A highball is the tall glass behind a paloma, a ranch water, a gin and tonic or a rum and cola. The recipe is simple: spirit, ice and something fizzy, poured into a glass tall enough to keep the bubbles going. A Collins glass is usually a little narrower and taller, but many makers sell the two under the same name, and for home use they do the same job.
In a Mexican kitchen, tall glasses fill up with palomas and aguas frescas, which is a good reason to think about strength and how they wash, along with looks. Our cocktail glass guide covers the whole bar, and our glassware sets guide covers everyday tumblers. This page is only about tall bar glasses.
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Quick verdict: which highball glass to buy
Buy the Zwiesel Glas Paris Long Drink set if you want a true slim Collins shape. It has a thick base, comes as a set of six and is dishwasher-safe Tritan crystal. For a bigger glass with lots of room for ice, choose the Luigi Bormioli Veronese. For a low-cost bar-style set, the Libbey Bar Essentials is the place to start.
Five tall glasses compared
| Glass | Best for | Capacity | Material | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A true slim Collins | About 11 oz | Tritan crystal, non-lead | View on Amazon | |
| Bar-style glasses on a budget | 12 oz | Glass | View on Amazon | |
JoyJolt Faye Highball Glasses, 13 oz, Set of 6Best slim crystal value
|
A slim glass in lead-free crystal | 13 oz | Lead-free crystal | View on Amazon |
Luigi Bormioli Veronese Highball Glasses, 14.5 oz, Set of 6Best for big pours
|
Big pours and lots of ice | 14.5 oz | SON.hyx crystal, lead-free | View on Amazon |
| Tight shelves | 13.75 oz | Glass | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best highball 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 glasses ourselves. For every crystal glass, we name who is making the lead statement.
1. Zwiesel Glas Paris Long Drink Glasses, 11 oz, Set of 6 – A True Slim Collins With a Thick Base
The Paris is the narrow, straight-sided tall glass that a bartender would call a Collins. It’s 6.1 inches tall and 2.4 inches wide, holds about 11 ounces and has a thick base that keeps it steady. The maker lists it for cocktails, long drinks and non-alcoholic drinks. At that width, a spear of ice or two long cubes will sit neatly and the bubbles have little room to escape.
The material is Tritan crystal, made in Germany. Schott Zwiesel, Zwiesel Glas’s maker group, describes Tritan as a non-lead material of titanium and zirconium oxide and promotes its resistance to breakage. The set is listed as dishwasher safe, which is what you want from a glass you plan to use every day.
Note that 11 ounces isn’t large. With a full load of ice, a paloma can come up to the rim before you have added all the grapefruit soda, so pour your mixer slowly. If you like long, weak drinks with plenty of soda, consider one of the larger glasses below. A larger glass in the same line, the 16.5-ounce Iceberg, appears on our main cocktail page.
Why we like it
- Narrow Collins shape, 2.4 inches wide.
- Thick base for stability, per the maker.
- Non-lead Tritan crystal and dishwasher safe.
- Made in Germany.
Key specifications
| Model | 0017.577705 |
|---|---|
| Material | Tritan crystal |
| Capacity | About 11 oz |
| Count | 6 |
| Dimensions | 6.1 in tall, 2.4 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Germany |
| Lead statement | Non-lead Tritan, per the maker group |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants a classic-looking tall glass in a durable material and uses it most days.
Skip it if you pour very long drinks over lots of ice and want more room.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Classic shape
- Durable material
- Good set size
Cons
- Moderate capacity
- Narrow for large ice cubes
2. Libbey Bar Essentials Hi Ball Glasses, 12 oz, Set of 6 – Restaurant-Style Glass at a Fair Level
Libbey’s name is on a lot of restaurant glassware, and this set brings that look home. Six 12-ounce glasses come in the box, and the listing describes them as restaurant-quality glasses for mixing and pouring. It says they are dishwasher safe, though it also asks you to handle them with care.
The listing gives a size of 5 inches tall and 3.25 inches wide, so on paper it’s a shorter, wider glass than the Paris. We’d treat that as the listing’s own figure, since it may not measure the glass exactly. Either way, this is a plain working glass for gin and tonics, ranch water and sodas, not a showpiece. Plain glass also means you don’t need to worry about a crystal claim.
Why we like it
- Six to a set.
- Restaurant-style build, per the listing.
- Dishwasher safe, per the listing.
Key specifications
| Model | 15588 |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass |
| Capacity | 12 oz |
| Count | 6 |
| Dimensions | 5 in tall, 3.25 in wide (listing) |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Lead statement | Not stated; plain glass |
Why we recommend it
It suits a first set of bar glasses and a home that wants something it won’t worry about at a party.
Skip it if you want a slim, tall Collins look. The listed size is shorter and wider.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Sensible capacity
- Simple design
- Easy to wash
Cons
- Listed as less tall than a Collins
- Plain look
3. JoyJolt Faye Highball Glasses, 13 oz, Set of 6 – A Slim Grip in Stated Lead-Free Crystal
The Faye is a slim glass, 6 inches tall with a 2.5-inch grip. JoyJolt’s listing calls it lead-free crystal, with a 3-millimeter rolled rim and a weight of about 1.7 ounces, and lists it for mojitos, Tom Collins, iced tea and juice. It holds 13 ounces and comes in a set of six.
JoyJolt is a brand that sells largely on Amazon. Its listing is the source for the lead-free wording, and we couldn’t confirm it elsewhere on the JoyJolt pages we read. The listing also promises a 12-month guarantee, which is worth noting. The rolled rim is sturdier but less refined than a laser-cut one, a fair trade for a daily glass.
The listing says these are dishwasher safe, and the 6-inch height should fit most top racks, though it’s worth measuring yours.
Why we like it
- Slim 2.5-inch grip.
- Lead-free crystal, per the JoyJolt listing.
- 12-month guarantee, per the listing.
Key specifications
| Model | JC10151 |
|---|---|
| Material | Lead-free crystal, per the brand |
| Capacity | 13 oz |
| Count | 6 |
| Dimensions | 6 in tall, 2.5 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Lead statement | Lead-free, per the brand’s listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants a slim, tall crystal glass without going up to European specialty brands.
Skip it if you prefer a maker with a longer history and a lead statement on its own website.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Slim, comfortable shape
- Stated lead-free
- Set of six
Cons
- Statement is on the Amazon listing
- Rolled rim is less fine
4. Viski Reserve Milo Highball Glasses, 14 oz, Set of 4 – Faceted European Crystal for a Bar Cart
Viski’s Reserve line is its dressier glassware, and the Milo is a faceted Collins-style glass made in Europe. Each holds 14 ounces and stands just under 6 inches tall at about 3 inches wide. The listing names it for a double gin and tonic, a mojito, a Cuba Libre and other tall drinks.
The maker says it’s lead-free crystal and dishwasher safe, and it recommends rinsing well and polishing by hand with a soft cloth for the best results. That’s a routine worth following with faceted glass, since those edges show spots quickly. This is a set of four, packaged for gifting, and would look good with the other bar tools in Viski’s range.
Why we like it
- European-made lead-free crystal, per Viski.
- Faceted surface looks good on a bar cart.
- Dishwasher safe, per the listing.
Key specifications
| Model | 10108 |
|---|---|
| Material | Lead-free crystal |
| Capacity | 14 oz |
| Count | 4 |
| Dimensions | About 5.9 in tall, 3 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Europe |
| Lead statement | Lead-free, per Viski |
Why we recommend it
It suits a gift, or a home bar where the glasses are part of the display.
Skip it if you need a slim glass for ice spears. This is wider than a true Collins.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Attractive facets
- Clear lead-free statement
- Roomy
Cons
- Only four
- Facets show water spots
5. Riedel Tumbler Collection Spey Longdrink Glasses, Set of 2 – A Long Drink Glass From a Specialist
Riedel is a family-owned glassmaker founded in 1756, by its own account, and its Tumbler Collection is an Art Nouveau-inspired range for cocktails and mixed drinks. The Spey Longdrink stands about 5.9 inches tall and is 3 inches wide, so it is wider than a true Collins, with room for bigger ice. Riedel lists it as machine-made crystal glass and dishwasher safe.
A note on capacity: Riedel gives a recommended volume of about 8.5 ounces, which is the pour it has in mind, not how much the glass holds. It doesn’t state a total capacity on this listing. And here is the honest note on lead: Riedel’s FAQ says its crystal glass doesn’t use lead oxide as a principal ingredient, and we found no explicit lead-free statement from the maker for this line.
You get two glasses in the set, and it was sold by a third-party seller, Turbo One, when we checked.
Why we like it
- Made for long drinks with soda and ice.
- Wider shape that takes larger cubes.
- Dishwasher safe, per Riedel.
Key specifications
| Model | 0515/04S3 |
|---|---|
| Material | Crystal glass |
| Capacity | Not stated; about 8.5 oz recommended volume |
| Count | 2 |
| Dimensions | About 5.9 in tall, 3 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Lead statement | No explicit lead-free statement found |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants a long drink glass from a known glassmaker and only needs a pair.
Skip it if you need a clear lead-free statement, a slim Collins shape or more than two glasses.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear size figures
- Machine washable
- Known maker
Cons
- Only two
- No explicit lead-free statement
- No stated total capacity
6. Luigi Bormioli Veronese Highball Glasses, 14.5 oz, Set of 6 – A Big Glass With a Laser-Cut Rim
If your paloma tends to grow, this is the glass for you. The Veronese holds 14.5 ounces and stands 6.1 inches tall at 2.9 inches wide, so there is room for plenty of ice and a long pour of soda. The set is six glasses, which covers most gatherings.
Luigi Bormioli is an Italian maker, and SON.hyx is its own material. The listing calls it lead-free crystal, and the company’s brochure describes it as lead and heavy metal free. The listing also mentions reinforced, laser-cut rims and resistance to chipping and impact, and that’s what you want on a glass you’ll use often.
The bigger size does give it more presence in the hand, so it isn’t as slender as the Paris or the Faye. For aguas frescas and iced tea as well as cocktails, we think that’s the better shape.
Why we like it
- Roomy 14.5-ounce capacity.
- SON.hyx lead-free crystal, per the maker.
- Fine, reinforced laser-cut rim.
- Six in a set.
Key specifications
| Model | 09839/06 |
|---|---|
| Material | SON.hyx crystal |
| Capacity | 14.5 oz |
| Count | 6 |
| Dimensions | 6.1 in tall, 2.9 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes, per the title |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Lead statement | Lead-free SON.hyx, per the maker |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who likes tall, generous drinks and wants one glass for cocktails and everyday cold drinks.
Skip it if you prefer a narrow Collins.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Generous size
- Thin, reinforced rim
- Maker statement on lead
Cons
- Wider than a Collins
- Less slender in the hand
7. Bormioli Rocco Bartender Novecento Hi-Ball Glasses, Set of 4 – A Stackable Glass for Tight Shelves
Many tall glasses are awkward to store, so this one has a real point in its favor. The title calls it stackable. It holds 13.75 ounces, stands about 5.4 inches tall and is 3.1 inches wide, with a cylindrical shape, a laser-cut thin rim and a band of geometric decoration around the lower part of the glass. It’s made in Italy, and the listing suggests a Cuba Libre or a gin and tonic.
The listing doesn’t state the glass type or a dishwasher rating, and it makes no crystal claim. Bormioli Rocco’s related Novecento coupe listing describes soda-lime glass, but we can’t confirm that for this exact glass. It’s a shorter, wider glass than a classic Collins and was sold by a third-party seller, Hour Loop, when we checked.
Why we like it
- Stackable, per the listing title.
- Laser-cut thin rim.
- Geometric decoration near the base.
- Made in Italy.
Key specifications
| Model | 122115GSB021990 |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass; type not stated |
| Capacity | 13.75 oz |
| Count | 4 |
| Dimensions | About 5.4 in tall, 3.1 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Made in | Italy |
| Lead statement | Not stated; no crystal claim |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small kitchen or bar cart where shelf space matters as much as looks.
Skip it if you want a very tall, slim glass or a clear care statement.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stores well
- Fine rim
- Decorative base
Cons
- Shorter than a Collins
- Care not stated
- Third-party seller when checked
8. True Highball Glasses, 11 oz, Set of 4 – A Plain Tall Glass for Everyday
True’s highball is simple. It’s a clear glass, 6 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide, holding 11 ounces, with a listing that also suggests it for water, iced tea and soda. The maker says it’s dishwasher safe. The proportions are close to the Paris, in plain glass and with no crystal claim.
There’s not much more to say about it, which is often what you want from a daily glass. The listing doesn’t state a place of manufacture or a lead position, so this pick rests on size, shape and care. At four in a set, it’s a small purchase for a couple or a first apartment.
Why we like it
- Slim, tall proportions.
- Dishwasher safe, per the listing.
- Works for water and soda as well as cocktails.
Key specifications
| Model | 9952 |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass |
| Capacity | 11 oz |
| Count | 4 |
| Dimensions | 6 in tall, 2.5 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Lead statement | Not stated; plain glass |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small household that wants a simple, slim tall glass for everything.
Skip it if you want a heavier base or a maker’s statement on materials.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Good proportions
- Easy care
- Simple look
Cons
- Only four
- Sparse material detail
How to choose a highball glass
Height and width set the drink. A narrow glass slows the loss of carbonation, and it suits long ice spears. A wider glass takes big cubes and looks more generous. If you make ranch water or a paloma with plenty of soda, narrow is better. If you serve juice-heavy drinks, go wider.
Choose a capacity by your ice. Ice takes up much of a tall glass. An 11-ounce glass is the classic size but fills quickly, while 14 ounces or more leaves room for a real pour of mixer. Keep in mind that the listed figure is the full brim. Our ice molds guide covers the other half of the question.
Look at the base. Tall glasses tip more easily than short ones. A thick base helps, and the Paris is sold on that point. If your kitchen has kids or a crowded counter, it’s worth prioritizing.
Know what you’re buying. “Crystal” on a listing is not always a statement about lead. Schott Zwiesel, Viski and Luigi Bormioli each make a lead-free or non-lead statement for these materials, and JoyJolt’s is on its Amazon listing. Riedel’s position is more limited, as noted above. Libbey and True are sold as glass.
Think about washing and storage. Dishwasher ratings vary, and tall glasses won’t always fit the top rack. Measure the space between the rack and the spray arm before you buy a 6-inch glass. Short on shelf space? The stackable Bormioli Rocco solves that.
How we picked these eight tall glasses
We looked for glasses sold as highball, Collins or long drink glasses from identifiable makers, in stock on Amazon with a new offer. We skipped Amazon-only brands with no maker details beyond one pick, and we set aside sets where only a seller’s wording supported a lead-free claim. A search for independent reviews found mostly affiliate lists, none of which we relied on. So these picks rest on the makers’ stated materials and specifications, and the glasses we describe are ones we have not used ourselves.
Highball glass questions, answered
What’s the difference between a highball and a Collins glass?
A Collins is traditionally a little taller and narrower. Many makers use the names almost interchangeably, so read the actual dimensions rather than relying on the label.
What size is a standard highball glass?
Commonly about 10 to 14 ounces, and the glasses on this page range from 11 to 14.5 ounces, except for the Riedel, which doesn’t state a total capacity.
What drinks go in a tall collins glass?
Palomas, Tom Collins, mojitos, ranch water, gin and tonics and rum and colas all work. The glass also does well for iced tea and aguas frescas.
Are highball glasses dishwasher safe?
The Zwiesel Glas, Libbey, JoyJolt, Viski, Riedel, Luigi Bormioli and True listings say yes. The Bormioli Rocco listing we read doesn’t say, so check the box.
Is crystal better for a highball?
It’s not necessary for a drink with soda and ice. Crystal usually brings a thinner rim and more sparkle, but a good glass from Libbey or True will make the same drink for much less fuss.
Our final pick for a tall, cold drink
The Zwiesel Glas Paris is our choice for a daily Collins, and the Luigi Bormioli Veronese is the one to buy if you like long drinks with plenty of ice. If you’re setting up to pour tequila, our tequila glass guide covers sipping glasses. Our cocktail glass guide covers the rest of the shelf.