Schooner (glass) facts for kids
A schooner is a special type of glass used for serving drinks. In the United Kingdom, it is the name for a large glass used for sherry. In Australia, a schooner is a specific size of glass used for any kind of beer.
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Schooner Glasses in the United Kingdom
In Britain, a schooner is often a large glass for sherry. Sherry is a type of wine. Traditionally, sherry was served in two sizes. The smaller one was called a "clipper." The larger one was called a "schooner." Both names came from the types of ships that brought sherry from Spain. The name "schooner" was especially used in Bristol, a city where much sherry was imported.
Since 2011, pubs in the UK can also sell beer and cider in 2⁄3 imperial pint (379 ml) glasses. Drinkers sometimes call these glasses "schooners."
A special type of beer called Newcastle Brown Ale is traditionally served in a 1⁄2 imperial pint (284 ml) glass. This glass is also known as a schooner, or sometimes a "Geordie schooner."
Schooner Glasses in Australia
In most parts of Australia, a "schooner" glass holds about 425 ml (15 imp fl oz). This is about three-quarters of an imperial pint.
This size is very common in New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. It is also becoming more popular in other states like Western Australia.
However, in South Australia, a "schooner" means a smaller glass. It holds about 285 ml (10 imp fl oz). This size is called a "pot" in other parts of Australia. It is called a "middy" in New South Wales and Western Australia.
The exact size of a schooner can sometimes vary a little. This depends on the place where you are buying the drink.
Schooner Glasses in Canada
In Canada, a "schooner" refers to a very large beer glass. Unlike in Australia, where a schooner is smaller than a pint, a Canadian schooner is usually bigger than a pint.
While there is no exact standard size, a common Canadian schooner holds about 32 US fluid ounces (about 32 US fl oz (946 ml)). These glasses often look like a mug with a handle. They are not usually the tall, straight pint glasses. It's important not to confuse this glass with a brand of beer called Schooner Lager.
Schooner Glasses in the United States
In most places in the United States, the word "schooner" describes the shape of the glass. It is usually a rounded glass with a short stem at the bottom. The amount it holds can vary a lot. It can range from 18 to 32 US fl oz (532 to 946 ml).
In the Pacific Northwest region of the US, a "schooner" can mean a smaller serving size. This is usually about 8 to 12 ounces. This smaller size is sometimes available even if it's not listed on the menu.
