Is the Glass “Half Full” or “Half Empty?”

IS THE GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY?

While dining out last week in downtown Las Vegas, I got into a friendly but serious discussion with someone about how cocktails are frequently served in many bars and restaurants. Bruce Kramer, my longtime associate visiting Las Vegas from Philadelphia was on the other side of the argument.

We both ordered a Manhattan. When the cocktails arrived, they were served in oversized glasses. In fact, the glass was twice the size of the liquid content. A standard Manhattan is about 3-4 ounces, and it was poured into what looked to be a 6-7 ounce glass.

I was perfectly fine with this. Looked very normal to me. However, Kramer was visibly annoyed with the liquid to glass ratio. He thought the drink looked “cheap” — like he was getting shafted. In fact, Kramer then summoned over the bartender and lectured the cocktail master on his selection of glassware for this type of drink. And yes, while listening to Kramer’s impromptu TED Talk, I did several eye rolls as I enjoyed sipping my Manhattan.

I know I can be ridiculous, at times. We all have our biases and weirdnesses. A psychologist could have a field day explaining some of my odd proclivities, including a fear of rabbits. But I also thought Kramer’s argument was ridiculous. Absurd, even. The bartender realized he couldn’t win and replaced Kramer’s Manhattan and brought him over a” new” cocktail (probably the exact same contents) poured into what I call a baby glass. That glass was filled to the brim, which meant picking it up severely increased the chances of spillage. Well, that’s then our back-and-forth arguing began, ending with no resolution. Bored bystanders in our party refused to take a side, realizing the futility thereof, presumably not wanting to get in the middle of two junkyard dogs fighting about alcohol on a busy Friday night.

To me, this is a no brainer. I don’t care for stemmed glassware when it comes to cocktails. Again, this is a higher-risk spillage issue. However, with the liquid contents only about half full, it’s much easier (less risky) to transfer the liquor from the glass down the hatch, with a little swirl-play involved. It’s a bit like wine, which is always poured into an oversized glass, and the more empty space there is, usually the better the wine and more exclusive the establishment. The same thing goes for cordials and brandies, which are also served in large goblets, and take up no more than perhaps a quarter of the glass. So, why would anyone want, let alone demand their cocktail be filled to the brim of the glass?

I once thought Kramer knew his stuff and was the ultimate functional pragmatist. Proper glassware with cocktails is like architectural drawings and house designs, and I want to drink like I’m Frank Lloyd Wright. Simply put, Kramer is wrong. I must now re-asses my evaluation of his judgement and avoid oversized glassware with him. It’s like drinking with Monk.

Seriously, who would want a cocktail served in a glass all the way to the top? Isn’t the empty space much more practical, especially given many bars are crowded, and you often get bumped, especially at or near the bar where there are usually people around and drinking? I sure as hell don’t want to hoist tiny glassware while trying to navigate an $18 beverage from my hand to my mouth.

Pet Peeve: Small glassware (and small plates, for that matter). I want to enjoy the food and drink, not end up wearing it. Next time I’m with Kramer and they serve baby glassware, I’m sending my drink back. I’m sure that will thrill the bartender.

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