Royal Leerdam Astro

The difference between the two sizes is bigger in use than on paper. The 25 cl tumbler is the size for water, milk and fruit juice with a meal; it stands low and stable, does not topple over when someone reaches across and fits under any kitchen cupboard. The 35 cl long drink glass is taller and narrower. You need that shape as soon as ice goes into the glass, because ice cubes take up almost a third of the capacity. If you are laying a table for guests, count on one glass of each size per person. Want only one size? Choose the 35 cl.

Fill a water glass to about two centimetres below the rim, so the glass stays liftable without spilling. With a long drink you work the other way round: first fill the glass completely with ice, then the spirit, then the mixer down along a spoon or along the wall of the glass. That keeps the carbonation in and mixes without stirring. Thirty-five centilitres is exactly the size in which a screwdriver or a tequila sunrise comes out right, with enough room for ice and a slice of citrus.

Astro is made of tempered soda-lime glass. Tempering makes the glass more resistant to knocks on the rim and to the temperature difference that arises when you hold a cold glass under warm water. They are dishwasher safe, provided you place them loosely in the basket. If the glasses turn dull over time, that is almost always limescale rather than wear; half an hour of soaking in water with vinegar helps.

If this model does not match what you are after, there are plenty of alternatives close by. The complete offering from this house is at Royal Leerdam. If you only want a glass for at the table, have a look at the water glasses or at the broader category of tumbler glasses; for mixed drinks with plenty of ice, the taller models are among the long drink glasses. If you are going to mix yourself, you will find shakers and measures among the bar tools and the recipes are with the cocktails.