NUDE Glass Big top

The series counts four glasses, so the choice is quickly made. The 32 cl tumbler is the all-rounder for whisky, water or a short cocktail on ice. There is a smaller 27 cl tumbler for anyone who prefers to pour smaller measures or to serve an aperitif without ice.

The 34 cl highball glass is tall and narrow, made for mixed drinks that need to keep their fizz. The 23.5 cl champagne coupe is the most striking shape: wide, shallow and with the same sloping wall, at home with sparkling wine and with cocktails served without ice.

The sloping wall of the coupe is beautiful but unforgiving. Fill it to about a centimetre below the rim and no higher, because the wide surface spills at the slightest movement. A shaken daiquiri shows well in it: cold, without ice, with a thin layer of foam on top.

The same principle applies to the 32 cl tumbler, but with ice. Build a negroni sbagliato over one large block, so the prosecco does not dilute while you drink it.

Lead-free crystal is clearer than ordinary glass but also softer, and Big Top has a thin wall. The glasses are dishwasher safe, provided they stand free and do not touch cutlery or plates.

The slanted rim is the most vulnerable point, because it does not sit flat on the rack. Place the coupe upright rather than upside down.

More design glassware from the same brand can be found at NUDE Glass. If you are after a straight wall instead of a sloping one, the tumblers hold the classic shapes, and the champagne coupes line up every wide bowl side by side. If you often serve cocktails without ice, cocktail strainers are indispensable. The 34 cl highball glass finds company among the other long drink glasses.