Holiday Season and “Entertaining Season” seem to be one in the same for most households. When friends and family come over, you know what that means - time to break out the bar cart.

Before you pour that Martini into a Highball (don’t worry, that joke will make sense in a minute), stop and check out our handy Guide to Glassware.

AFTER ALL, EVERYONE LOVES A GOOD BARTENDER.

The martini glass |

Even though they make spills a near-guarantee, there’s a reason Martini glasses are shaped like cones; the V-like shape prevents ingredients from separating. The long stem also keeps your warm hands from messing with the chilled temperature of your carefully-crafted drink.

No surprise here, Martini glasses should be used for… Martini’s! The most essential definition of a Martini is a cocktail that mixes gin or vodka and vermouth, or, cocktails made primarily of alcohol. Think Lemon Drops, Gibsons and Vespers. Martini Bonus: Everyone looks chic holding one.

The coupe |

Its circumference fabled to be modeled after the size of Marie Antoinette’s …ahem chest area… used to be a shape interchangeable with champagne flutes only. Over time, however, the Coupe has become the signature glass for many different cocktails. Think Sidecars, Daiquiris and Manhattans. Plus, once again, that long, elegant stem will keep your drink cool.

The flute |

Flutes replaced Coupes for bubbly drinks (think Champagne, sparkling wines and French 75’s) in the 1940’s. Scientifically speaking, flutes are shaped to retain carbonation by reducing the surface area at the top. Flutes also regulate air-to-wine ratio, which enhances the scent and taste.

The highball |

The highball (see, here’s where that joke comes in) is ideal for carbonated cocktails. Much like the flute, the narrow shape of a Highball prevents most of the liquid from being exposed to air. Highballs are ideal for Gin &Tonics, Scotch & Sodas - really, anything-and-soda combinations.

The Lowball |

For your guests who enjoy straight spirits and boozier cocktails, the Lowball is your glass. They average two to four ounces, perfect for scotch or brandy on the rocks. Lowballs pretty much exist because it would be awkward to drink a super strong two-ounce cocktail in a ten-ounce highball. Who wants ten ounces of straight Scotch anyway?

Now that you're a bar glass pro, go forth and mix! Your guests will be both impressed and tipsy.