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The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley
What’s not to love about a coupe? First of all, it offers practical benefits. Compared to a V-shaped martini glass, the bowl of a coupe is curved to prevent spillage. It’s also large enough to hold a rainbow of cocktails and generous pours of Champagne. Plus, these glasses look particularly dashing in photographs, as part of a dinner party spread, and atop bar carts.
From vintage-inspired and splurge-worthy picks to budget-friendly and ultra-durable options of all sizes, here are the best coupes for sipping, toasting, and serving.
Best Overall
Nude Savage Coupe Glasses
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Bloomingdale's
Simple, elegant design
Affordable
Shaped to enhance flavors and aromas
Only sold in sets of two
Designed in collaboration with famed mixologist Rémy Savage, these elegant coupe glasses from Nude are as classic as they are practical. The shape was specifically crafted to enhance both flavors and aromas to elevate the drinking experience--whether it's a classic drink like the bee's knees or something newer.
They're made of crystal glass and are slightly larger than the standard coupe, so you don't have to fill your drink to the very brim and risk spills. Thanks to its minimalist design, it fits with nearly any home bar or kitchen décor.
Price at time of publish: $43
Material: Crystal glass | Capacity: 7.5 ounces | Height: 6 inches | Set Count: 2 | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Budget
JoyJolt Bloom Coupe
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JoyJolt
Curved lip to prevent spills
Durable, everyday design
Quite a large capacity
If you’re a glassware purist, you may opt for whisper-thin crystal coupes for special occasions, but everyone could use an excellent and extremely affordable everyday option—simple and sturdy for every and all occasions. These versatile glasses hold a hearty 9.2 ounces. Shake a Vesper martini, mix up a Hemingway daiquiri, enjoy a coquito, or try something a bit more out of the box. When you’re done, simply pop these in the dishwasher to clean.
Note how the lip flares in, allowing the flavors to concentrate and flow right to your nose. These glasses can double as a tasting glass for sippable whiskeys, rums, or Scotch. The glasses come in a set of two, wrapped in a cushioned gift box.
Price at time of publish: $20
Material: Glass | Capacity: 9.2 ounces | Height: 7.25 inches | Set Count: 4 | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (top rack recommended)
Best Splurge
Riedel Veritas Coupe Glasses, Set of 2
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Bed Bath & Beyond
Dishwasher safe
Elegant
Very fragile
These tall, stately glasses have the appeal of fine wine glasses: paper-thin, lightweight construction and a fine, almost 10-inch stem. Even the curving bowls mimic the shapes seen in some of Riedel’s signature wine stems. The shallow bowl and larger capacity (it holds an 8.5-ounce drink) are ideal for shaken cocktails, like Last Words and Clover Clubs.
Note that larger-capacity coupes like this will make a martini look scant. If you're a martini drinker, double up the recipe to fill the glass, opt for another cocktail, or perhaps skip the liquid libations and serve sorbet. Although they appear fragile, these glasses are dishwasher safe so long as you place them in carefully and keep them far from other glasses.
Price at time of publish: $79 for moscato/coupe/martini
Material: Crystal glass | Capacity: 8.5 ounces | Height: 11.2 inches| Set Count: 2 | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Plastic/Unbreakable
Drinique Drinkable Champagne Coupe
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Drinique
Can use where glass isn't allowed
Unbreakable
Easy to transport
Pricey
If you’ve ever had to clean up from a party, you know what a nuisance it is to throw out dozens of single-use plastic glasses. This Tritan stemware set is a way better alternative, as each reusable glass is stackable and durable. While they’re pricier than single-use plastic cups, these can simply be washed and stored for future gatherings. They are dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe.
Best yet, these coupe glasses are virtually unbreakable, making them ideal for poolside sipping or larger parties. Sub them in where glass cups aren’t ideal, such as pools, boats, beaches, or campsites. They are the perfect capacity for standard cocktails served up and look surprisingly chic considering they aren’t actually made of glass.
Price at time of publish: $37 for 4 count (pack of 1) in clear
Material: Tritan plastic | Capacity: 8 ounces | Height: 5.6 inches | Set Count: 4 | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
While the thought of doling out sparkling wine in a coupe may sound appealing, the wide bowl actually dissipates the bubbles too quickly, causing your Champagne to fall flat. Sip quickly, or opt for a flute.
Best Vintage
Food52 Vintage French Champagne Coupe
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Food52
Eclectic and beautiful
High quality
Each glass is one-of-a-kind
Sizes aren't consistent
Searching for a set of vintage coupes, but lack the motivation to dig through a thrift shop to find the right one? While it’s always worth scoping out secondhand stores, Food52 has launched its own curated selection of vintage coupe glasses. Each piece is sourced from France by the site’s culinary team.
Since each glass is sourced vintage, they differ in shape and size, but that’s the draw. You’re buying curated, eclectic glasses with a bit of history. Though each one is a surprise, you can guide the team on your preferred design. There are simple coupes, classic coupes, or carefully etched ones with ornate designs. Each is approximately 3 to 4 inches high and wide, all are glass, and none are dishwasher safe.
Price at time of publish: $70
Material: Glass | Capacity: Varies | Height: Vintage, so it ranges | Set Count: 2 | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Art Deco
Libbey Paneled Coupe
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Libbey
Durable
Vintage design
High sidewalls help prevent spills
Thicker lip
While these glasses aren’t vintage, a paneled glass design gives these glasses an old-school look. The ribbed lines reflect light through the cocktail and project a three-dimensional effect to the glass. Similarly dislike many vintage glasses, these are lead-free.
Despite the elegant design, these coupes are surprisingly durable. Libbey is known for crafting glasses preferred by high-volume bars, so these coupes were designed to withstand wear and tear. The set comes with four, 8.5-ounce coupe glasses.
Price at time of publish: $35
Material: Glass | Capacity: 8.5 ounces | Height: 6 inches | Set Count: 4 | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
If you're looking for something trendy and chic, the Nude Savage Coupe Glass will shine on any bar cart. For a budget-friendly option with ample space for not only Champagne and martinis, but cocktails, too, we recommend the JoyJolt Bloom Coupe Crystal Glasses.
What to Look for in Coupe Glasses
Capacity
How hefty is your cocktail pour? Note that most of the options on this list are around 7 to 8 ounces. Now, consider the average martini is just under 4 ounces. If you’re a martini drinker, some of these options may overwhelm your drink unless, of course, you opt for a double. That said, you’re likely to use these glasses for a variety of cocktails, so capacity shouldn’t be a problem unless you’re a pious martini fan.
Material
Most coupes are made of glass, but even in that realm, glass coupes can vary wildly. There are thin glasses, similar to high-end wine stems, and thicker, more vintage-looking glasses. The former is often pricier, but for that amount, you’re getting elegant, thin glasses that make a statement with each sip. On the contrary, they likely aren’t dishwasher safe.
Durability
When will you be sipping drinks from a coupe? Thin crystal or elegant glass may be ideal for making yourself a happy hour drink to sip from the comfort of your home. If you’re inviting a crowd over or have buttery fingers, perhaps look to a more durable option. To the latter point, if you would rather skip hand washing after happy hour, opt for a coupe that can be popped in the dishwasher.
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The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck
FAQs
How do you pronounce coupe?
Just like chicken coop.
What drinks can you serve in a coupe glass?
The best drink for a coupe is anything served up—a cocktail shaken or stirred and served without ice, such as martinis, Manhattans, daiquiris, and sidecars. You can serve sparkling wine in a coupe, as well, though bubbles will fall flat quicker.
How should you hold a coupe glass?
Hold a coupe glass by the stem. If you hold it by the bowl, your hand will warm up the drink.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Kate Dingwall is a sommelier, seasoned wine and spirits writer, and martini lover. She has been writing about the bar and spirits world for years and loves a Gibson martini.
Allison Wignall, who updated this article, is a writer who focuses on food and travel. She loves making craft cocktails with her friends, her favorite being a dark 'n stormy. Her work has been featured in publications, such as Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living.