Balloon glasses craze is in bad taste, say gin connoisseurs
THEY are overtaking champagne flutes in popularity and are seen at the bar in London’s hippest pubs, but experts have warned that the trend for “balloon glasses” is ruining the taste of drinks.
A large goblet can look attractive – but Which?, the consumer magazine, has warned that a switch away from traditional highball glasses could mean a watered-down, warm drink.
“Balloon glasses are all the rage,” it said. “But the top-heavy design means you are likely to cradle the bowl in your hands, which can lead to cold hands and a warm gin and tonic.”
Daniel Warren, the World Class Bartender of the Year, told The Daily Telegraph: “Gin globes, or balloon glasses, are an important part of gindrinking history, originating in Spain and dating back to the 1700s. The current problem with these glasses is when the drink is made with cheap ice that melts quickly it waters down both the drink and the flavour of the gin.”
Despite this, sales of the popular goblets show no sign of slowing down.
Nicola Hattersley, a buyer at John Lewis said: “Gin glasses have surpassed the sales of all glassware, including wine glasses, tumblers and champagne flutes. This growing popularity can be attributed to the boom in gin sales, as well as restaurants and bars continuing to get creative with gin, serving innovative and delicious cocktails.”