Lowball vs Highball Glass: What's the Difference?
By Brass Monkey Goods | Vintage Inspired Smartassery | Online | Published: 2026-10-22
Category: Comparisons
Lowball and highball glasses differ in size and purpose. Learn which suits your drinks, and see two playful lowball options from Brass Monkey.
Quick Answer
Choose a lowball glass for spirits on the rocks or neat pours, and a highball glass for tall mixed drinks. Lowball glasses hold about 8–12 ounces, while highball glasses typically hold 8–12 ounces but with a taller, narrower shape that accommodates more mixer and ice.
Size and Shape Matter
The main difference is the glass's silhouette. A lowball glass is short and wide, designed to cradle a generous pour of whiskey or bourbon with room for a large ice cube. A highball glass is taller and slimmer, built to keep carbonated mixers fizzy and allow for more liquid volume without feeling bottom-heavy.
Matching the Glass to the Drink
For neat spirits or classic on-the-rocks pours, a lowball glass keeps the drink close to the palm and lets you appreciate the aroma. For cocktails like gin and tonic or a rum and Coke, a highball glass provides the height for ice and mixer, so the drink stays cold and balanced. If you're serving a weeknight drink that feels a bit more distinguished, a lowball glass adds a touch of ceremony without extra fuss.
How to Choose: Lowball vs Highball
- For neat spirits or on the rocks: Pick a lowball glass. Its short, wide shape lets you enjoy the aroma and keeps the drink close.
- For tall mixed drinks: Pick a highball glass. The taller profile accommodates more ice and mixer, keeping carbonation lively. If you often serve both, consider owning a set of each.
- For a witty bar gift: A lowball glass with a fun message, like The Good Shit or Designated Drinker, adds personality to any home bar. Check the 12-oz capacity to ensure it fits your usual pour.
Two Lowball Options from Brass Monkey
- The Good Shit Lowball Glass: The Good Shit Lowball Glass holds 12 oz. and features metallic gold and black 'The Good Shit' artwork. This is a roomy lowball that fits a solid pour plus a large ice cube, and the bold design adds personality to your bar.
The Good Shit Lowball Glass - Designated Drinker Lowball Glass: The Designated Drinker Lowball Glass holds 12 oz. and features metallic gold and black 'Designated Drinker' artwork. It's a playful way to mark the driver's cup, with the same 12-oz capacity and stackable design for easy storage.
Designated Drinker Lowball Glass
Which Should You Choose?
Best for
- Whiskey or bourbon drinkers who prefer neat pours or a single large ice cube
- Anyone who wants a compact, stackable glass for everyday use
Not for
- Those who primarily serve tall, fizzy cocktails that need a highball glass
- People who prefer larger 16-oz drinkware for mixed drinks
