Would you want all your drinks served in the same glass? PROBABLY NOT. And your customers wouldn’t either! That’s why it’s important for your restaurant, hotel, or café to have the right types of glassware to match each drink and create a great experience.
Here are 8 types of glassware every business owner should know!
1. Wine Glasses
Ever wonder why wine glasses are shaped that way? It’s not just for show! That wide opening actually lets you take in the aroma first, which surprisingly adds to the taste. For both red and white wines, the right glass shape makes all the difference. If you're looking for the perfect wine glasses for your setting, check out the Libbey Spiegelau 4028035 15.5 oz. Festival Bordeaux Wine Glass – available in a case of 12.
2. Highball Glasses
Highball glasses are one of the most versatile types of glassware and are a must-have in any kitchen, whether at a hotel or in your own home. The beauty of highball glasses lies in their design, specifically tailored for thirst-quenching drinks. Their taller structure allows for generous amounts of ice, keeping your drink refreshingly chilled without diluting the flavors. Highballs are perfect for enjoying cocktails like the classic gin & tonic or a revitalizing mojito.
3. Champagne Flutes
As the name suggests, these glasses are used to serve champagne. They’re thinner at the bottom and longer at the top, which helps the champagne bubbles stay intact. 🥂 Champagne flutes are also used for sparkling wines, where the narrow bottom helps retain the bubbles longer.
4. Beer Mugs
Ever seen this emoji? 🍻 Well, these are beer mugs.
They are mainly designed for lagers, ales, and other beer styles, beer mugs come in different shapes and sizes to cater to different preferences. Traditional beer mugs have generous capacity, perfect for those who like to have their brew in larger quantities. With their wide openings, these mugs let the rich aroma of beer hit your senses, making every sip more enjoyable. Additionally, the handle gives you a firm, comfortable grip, so you can hold it comfortably.
If you need quality beer mugs, we recommend the Libbey 2130SA662 23 oz. Maxim Beer Mug – sold in a case of 12.
5. Cocktail Glasses
Next up, Cocktail glasses. These are perfect canvas for mixologists. They come in all sorts of shapes, each designed to highlight the unique vibe of different drinks. From coupe glasses for bubbly cocktails to rocks glasses for spirit forward drinks, every style has a purpose.
6. Martini Glasses
You’ve probably seen martini glasses in movies, especially with James Bond holding one.
This classic, cone-shaped glass is perfect for drinks served without ice, where the ingredients mix together at the bottom. The wide rim and unique shape are not just for looks. They help make stirring or shaking easier. And the wide rim gives you space to add a garnish, like a citrus twist or an olive. While martinis are the most common drink served in these glasses, they're also great for a variety of other cocktails and even desserts.
7. Shot Glasses
Shot glasses may be small, but they sure pack a punch! Whether you're using them for a quick sip of your favorite spirit or as a fun way to measure out ingredients for a cocktail, shot glasses come in all shapes and sizes to suit any occasion. Traditional ones hold about 1.5 ounces—perfect for those fast shots.
8. Collins Glasses
Do you know why Mojitos are always served in a Collins glass? Well… Collins glasses are tall, especially made for drinks with a lot of ice. They're perfect for serving cocktails like Mojitos. The tall design allows for ice and soda, keeping your drink chilled and flavorful until the very last sip.
Wrapping up:
We've just scratched the surface. There are lots more types of glassware we could talk about, but these are the must-haves to get started. With these on hand, you’re ready to serve every drink just the way it deserves.
