What type of glass is used for a Tom Collins cocktail?

The Tom Collins cocktail is traditionally served in a highball glass, which is tall and narrow. This type of glass is designed to hold drinks that are typically served over ice and mixed with a larger volume of mixer, which in the case of a Tom Collins, includes lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, in addition to gin. The height of the glass allows for adequate space for the ingredients and ice, while the narrow shape helps preserve the carbonation from the soda water, enhancing the overall experience of the drink.

Using a highball glass also makes it easy to garnish the drink, commonly with a lemon slice or a cherry, adding to its presentation. This practical design fits well with the nature of the drink, which is meant to be refreshing and served chilled. Other types of glasses, such as a martini or cocktail glass, are not suitable as they are designed for different kinds of drinks, often without mixers and not served over ice. The rocks glass, while it could hold the ingredients, does not provide enough volume to accommodate the full mixing of a Tom Collins.