Martini Glass vs Coupe Glass – What’s the Difference?

Martini glasses and coupe glasses are both used for cocktails normally served without ice, but their shape and handling are quite different. A Martini glass has the iconic V-shaped bowl, while a coupe is lower and rounded.

Both can be the right choice. The difference comes down to style, stability, serving size and the cocktail being served.

Martini glass vs coupe – quick comparison

What is a Martini glass?

The classic Martini glass has a wide V-shaped bowl and long stem. It is visually inseparable from the classic Martini for many people.

Browse our Martini glasses, including the RCR Timeless Martini Glass 21 cl and RCR Melodia Martini Glass 21 cl.

Advantages of a Martini glass

• iconic cocktail presentation
• wide surface area
• stem keeps your hand away from the drink
• natural fit for classic Martini service
• classic look for Espresso Martini

Disadvantages

The open V shape places liquid close to the rim, so an overfilled Martini glass can be more prone to spilling as it travels from bar to table.

What is a coupe glass?

A coupe has a rounded, shallow bowl and stem. Historically associated with sparkling wine, it has become one of the most versatile modern cocktail glasses for straight-up drinks.

Browse champagne and coupe glasses, including the Remy Savage Coupe 22 cl and RCR Opera Champagne Coupe 24 cl.

Advantages of a coupe

• stable bowl for drinks without ice
• often easier to carry
• very versatile for sours and classics
• elegant, softer silhouette

Best glass for a classic Martini

The V-shaped Martini glass is the most iconic choice. A coupe also works perfectly well and may be practical for professional venues that want to standardise several cocktails in one glass.

Espresso Martini

A Martini glass is the classic visual choice, while a coupe works equally well and may be easier during busy table service.

Read our Espresso Martini guide.

Pornstar Martini

Both work. Martini gives a sharper, modern silhouette; coupe gives a softer and often more stable serve.

See our Pornstar Martini recipe.

Daiquiri

A coupe is an excellent fit for a classic Daiquiri served chilled and without ice after shaking and straining.

Can coupe be used for champagne?

Yes, particularly when style and presentation matter. If preserving carbonation is the main goal, many choose a narrower flute or tulip-style sparkling wine glass.

Which keeps the drink colder?

Both are intended for drinks served without ice. Chill the glass and ensure the cocktail is properly cooled during shaking or stirring. The stem helps keep hand heat away from the bowl.

Size matters

Many straight-up cocktails work well in roughly 150–250 ml glassware. The actual recipe should determine the final choice.

For a home bar

Choose Martini glasses if you love the iconic Martini and Espresso Martini look. Choose coupes if you want one flexible stemmed glass for a wide variety of cocktails.

For professional bars

Consider cross-menu use, tray service, glasswasher racks, storage, breakage, replacement and recipe volume. Some bars benefit from both; others standardise on one.

What is a Coupetini?

A hybrid shape that sits between Martini and coupe. See the Remy Savage Coupetini 17 cl.

Our recommendation

Choose Martini for iconic presentation and Martini-focused menus.

Choose coupe for versatility across Daiquiris, sours and other straight-up cocktails.

Also read our cocktail glass guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Martini be served in a coupe?

Yes. The V-shaped glass is more iconic, but a coupe works very well.

Can Espresso Martini be served in a coupe?

Yes. The main difference is presentation and handling.

Is a coupe only for champagne?

No. It is widely used for cocktails served without ice.