Nick and Nora Glass
Also known as: Nora glass, vintage coupe
Definition
A small, elegant stemmed glass with a rounded bowl, named after characters from The Thin Man films and used for spirit-forward cocktails served up.
## What Is a Nick and Nora Glass?
A Nick and Nora glass is a small, elegant stemmed glass with a rounded, tulip-shaped bowl — midway between the broad coupe and the open V-shaped Martini glass. It holds approximately 5 to 6 ounces and features a compact, upright bowl shape that concentrates aromatics better than a coupe while being more stable than a Martini glass. In recent years, the Nick and Nora has become the preferred vessel at craft cocktail bars for spirit-forward drinks served without ice.
## The Name: Nick and Nora Charles
The glass is named after Nick and Nora Charles, the sophisticated detective couple from Dashiell Hammett's 1934 novel The Thin Man and the MGM film series starring William Powell and Myrna Loy that followed. Nick and Nora Charles were defined by their constant, elegant cocktail consumption — drinking their way through investigations and social life with wit and style. The glass named in their honor evokes the glamour of that mid-century American cocktail culture.
## Nick and Nora vs. Coupe
Both glasses serve the same purpose — up cocktails without ice — but the Nick and Nora's upright bowl is more efficient at directing aromatic compounds toward the nose. The coupe's wide, shallow bowl allows aromas to dissipate into the surrounding air more quickly. For spirit-forward drinks with complex aromatic profiles — a well-made Martini, a nuanced Manhattan — the Nick and Nora's more contained bowl is a genuine advantage.
## Why Craft Bars Prefer It
Beyond aromatic advantages, the Nick and Nora is simply more practical in service. It sits more stably on a tray than a Martini glass, is less prone to splashing, and holds the correct volume for a carefully portioned craft cocktail. Its adoption has become a visual signal of craft bar philosophy: smaller pours, higher-quality spirits, thoughtful preparation.
## Classic Cocktails
**Martini**, **Manhattan**, **Negroni up**, **Rob Roy**, **Corpse Reviver No. 1**, and **Martinez**.
## FAQ
**Is the Nick and Nora better than the coupe?**
For spirit-forward stirred drinks, many bartenders prefer it for better aromatic concentration. For shaken citrus drinks, the coupe is often the better choice.
💡 Pro Tips
- The rounded bowl concentrates aromatics better than a wide coupe — ideal for Martinis and Manhattans
- Chill thoroughly in the freezer before use — the upright bowl loses temperature moderately fast
- The compact 5–6 oz capacity encourages proper portioning for strong stirred cocktails
- More stable in hand and on a tray than a V-shaped Martini glass — a meaningful advantage in service
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Overfilling a small Nick and Nora with a recipe portioned for a larger coupe
- Using for large shaken drinks that need more volume
- Confusing with a coupe — the Nick and Nora has a more upright, tulip-shaped bowl
- Serving in an unchilled glass — always chill before use
