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There’s nothing worse than having a great beverage—whether it’s a fine wine or a frothy beer—in a vessel that doesn’t fit the bill. Quality drinks deserve quality glassware and the best glassware brings everything together: Aroma, temperature, color, and (most importantly) flavor.
But how do you know what separates the average from the crème de la crème? We’ve done the heavy lifting to find you the best brands to make your regular drinks a special experience…
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What Type of Glass Should I Use For My Drink?
Not all glasses are created equal—different styles work best for different drinks. Here are a few simple rules:
Highball glasses are best for mixer-based drinks, as they let the bubbles rise effectively and the nuanced flavors spread throughout the entire drink. Old-fashioned glasses should be used for cocktails in which the spirit is the main focus—the strong flavor gets spread throughout the limited space of the glass. Martini glasses are reserved for classic “shaken-not-stirred” cocktails. And coupe glasses with a tall stem prevent you from warming the glass with your hand, so if temperature regulation is a key aspect of the drink, use these.
Factors to Consider When Buying Barware and Glassware
Now that you know the difference categories of glassware, here are some considerations when deciding on a brand:
Material
Material matters, but don’t get so caught up in the details. Most glassware is made of either glass and crystal, and both work. The most important thing to remember when checking the material is the durability. If you’re going to be having wild parties, it’s best to go with a material that can withstand the pressure—you probably don’t need the finest etchings and designs.
For barware, high-quality materials are more important. Opt for heavy-duty stainless steel or copper so that your drinks stay cold and your gear isn’t affected by bumps around the kitchen.
Versatility
Keep in mind your living space. If you don’t have room for every type of glassware, then go for glasses that can hold multiple types of beverages. If you have plenty of storage though, it’s nice to have the extra options when hosting.
Also look for tools that can be used in multiple instances. For instance, our cocktail shaker and bottle opener below have different features for different drinks.
Care
Think about how much time and attention you want to be spending on maintenance. Most crystal glassware will be delicate and could require hand washing. While glass and stainless steel on the other hand can typically be placed in the dishwasher. Though it sounds like a good idea to have the finest materials, consider how much effort it’ll take to keep it clean—and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions!
Design
Glassware should be pretty! Ensure that what you’re getting is specifically designed for your favorite drinks or at least can be used for multiple purposes. For example, a wide-mouthed beer mug probably isn’t suitable for red wine or cocktails, but a highball glass could be used for a wide variety of drinks. Do your research, read the brand’s recommendations, and go for designs that compliment you and your house.
Our Top Picks:
Best Coupe
These sleek glasses are made from lead-free crystal and can hold up to seven ounces of liquid. They also feature a modern angle that’ll look good with any fine cocktail or garnish.
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Best Martini Glass
Nude’s martini glasses offer an iconic look—you know, the type you’d see James Bond drinking from. Made of lead-free crystal, these are also dishwasher safe for convenient maintenance.
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Best Old Fashioned Glass
Fable’s The Short Glass boasts over 500 positive customer reviews. Made in Japan, these lightweight glasses are versatile for a wide range of drinks, from Diet Coke to rum and cola.
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Best Highball Glass
Pairing well with The Short Glass, Fable’s The Tall Glass uses the same scratch-resistant glass that’s strengthened by an ion-toughening technique for further durability. This cup works well for mixed drinks, as well as everyday beverages like water or milk.
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Best Champagne Flute
These flutes scream class with their slim crystal-clear glass body. Made in Germany by Zwiesel Glas, a company that’s been in business since 1872, Quince lets you grab them for a fraction of the price you’d typically find them for.
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Best Wine Glass
From one of the most renowned names in glassware, Josephinenhütte, comes the No 2. This unique vessel is handmade and glass-blown in Europe and can be used with both red or white wines. We love its stunning appearance that’s sure to start a good conversation.
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Best Cocktail Glass
The Double Rocks Glass is designed to be big enough for larger ice cubes. It’s made of crystal and can be used for just about any cocktail. Not to mention, it’s dishwasher safe, so no special care needed.
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Best Tumbler
The Rauk Heavy Tumbler was made with chilled-whisky drinkers in mind. It comes in two sizes for different preferences, 250 ML and 350 ML, and is crafted of thick non-leaded crystal.
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Best Beer Mug
What’s better than a cold beer in a thick pint glass? Libbey’s bestselling mug weighs almost a pound and holds 16 ounces in a durable mug. Chill these in the freezer before serving for the best results.
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Best Copper Mug
Sertodo Copper is a boutique copper maker based in Austin, TX. This 18-ounce vessel is made of pure copper with a stainless steel handle and works great for Moscow Mules, hot, or cold beverages.
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Best For Warm Drinks
If you’re tired of basic ceramic mugs with your morning coffee, glass is a fun way to add some variety. This eight-piece set is a great value and thick enough to maintain your drinks’ temperature.
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Best Stacking Glassware Set
The Glasses Set from Material is a fun group of stackable glasses coming in bright colors. Each bundle has two full-glass sets and two half-glass sets for multiple use cases.
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Best Decanter
Waterford is known for its beautiful crystal and the Elegance Carafe is a shining example of the brand. It holds 84.5 ounces and works with any variety of wine.
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Best Ice Bucket
Oggi’s ice bucket is one of the bestsellers on Amazon for good reason. It’s double-wall insulated with stainless steel and has an acrylic lid to keep ice cold for longer.
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Best Bottle Opener
The Benono Wing Corkscrew is a do-it-all kitchen must have. Whether opening a bottle of wine or a beer, this gadget has every feature you could need. (And it’s backed by almost 16,000 happy customers.)
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Best Cocktail Shaker
The vacuum-insulated Hybrid Cocktail Shaker from Elevated Craft is made of pro-grade brushed stainless steel. It features an innovative measuring top and built-in strainer to give you everything you need in one package.
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Best Bar Bowl
These Malt bowls bring the best of Scandinavian design to your countertop. Handmade of lead-free crystal, these can hold snacks, fruit, or anything else you may need them for.
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Best Chopping Board And Knives
The Fully Prepped Bundle from Our Place has everything you need for your cocktails in one simple package. It includes a chef’s knife, a serrated knife, a paring knife, and a walnut cutting board. Corona with Lime, anyone?
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