Collins Glass vs Highball Glass: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to choosing the right glassware for cocktails, Collins and Highball glasses often get mixed up. While they may look similar, they serve distinct purposes that can impact the drinking experience. Understanding their differences will help you select the right one for each drink.

What is a Collins Glass?

A Collins glass is a tall, slender glass designed for cocktails requiring more room for ice and mixers. Typically holding 10 to 14 ounces, its narrow shape helps retain carbonation, making it perfect for refreshing, effervescent drinks.

Features of a Collins Glass

• Height: Around 6 to 7 inches, taller than a highball glass
• Capacity: 10 to 14 ounces
• Shape: Slim and cylindrical, helping to preserve bubbles
• Ice Usage: Works well with large ice cubes or crushed ice
• Best For: Cocktails that require more mixers, such as a Tom Collins

Best Cocktails for a Collins Glass

• Tom Collins – Gin, lemon juice, sugar, soda water
• John Collins – Similar to Tom Collins but made with bourbon
• Gin Fizz – Lighter, with egg whites for a frothy texture
• Vodka Collins – A refreshing twist using vodka instead of gin
• Ramos Gin Fizz – A creamy cocktail that requires heavy shaking

The extra height of a Collins glass allows room for carbonation and mixers, keeping drinks light and refreshing.

What is a Highball Glass?

A Highball glass is shorter and wider, commonly used for drinks with a stronger spirit base and fewer mixers. It typically holds 8 to 12 ounces, making it ideal for simple two-ingredient cocktails.

Features of a Highball Glass

• Height: 5 to 6 inches, shorter than a Collins glass
• Capacity: 8 to 12 ounces
• Shape: Wider and slightly shorter than a Collins glass
• Ice Usage: Often filled with ice cubes to chill drinks quickly
• Best For: Spirit-forward drinks with minimal mixers

Best Cocktails for a Highball Glass

• Whiskey Highball – Whiskey, soda water, ice
• Rum and Coke – Rum, cola, ice
• Gin and Tonic – Gin, tonic water, lime wedge
• Tequila Sunrise – Tequila, orange juice, grenadine
• Moscow Mule – Vodka, ginger beer, lime juice

The highball glass’s wider shape allows flavors to blend well while keeping the drink chilled.

Collins vs. Highball: Key Differences

When to Use Each Glass

• Use a Collins glass for cocktails needing more space for mixers and carbonation preservation.
• Use a Highball glass when making simple drinks that highlight the spirit.

Customizing Collins and Highball Glasses with Roen

At Roen, we offer fully customizable Collins and Highball glasses to enhance brand identity, elevate presentation, and add a personal touch. Whether you’re a bar owner, event planner, or wholesale buyer, our customization options ensure a standout experience.

1. Custom Shapes

Enhance your glassware’s appeal with unique modifications:

• Taller or shorter variations for aesthetic balance
• Embossed textures or patterns for a stylish grip
• Weighted bases for improved stability
• Curved or tapered designs for elegance
• Double-walled construction for temperature control

2. Logo Branding

Personalized branding reinforces your identity. Choose from:

• Screen Printing – Long-lasting ink application
• Etching/Engraving – Permanent, sophisticated look
• Decals – Vibrant prints for promotional use
• Frosted Logos – Modern, semi-transparent finish
• Gold or Silver Stamping – Adds a premium touch

3. Custom Packaging

High-quality packaging enhances the customer experience. Options include:

• Custom cardboard boxes – Affordable for bulk shipments
• Luxury rigid boxes – Premium feel for upscale brands
• Foam inserts & dividers – Extra protection for glassware
• Eco-friendly packaging – Sustainable materials for green branding

4. Pricing & Production

For bulk orders, machine-made glassware offers affordability and consistency. For premium, artisanal appeal, hand-blown glass is ideal.

5. Minimum Order Quantity & Delivery Time

Bulk machine-made glassware is the most cost-efficient, while hand-blown glass adds exclusivity.

Why Choose Roen for Your Glassware?

Roen specializes in premium glassware manufacturing, offering:

• High-quality, durable glass at competitive wholesale prices
• Custom branding and packaging solutions
• Fast and reliable production with flexible MOQs
• Global distribution, trusted by businesses worldwide

Enhance your beverage service with Roen’s Collins and Highball glasses. Contact us today to discuss bulk orders and customization options!