Gin and tonic in Copa de Balon with ice and a lemon slice.

Why A Balloon-Shaped Glass Is Perfect For Gin And Tonic

NEWS

By ANDREW AMELINCKX

Gin and tonic in Copa de Balon with ice and a lemon slice.
While you may associate the gin and tonic with the British, it was the Spanish who invented the Copa de Balon glassware, which provides the best G&T drinking experience.
A mixed drink in Copa de Balon glassware.
Born in the 1700s in Northern Spain, the Copa de Balon, which translates to "ball cup," is bulbous, deep, and has a stem to keep your hands from warming the contents.
Hand holding a Copa de Balon with gin and tonic.
The glass helps concentrate the aromas of the gin as you sip your drink, while its deep bottom allows you to swish the G&T around to release even more of the flavors within.
Hand holding a wine glass with red wine.
Additionally, it's big enough to add plenty of ice during the hot summer days. However, if you can't get your hands on a Copa de Balon, a red wine glass will also suffice.