A couple weeks ago, we introduced you to a new line of stemware for the wine lover. Today we’re sharing a new addition for the cocktail enthusiast – possibly our favorite cocktail glass ever, the Nick and Nora. Read on to discover the storied past of Nick and Nora, the perfect vessel for classic stirred or shaken cocktails. Shop in-store daily from 11AM to 8PM or reserve online for easy pick up.

THE REBIRTH

While Nick and Nora glasses have their roots in the Prohibition era, they didn’t actually earn their moniker until half a century later. In 1987 a former actor named Dale DeGroff was revamping the bar program at the then-reopening Rainbow Room in New York City. While sourcing glassware, DeGroff was adamant in replacing the ubiquitous, brash martini glass of the 80’s (more on this below) with a more refined, nostalgic option. His inspiration: the film “The Thin Man,” starring William Powell and Myrna Loy as, you guessed it, Nick and Nora Charles. The sleuth couple enjoyed copious amounts of cocktails in sophisticated, small bell-shaped glasses. DeGroff’s supplier luckily found the shape in an old catalog, and its name – the Little Martini – was eventually replaced by Nick and Nora as the glass popped up all over Manhattan, from Bemelmans to PDT and beyond.

THE COMPARISON

About that martini glass… Yes, it’s good enough for both James Bond and Carrie Bradshaw, but let’s face it, it’s an ergonomic mess. It’s nearly impossible to wield this bathtub-on-a-stem without spilling, and when you take your first sip, you know the drill – you have to do that weird hands-free, open mouth slurp before you can even lift the glass. If you’re not seated at a bar, forget it; walking with a Martini is impossible. In terms of ounces, there’s a problem there, too. With supersized martini glasses, by the time you reach the end of your drink, it’s warm.

With a Nick and Nora, there are less spills, but there are other advantages it has over the martini and its cousin, the coupe. Its tighter opening and straighter sides makes it a more effective glass for delivering aromatics. Finally, with less liquid-meets-air surface area, your cocktail stays colder longer.

THE COCKTAILS

Some bartenders use the following rule of thumb: shaken drinks get coupes, stirred a Nick and Nora. To be honest, anything served in a martini or a coupe can go in a Nick and Nora, yet another reason why we love this go-to glass. A good tip: chill your Nick and Nora glass by filling with ice while you prepare your cocktail or just pop it into the freezer for a few minutes.

Time for a drink! Here are two recipes perfect for the Nick and Nora.

Classic Martini

2½ ounces London dry gin
½ ounce dry vermouth
1 dash of orange bitters (optional but highly recommended)

Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice. Add gin and vermouth and stir or shake. Strain into glass and garnish with a lemon twist or a green olive – we recommend (and sell) Jack Rudy Vermouth Brined Olives!

Manhattan

2 ounces rye or bourbon
1 ounce sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters

Add ingredients to a mixing glass, fill with ice and stir well. Strain into glass and garnish with a lemon twist or a cocktail cherry – so many cherry options at CORK, including the classic Luxardo Maraschino Cherries.