930s-1940s cocktail culture without the kitsch factor of modern oversized martini glasses. It looks elegant and appropriate for classic cocktails without being pretentious.
This doesn't mean martini glasses are obsolete. Some cocktails look right in a wide V-shape, and there's nothing wrong with using them. But for bars focused on craft cocktails where aromatics and proper proportions matter, the Nick and Nora is the better choice for most stirred and shaken drinks served up.
If you're setting up a home bar or choosing glassware for a new bar program, invest in quality Nick and Nora glasses over traditional martini glasses. Your cocktails will taste better and your guests will spill less.