Recycle your jelly and canning jars for supercheap cocktail glasses

  • Friday, August 1, 2008 5:22pm
  • Life

It’s appalling what some people will pay for nice drinkware these days. A mojito glass for $15.95? Are you joking?

But there’s a solution — right in your cupboard: If you look just right, you’ll begin to see highballs, lowballs, Collins glasses, tumblers, old-fashioned glasses. Pop open the fridge and you might see a perfectly acceptable pilsner glass, a sturdy goblet, even a decanter or three.

Virtually every style of drinkware (no margarita or wine glasses — that’s stemware, technically) is before you. And it’s all free.

That is, once you’ve paid for the jelly, pickles, iced tea, baby food, mayonnaise, pimientos, huckleberry preserves, spaghetti sauce, olive paste or whatever it is you have to use up to get to your prize.

That’s right, I’m talking about drinking from jars.

It may take three dishwasher rounds to clean them, get the stubborn labels off and remove the smell. If, after a few cycles, your jar still smells like pickled peppers, try stuffing it with crumpled newspaper and a little baking soda overnight.

Josh L. Dickey

Associated Press

HIGHBALL/COLLINS GLASS: Most small commercial jelly jars hit the desired 8 to 12 ounce target for white Russians, bloody Marys and regular alcohol-plus mixers, such as scotch and sodas or gin and tonics.

LOWBALL, OLD-FASHIONED OR “ROCKS”GLASS: Aficionados may make distinction between the three, but anyone who labels himself “aficionado” probably hasn’t gotten this far. Squat, wide-mouth “expensive jelly” jars make a perfect rocks glass.

PILSNER GLASS: Some folks like their light German or Belgian beers in tapered glasses, but I prefer a small 6 to 8 ounce Ball jar. Something about the way they tip and feel is very continental.

MOJITO TUMBLER: A lot of food companies use the tall, slender 16-ounce jars that are perfect for the muddling process. And don’t worry if they have a tapered neck — the lip is helpful to avoid spills.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

IONIQ 6 side-view photo provided by Hyundai Newsroom
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Electric Range Increases To 342 Miles

Stylish, Sleek Exterior Adds To Appeal And Aerodynamics

The 2025 Kia K4 compact sedan (Provided by Kia).
2025 Kia K4 delivers a new choice in affordable compact sedans

The recent arrival offers bold design, a spacious cabin, and lots of tech.

David Austin English Roses (Image from Sunnyside Nursery website).
Where greenery thrives: The most delightful nurseries in Snohomish County

Looking to add life to your space? These nurseries have just what you need!

The previous Volvo XC Recharge is now the 2025 Volvo EX40 (Provided by Volvo).
2025 Volvo EX40 is the new XC Recharge

The compact SUV is still electric and still resplendent.

Work And Play With Confidence. Photo Provided by Chevy Newsroom.
2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Turbo-Diesel Delivers 25 MPG

ZR2 4WD Package Adds Off-Road Weekend Versatility

(Image from pexels.com)
Find your flow: The most inspiring yoga studios in Snohomish County

Looking for a place to stretch, strengthen, and find your zen? Herald readers have you covered.

Relax Mind & Body Massage (Photo provided by Sharon Ingrum)
Unwind, relax, and recharge at these top massage spots

Need a break? Discover where to find the most soothing and rejuvenating massages in Snhomish County

(Image from the website).
Finding comfort and care: Top assisted living communities in Snohomish County

Which assisted living communities offer the best care and quality of life? Let’s find out.

Since 1957, Sherwood Community Services has been a place where people with disabilities have the opportunity to live full, independent lives as part of their community.
The top three local nonprofits making a real impact in our community

Which local organizations are leading the way in impact and service? Let’s find out.

2025 Toyota GR Corolla four-door hatchback sports car (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota GR Corolla available with an automatic transmission

For the first two years, a six-speed manual was its only gearbox.

Whidbey Clay Center instructor Jordan Jones demonstrates shaping a lump of clay into a gumdrop shape and centering the hole during her class at the Whidbey Clay Center in Freeland. Centering the holes is an important first step to turn clumps of mud into art, whether it be a mug, bowl, spoon rest, dragon, wagon or farm animal. (Patricia Guthrie / Special to The Herald)
Whidbey Island clay artists mucking in mud more than ever

Instructor to class: “Clay is very humbling. But you can remake it. It’s just mud. We’re just having fun.”

Photo provided by Mercedes-Benz USA Online Newsroom
2024 Mercedes GLC 43 Offers Luxury, Style And Performance

On- Or Off-Road, This Versatile Coupe Excels

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.