What Is a Cordial Glass Used For?
Cordial glasses are generally used to serve expensive after-dinner liqueurs. Alternatively, they may be used to serve drinks at a party, reception or other gathering. The use of fine cordial glasses lends a touch of elegance to any gathering. Cordial glasses are smaller than a typical wine glass and are often made with thinner, more delicate glass. Cordial glasses are also known as pony glasses. Does this Spark an idea?
Function
In the United States, cordial glasses are used to serve alcoholic beverages. In other countries, the glass is used to serve non-alcoholic drinks such as fruit juices or juice blends and in some regions sweet, carbonated beverages. Many bars and restaurants serve wine in a cordial glass, instead of a true wine glass, in order to make more money on the wine being served.
Types
Almost any smaller, stemmed glass may be called a cordial glass. While most resemble the larger, stemmed wine glass, a cordial glass may have a shorter stem or none at all, having a delicate handle instead.
Features
Most cordial glasses are made of clear glass, but they can be found in colors and shapes other than the traditional round. Cordial glasses are often included in gift sets, which include a bottle of the liqueur.
Size
Most cordial glasses will hold two to three ounces of liquid. When used serving liqueurs, the glass may be filled partially, often half way, while when used in serving other drinks, the liquid may come closer to the rim of the glass. The term "pony" glass is sometimes used because of the small amount of liquid they hold in comparison to other drinking glasses.
Benefits
Using cordial glasses to serve wine, punches or other alcoholic drinks at a party can reduce the amount of alcohol an individual guest has the opportunity to drink. It also allows the host to determine how much alcohol they may need to have on hand.
Theories/Speculation
The cordial glass may have received its name from the small amount of liquid it holds. A drink was offered to a guest in order to be cordial, or friendly, but with the high price of liqueurs, the host didn't want to offer much more than just a taste. Although this thought is simply speculation, it does have a ring of truth to it.
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