I tended bar during college (and even after college as a second job when I was slaving away for a pittance and still needed to pay my bills) and I learned a lot.  The bar manager was a career bartender and he took his job very seriously.  He viewed a finely made cocktail as proof that we lived in a civilized society and it was something to be served to a bar patron with a smile and a wink.  He was a good guy.  He also had an incredible memory, he could remember any drink recipe after only making it one or two times.  From that job I took quite a number of skills and the respect for the “vessel” is one of them.  You must serve drinks in the correct glass.  The type of glass impacts the taste.  And taste, as we all know, is everything.  

1. Flutes: They are narrow, slender and delicate.  They look elongated tulips and this design keeps drinks bubbly. Commonly used for champagnes and champagne cocktails. 
2. Cocktail glasses: These glasses have a cone-shaped bowl and are most commonly used for martinis and margaritas. I’m not sure why they are shaped that way though.  Maybe just for the unique look.
3. Pilsners, Pints, Steins: These are the various glasses for serving beer.  Beer has become an art form and beer aficionados take their brews very seriously.
4. Stemware: Red wine and white wine are served in different types of glasses (with a slender stem), so I count them together since you should probably buy them together so they match.  Since the stem is where the glass is typically held so the heat from your hand doesn’t warm your drink, stemless wine glasses are, although very pretty, not a good idea.  The shape of the glass concentrates the flavor and aroma of the wine so red wine is served in a glass with a round, wide bowl and white wine is served in a smaller and narrower one.