In an attempt to preserve the look and feel of a classic cocktail (martini) glass, but cut back on spills related to the long stem and wide lip, inventor Renee Williams has inadvertently created an enhancement for clumsy drinkers which makes the otherwise-elegant martini glass look almost like a UFO (click here to see image).

“Sipatiniz maintain the standard shape of a martini glass but feature a curved rim and a straw to prevent spills,” noted the Dallas, Texas based Star community newspaper. “With Sipatiniz, party goers may walk across the room at ease without fear of sloshing their favorite drink out of the glass.”

After designing the initial concept for a sort of “spill-guard”  combined with a martini glass, Williams found a manufacturer to produce the “Sipatiniz” for her, and entered her invention into a Dallas-area “Next Big Thing” contest. In December, Williams’ design was one of three finalists selected by judges in the event, landing her a $10,000 prize package. Presently, the Sipatiniz are available at a variety of gift stores and other retail locations in and around Dallas.

The design is certainly a winner so far as its efficiency. Still, cocktail connoisseurs may find drinking a martini through one of these to be similar to sipping a McDonalds McFlurry through a straw, as the “saucer-like” extended rim of the glass in a way resembles the plastic lids used on various frozen treat containers. It’s almost as though the elegance of the glass were slightly compromised by using one of these, since part of the elegant character comes with knowing how to “wield” the glass, much like gaining one’s balance when first learning to ride a bicycle. That being said, the Sipitiniz are no doubt a wonderful invention, though I can’t help but liken them slightly to “training wheels” for drinkers who may be a bit prone to spills!

Tags: Add new tag, alcohol, business, Martini, recession