A cordial glass is a small stemmed glass for a small pour of something strong and sweet: limoncello, amaretto, an amaro, a coffee liqueur. It’s sometimes called a liqueur glass or a pony. The stem is what sets it apart from a shot glass. This is a drink you sip slowly after dinner, not one you throw back.
Our shot glass guide covers the short, sturdy glasses for tequila and quick pours. This page sticks to small stemmed glasses, which is a smaller market than you’d think. Several good picks are sold as grappa glasses, and we say so where that’s the case.
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Quick verdict: which cordial glass to buy
Buy the Luigi Bormioli Michelangelo Liqueur set. It holds 2.25 ounces on a titanium-reinforced stem, and the maker says the glass is free of lead and heavy metals. If you want six, the Krosno Splendour is a slim 2-ounce liqueur glass. For a slightly larger tulip, the Bormioli Rocco Riserva names cordials on its listing.
Five cordial glasses compared
| Glass | Best for | Capacity | Material | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most liqueurs | 2.25 oz | Sparkx glass | View on Amazon | |
Krosno Splendour Liqueur Glasses, 2 oz, Set of 6Best set of six
|
Hosting a group | 2 oz | Lead-free crystalline glass | View on Amazon |
| Aromatic liqueurs | 2.75 oz | Star Glass | View on Amazon | |
| A gift for two | 1.75 oz | Lead-free crystal glass | View on Amazon | |
Godinger Navone Cordial Glasses, Set of 4Best traditional look
|
A classic cordial set | Not stated | Non-leaded crystal | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best cordial glasses
Capacities, sizes and care come from each maker’s Amazon listing, and we say when a listing leaves something out. We have not used these products ourselves. For every crystal or crystal-type glass, we name who is making the lead statement.
1. Luigi Bormioli Michelangelo Liqueur Glasses, 2.25 oz, Set of 4 – A Reinforced Stem
The listing calls this a liqueur shot glass, but it has a real stem and a flat foot. It holds 2.25 ounces and stands 5.5 inches tall, which is right in the usual range for a cordial. That size gives you a proper sip of limoncello or amaro with a bit of room above it.
The maker says the Sparkx glass is ultra clear and free of lead and heavy metals. The stem has a titanium-reinforcing treatment meant to resist breakage, and the rim is laser cut. On a stem this thin, the reinforcement is the feature we’d pay most attention to.
The listing doesn’t state dishwasher care or where it’s made. We’d wash these by hand until you’ve checked the box. You get four glasses, enough for a small after-dinner table.
Why we like it
- Free of lead and heavy metals, per the maker.
- Titanium-reinforced stem.
- Laser-cut rim.
- Flat foot for stability.
Key specifications
| Model | 10362/01 |
|---|---|
| Material | Sparkx glass |
| Capacity | 2.25 oz |
| Count | 4 |
| Dimensions | 5.5 in tall, 2 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Lead statement | Lead free, per the maker’s listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits most people who want a real stemmed liqueur glass with a clear maker statement.
Skip it if you need written dishwasher guidance before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear lead statement
- Reinforced stem
- Sold by Amazon
Cons
- Care not stated
- Set of four only
2. Krosno Splendour Liqueur Glasses, 2 oz, Set of 6 – A Slim Set of Six
Krosno is a European glassmaker, and this is sold directly as a liqueur glass. The set has six glasses at 2 ounces each, about 6 inches tall and 2 inches across, in what Krosno calls crystalline glass. The listing says it’s lead-free and dishwasher safe, and the seller when we checked was Krosno itself.
The tall shape is elegant, and a set of six means you don’t have to count guests. Krosno also suggests the glass for stronger drinks, so it could double as a slender tequila or grappa pour.
A 2-ounce glass at 6 inches tall will be a bit top-heavy once you’ve poured, so it’s better on a table than balanced on a knee.
Why we like it
- Sold as a liqueur glass.
- Lead-free, per the maker’s listing.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Set of six.
Key specifications
| Model | 5900345848822 |
|---|---|
| Material | Lead-free crystalline glass |
| Capacity | 2 oz |
| Count | 6 |
| Dimensions | About 6 in tall, 2 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Lead statement | Lead-free, per the maker’s listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits hosts who want six matching glasses from a known glass company.
Skip it if you want a wider bowl for aroma.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear maker lead statement
- Six glasses
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Tall for its size
- Narrow bowl
3. Bormioli Rocco Riserva Grappa and Cordial Glasses, 2.75 oz, Set of 6 – A Tulip for Aroma
Bormioli Rocco’s listing calls this a grappa or cordial glass, so it fits the page by name. The tulip shape narrows toward a laser-cut rim, which the maker says it developed with the Italian Sommelier Association. That shape is useful for anything aromatic, and at 2.75 ounces, it has a little more room than the top two.
It’s made in Italy from Bormioli Rocco’s lead-free Star Glass, which it says has clarity comparable to crystal. The title says it’s dishwasher safe. It stands 6.5 inches tall and comes in a set of six.
The seller when we checked was a third party, so review the returns terms. If you love an aromatic amaro, this may be the most useful shape here.
Why we like it
- Listing names cordial use.
- Lead-free Star Glass, per the maker.
- Made in Italy.
- Set of six.
Key specifications
| Model | 166181GRC021990 |
|---|---|
| Material | Star Glass |
| Capacity | 2.75 oz |
| Count | 6 |
| Dimensions | 6.5 in tall, 2.2 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Italy |
| Lead statement | Lead-free, per Bormioli Rocco’s listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits people who sip aromatic liqueurs and grappa and care about what they can smell.
Skip it if you prefer a slim straight flute.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Named for cordials
- Clear maker lead statement
- Set of six
Cons
- Third-party seller
- Tall for its size
4. Stölzle Lausitz Liqueur Flutes, 1.75 oz, Set of 2 – A Small Pair for a Gift
This pair is the smallest pour on the page, at 1.75 ounces. Stölzle’s listing uses the word cordial directly, and it recommends the conical shape for vodka, limoncello and other liquors. It stands about 6.5 inches tall on a slim stem.
The maker says it’s 100 percent lead-free crystal glass and dishwasher safe. It’s part of Stölzle’s Professional bar collection. With two glasses in the box, it makes a neat gift for a couple, or a small start for a home bar.
A small cone won’t hold much, so you’ll be pouring little and often. That can be a good thing with strong drinks.
Why we like it
- Listing calls it a cordial glass.
- 100 percent lead-free, per the maker.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Small pour.
Key specifications
| Model | 2050031R2 |
|---|---|
| Material | Lead-free crystal glass |
| Capacity | 1.75 oz |
| Count | 2 |
| Dimensions | About 6.5 in tall, 2.2 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Lead statement | Lead-free, per the maker’s listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small gift, or a couple who share a limoncello after dinner.
Skip it if you need glasses for a group.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear maker lead statement
- Sold by the maker
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Only two glasses
- Very small capacity
5. Schott Zwiesel Classico Grappa Glasses, 3 oz, Set of 6 – Tritan for a Delicate Stem
This is sold as a grappa glass, not a cordial glass, and we want to be clear on that. Schott Zwiesel describes it as a digestif glass with room for aroma, and at about 3 ounces on a stem, it does the same job. It’s the largest glass on this page.
The appeal is the material. It’s Tritan crystal made in Germany, which the maker group describes as a non-lead material of titanium and zirconium oxide that resists breakage and chipping, and the listing says it’s dishwasher safe. A small stem is easily broken, so that’s more than a minor point.
It stands 6.9 inches tall and is 2.3 inches wide. For a very small pour of a sweet liqueur, it may feel like a bit too much glass.
Why we like it
- Non-lead Tritan crystal, per the maker group.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Set of six.
- Made in Germany.
Key specifications
| Model | 0003.106225 |
|---|---|
| Material | Tritan crystal |
| Capacity | About 3 oz |
| Count | 6 |
| Dimensions | 6.9 in tall, 2.3 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Germany |
| Lead statement | Non-lead Tritan, per the maker group |
Why we recommend it
It suits people who use their small glasses often and want them to go in the dishwasher.
Skip it if you want a glass sold as a cordial glass or a very small pour.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Durable material claims
- Dishwasher safe
- Sold by Amazon
Cons
- Sold for grappa
- Largest and tallest here
6. Godinger Navone Cordial Glasses, Set of 4 – A Short, Traditional Glass
This is what many people picture when they hear the word cordial: a short, petite stemmed glass, 3.5 inches tall and just under 2 inches wide. Godinger sells it as a cordial glass for after-dinner liqueurs and dessert wines, and it’s the only pick here that comes close to the antique shape.
The listing says non-leaded crystal, and it recommends hand washing. It doesn’t state a capacity. A glass this small won’t hold much, so plan on a very small pour.
Godinger sells several patterns under nearly identical listings, and we’ve chosen just one. The seller when we checked was a third party, so check the returns terms.
Why we like it
- Sold as a cordial glass.
- Non-leaded crystal, per the listing.
- Short and easy to store.
Key specifications
| Model | 22566 |
|---|---|
| Material | Non-leaded crystal |
| Capacity | Not stated |
| Count | 4 |
| Dimensions | 3.5 in tall, about 2 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | No; hand wash recommended |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Lead statement | Non-leaded, per the Godinger listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a traditional table, or anyone replacing a set like the one they grew up with.
Skip it if you want to use the dishwasher.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Classic size and shape
- Named for cordials
- Small footprint
Cons
- Hand wash
- Capacity not stated
- Third-party seller
7. Glsairy Stemmed Cordial Glasses, 1.5 oz, Set of 6 – Six Small Plain Stems
Glsairy is a little-known brand with little public detail, so this is the pick to read with most caution. We’ve included it because plain stemmed cordials from known makers are hard to find. It holds 1.5 ounces and stands 5.7 inches tall, and the listing names limoncello, liqueurs and cordials.
The brand’s listing says the glass is lead-free and safe in the dishwasher, refrigerator and freezer. That wording comes only from the brand itself. Chilling the glass suits limoncello, which is one thing that might make these worth trying.
If you’d rather have a maker with a longer record, buy the Krosno or the Luigi Bormioli. If you just want six small glasses for a party, these are a simple option.
Why we like it
- Sold as a cordial glass.
- Freezer safe, per the brand.
- Set of six.
- Small pour.
Key specifications
| Model | A12 |
|---|---|
| Material | Lead-free glass, per the brand |
| Capacity | 1.5 oz |
| Count | 6 |
| Dimensions | 5.7 in tall, 1.8 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes, per the brand |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Lead statement | Lead-free, per the brand’s own listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits casual hosts who need six small stemmed glasses for a party.
Skip it if you want a well-documented maker behind the lead wording.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Named for cordials
- Freezer safe, per the brand
- Set of six
Cons
- Thin public record for the brand
- Very small bowl
How to choose a cordial glass
Decide how much you want to pour. These glasses run from 1.5 to 3 ounces, and that’s roughly the range you’ll see sold as cordial or liqueur glasses. Sweet, strong liqueurs need very little. If you pour an amaro or grappa and like to smell it first, go toward the larger end.
Look at the shape. A tulip, like the Bormioli Rocco, narrows at the rim and collects the aroma. A cone or straight flute, like the Stölzle, simply looks elegant and carries a tiny pour. A short, traditional stem looks right on an old-fashioned table but has very little room.
Be realistic about the stem. Small stems break, especially in a crowded dishwasher rack. Schott Zwiesel’s Tritan and Luigi Bormioli’s titanium-treated stems are sold on that point. If you plan to use these only at the holidays, you can favor looks over toughness.
Check who says what about lead. It’s a fair question for any crystal-type glass. Luigi Bormioli, Krosno, Bormioli Rocco, Stölzle and Schott Zwiesel’s maker group state lead-free or non-lead material. Godinger’s and Glsairy’s statements appear on their listings, with less behind them. Antique cordial glasses you find at an estate sale are a separate matter, since old crystal may contain lead, and we don’t cover them here.
Consider chilling. Limoncello is often served cold. If you’d like to keep glasses in the freezer, check the listing first. Only the Glsairy says freezer safe here.
How we picked these seven cordial glasses
We looked for small stemmed glasses sold for liqueur, cordial or grappa from identifiable makers, in stock on Amazon with a new offer. We left out restaurant case packs, near-identical patterns from the same seller and Amazon-only brands with thin details, apart from one that we flag. A web search about cordial glasses gave only rough size ranges from sources of mixed quality, so we didn’t cite them. These picks rest on the listing and maker details.
Cordial glass questions, answered
What is a cordial glass used for?
It’s used for small pours of liqueur, such as limoncello, amaretto, amaro or a coffee liqueur, usually after a meal. Some listings also suggest it for dessert wine.
How many ounces is a cordial glass?
The picks here hold 1.5 to 3 ounces where the maker gives a figure. Godinger doesn’t state a capacity for its 3.5-inch glass.
What’s the difference between a cordial glass and a shot glass?
A cordial glass has a stem and is meant for sipping. A shot glass is usually short and sturdy, with no stem. See our shot glass guide for those.
Are small liqueur glasses dishwasher safe?
Krosno, Bormioli Rocco, Stölzle, Schott Zwiesel and Glsairy say yes. Godinger recommends hand washing, and the Luigi Bormioli listing doesn’t say.
Can I use a cordial glass for tequila?
Yes, for sipping a small pour, though a tulip or snifter shape shows off the aroma better. Our tequila glass guide and our explainer on tequila types go further.
Our final pick for after-dinner pours
The Luigi Bormioli Michelangelo is our first choice for its clear lead statement and reinforced stem, and the Krosno Splendour is the set to buy if you need six. For short, sturdy glasses, go back to our shot glass guide. Liqueurs are strong, so keep the pours small and drink responsibly.