Finding the perfect glassware is no easy challenge, especially considering the sheer amount of styles and sizes of glassware available. Each shape is specifically designed to capture the perfect sip of your serving, and each event demands a different glassware. After reading through our how-to on all things glassware, you&#;ll understand what glass your occasion needs! Pun intended.
To better understand your drinkware needs, we&#;ll start with a brief library of common glassware used for beer and wine. Once you&#;ve read it, you can refer to it to make the best decision!
A Pint Glass is a conical shape moving slightly outward as it reaches the mouth of the glass. It&#;s straight, tall, and ready to pour a brew into. The average pint glass can carry about 16 fluid ounces at a time. It leaves the possibility for customization to be fairly larger than on other styles of glassware.
A Tulip Glass is named for its round and bulb-like shape. It&#;s a short but robust glass that narrows slightly near the mouth of the glass before a final flare back out at the top. Tulip glasses have a thick, short stem and a slightly wider foot, making it ideal for holding it underneath the &#;bulb.&#;
The Pilsner Glass is a rounded glass that starts narrow near the bottom of the glass and opens slightly wider at the top. The base is solid and is significantly thicker than other glassware. A pilsner glass is shorter than a pint glass, holding about 12-14 ounces on average.
The Snifter Glass is a short glass similar to the tulip glass, with a short stem and wide bottom. However, it narrows but does not flare out at the top. It marries perfectly with more aged brown spirits like whiskey and brandy.
Red Wine Glasses are stemware with large bowls and wide tops. They are purposely larger to better aerate the wine directly from within the glass.
White wine glasses are stemware with tall, narrow bowls designed to preserve the cooler temperature for a longer period of time.
Sparkling Wine Flutes are tall, narrow glasses with longer stems and smaller feet. They have an especially delicate look, significantly narrower than red or white wine glasses.
Stemless Wine Glasses are just as they&#;re named: wine glasses that do not have a stem underneath them. They&#;re fairly wide in shape but are a more universal option for the kind of girl with a library of wine she likes to pick from after a difficult work week.
A good beer makes for a good time&#;that&#;s a universal trait for all varieties of beer. However, each brew has its unique table of flavors that all contribute to how you experience that brew.
There are wine-tasting parties for a reason! Wine has many combinations and factors that contribute to making an ideal pour.
Each beer uniquely combines carbonation, color, and temperature. So, we serve beer in a glass that maintains these characteristics as much as possible. Taller glasses are ideal for beers with lighter colors, like lagers or ales. The taller, thinner glasses allow those beautiful colors to shine through and sustain the carbonation as much as possible. Not all beer is brewed equal in alcohol content: the stronger the drink, the smaller the glass in which you want to serve it. It&#;s particularly why tulip glasses are great for strong, hoppy drinks.
Wine is almost always associated with a wine glass, also called stemware. Stemware is any glass with a longer, narrow stem below the bowl built with enough space to hold with one hand.
The bowl shape is the key to the best flavor profile for your wine. Red wine is much better served in a glass with a larger bowl, thicker and usually bolder flavors. If a bowl is shorter overall in size with a longer stem, you can expect those wines to be spicier, and the bowl is meant to make those flavors shine through. White wine is more delicate in smell and taste; a smaller bowl helps those softer scents reach you. White wines being more acidic also means that the narrower bowl helps express that acidity even more. More delicate still than white wines are carbonated wines like champagne. Glassware like flutes are made to prevent carbonation from escaping your glass for as long as possible.
While a good wine and dine at home doesn&#;t call for anything but a standard traditional stem glass, there are moments when a more delicate glass may make the time perfect. Surprisingly, Glass isn&#;t entirely clear, even though the term is used to define clarity in almost every other literary phrase of the English language. It is mostly clear, slightly thicker material. And it&#;s a lighter material and easier to hold in the hand. Crystal, however, feels heavier when in hand and leans more into quality and refinement than standard glass. Crystal is much thinner and easily cut into for extremely intricate glassware decorations. However, that thin material is also an issue as much as a benefit; it is easy to cut and break. An accident-prone friend may not have crystal glasses, at least not for nearly as long as they&#;re worth.
Who else has parents and grandparents with entire dressers dedicated to their glassware? It&#;s a simple enough reason: glassware demands more delicate handling than your standard dishes for cleaning and storage. By storing them separately, you can prevent the glassware from being scratched by other materials. It also prevents breakage if stored in solid, heavy spaces like a larger cabinet.
Once you have had your soiree or Sunday brunch, you&#;ll want to pour out any excess liquid from inside the glass down the drain. Wash your glasses with warm water and a delicate detergent to prevent your glassware from staining. But be honest, who has time to hand wash dishes with what we have in our busy lives? It&#;s probably best to also browse through thicker, tougher glassware that is dishwasher-friendly.
A multitude of glassware is essential to giving guests a great tasting experience. The person who pours will be the person who picks! Fortunately, we have some great glassware brand options that we would love to recommend to you:
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To help you find the best drinking glasses for your needs, we consulted with experts and tested some top-rated glassware side by side. Dozens of various beverages were consumed in order to make sure these drinking glasses are truly ideal. From highballs to goblets and utilitarian to elegant, we've got you covered on all fronts.
A drinking glass is essential in every kitchen. You use it to replenish after your morning run and fill it with your favorite cocktail at the end of a workday. No matter your lifestyle or design taste, there are plenty of options for all drinkers&#;including tempered glasses, which are shock-resistant to both hot and cold beverages, and lead-free glasses that can be stacked for easy storage. There are chic crystal options for high-end sipping and durable tumblers for everyday drinking. All of these material options come in a variety of shapes and sizes .
Best Overall
Libbey Polaris 16-Piece Tumbler Glasses Set
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
Dishwasher-safe
Durable quality
Affordable
What We Don't Like
Rounded bottom may take getting used to
Libbey&#;s all-purpose tumbler set checks off a lot of boxes: There are enough glasses to serve 16 people total, the glasses feel durable in your hand, and the curving design makes them feel far more elevated than the price tag suggests. This lead-free set is American-made, budget-conscious, dishwasher-safe, and fits into any setting.
This 16-piece set includes eight 17.75-ounce tumbler glasses and eight 15-ounce rocks glasses. Both sizes have a classic design, so they won't feel dated in a few years. The slightly rounded bottom gives the glass a lightweight look, though it's weighted, so it provides stability. We did find, though, that the bottoms took some getting used to.
We were fans of the generous capacity during testing&#;the highball can hold an extra-strong gin and tonic or water with plenty of ice to keep you cool on a hot day, and the rocks glass is ideal for a generously portioned Negroni. If you're someone who finds Collins glasses to be too large and highball glasses to be too small, this one will feel like the best of both worlds.
Libbey remains one of the best drinking glass options on the market for any occasion, and Jonathan Stanyard, who runs the bar at Seattle&#;s Feast, agrees. "Libbey has a huge variety of not only styles, but also levels of quality," Stanyard says. "I find most of the glasses are well-constructed and hold up in a busy environment."
Material: Glass | Number of Pieces: 16 | Dimensions: 3 x 6.34 inches (tumbler), 3.3 x 4.23 inches (rocks glass) | Capacity: 17.75 ounces (tumbler) 15 ounces (rocks glass) | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
Runner-Up, Best Overall
Red Co. Vibrant Splash Highball Glasses
PHOTO: Amazon
$38
What We Like
Great for larger households
Easy to clean
Elegant yet functional design
What We Don't Like
Thin glass is fragile
Red Co.&#;s vibrant 13.25-ounce glasses all feature a different color on the bottom, which is great for two reasons: It adds a little fun to your glass, while not being overwhelming in design, and it's easy to tell whose glass is whose. Since the hues are infused into the bottom, it won't fade or wear out over time, either. We love how when we added sparkling water to the glass, it made the drink shimmer ever so slightly whether red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple.
While the top of the glass feels delicate and elegant, the weighted bottom stabilizes the glass, giving it a nice feel in your hand and making it less likely to tip over when you set it down, which is necessary because the glass is fragile. Ripples on the bottom help manage any condensation that happens with a cold beverage on a hot day. Six glasses are included in the set, and all are dishwasher-safe. If you&#;re looking for consistency, Red Co. also makes matching lowball glasses.
Material: Glass | Number of Pieces: 6 | Dimensions: 2.75 inches x 5.75 inches | Capacity: 13.25 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
Best Budget
Libbey Ascent Assorted Glassware Set
PHOTO: Amazon
$37
What We Like
Versatile
Built to last
Holds condensation well
What We Don't Like
Too large for child-sized hands
Libbey&#;s Ascent glassware set is a particularly appealing option if you&#;re stocking your glassware cabinet for the first time&#;perhaps after a move or for your very first apartment. There are 16 glasses in a set, including eight rocks glasses and eight rounded highball glasses. The rocks glasses hold 13.3 ounces and the highball glasses hold 16 ounces. Note the chunkier, angular base: It makes the glass feel stable in your hand, but is also not ideal for smaller, kid-sized hands. The large capacity on both the rocks and highball glasses means you can make generously-sized drinks.
Both are excellent everyday drinking glasses and for the price, it might be wise to stock up and use them as your go-to party glasses, as you'll never fear if you drop or crack one. In fact, we'd be surprised if one did actually crack because they're surprisingly durable. These low-effort, high-design glasses match any home design and are incredibly versatile. Use them for ice water or mix cocktails, mocktail recipes, and refreshing punches. All are dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup. We also love the curved lip, which allows water and stronger-proof drinks to flow smoothly into your mouth.
Dean Hurst, beverage director at Datz Restaurant Group in Tampa, Florida, purchases Libbey&#;s glasses at all the restaurants and bars he oversees. "From the tough to the elegant, Libbey reliably covers options for a wide range of styles and budgets," he says. "They hold up well to constant washing and polishing in a tight bar space."
Material: Glass | Number of Pieces: 16 | Dimensions: 3 x 5.9 inches (tumbler), 3.5 x 3.7 inches (rocks glass) | Capacity: 16 ounces (tumbler), 13.3 ounces (rocks glass) | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
Best for Cocktails
Riedel Nick and Nora Cocktail Glasses
PHOTO: Amazon
$45
What We Like
Elegant
Affordable
Surprisingly sturdy
What We Don't Like
Noticeable seams in the stem
Riedel&#;s chic Nick & Nora Cocktail Glasses are bartender-approved. Anthony Escalante, bar manager and resident mixologist at Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix, Arizona says, "The design is a very clean, classic style, but they're also purposely built, so you can get excellent usage from the set in any bar program without having to sacrifice quality for durability."
While they look expensive and fragile, they're actually budget-friendly and dishwasher-safe. The top of the glass is light and airy, while the base is nicely weighted. They're surprisingly resilient to drops and varying temperatures too, according to our tests. Often, Nick and Nora glasses only hold a portion of a full-size drink, but these are slightly larger than the standard, so there's ample room for a martini. That said, there's only enough room for an olive or two.
As for design standouts, we like the whisper-thin glass upper construction and durable base for stability. Thanks to the curve of the glass, the drink flows straight to the middle of your palate, letting the flavors of the cocktail hit in all the right places. On the contrary, there are some noticeable seams on the stem, which aren't exactly a deal-breaker. This set comes with two 4-ounce glasses.
Material: Glass | Number of Pieces: 2 | Dimensions: 3.03 x 6.02 inches | Capacity: 4 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
These Are the Cocktail Glasses You Need for the Best Home Bar
Best Color Options
Our Place Short Night & Day Glasses
PHOTO: Our Place
$55
What We Like
Discount for buying sets of 8
Stackable
Made from recycled glass
100-day trial period
What We Don't Like
May be too small for some
Our Place has created a drinking glass that's just as stylish and functional as the brand's popular Always Pan. We love the minimalist vibe of this glassware as well as the wide variety of colors available, all of which are stunning. Choose from eight different hues&#;everything from deep amber Sunset to sage green Dawn; if you can't choose, there are two options for assorted colors. During testing, we noted the thickness of the glass, which helps enhance the general durability of the cups and helps them sit solidly on the table. The smaller base helps them stack nicely, as well.
Each glass holds 12 or 16 ounces and is made using recycled glass (making them fully recyclable once they've reached the end of their lives). They come in sets of four or eight, though the brand offers a $10 discount on the latter or $15 off when you purchase both and a 100-day trial. While the glasses aren't safe to use in the microwave or with super hot liquids, they're easy to wash in the dishwasher. Pair them with the matching Night and Day Carafe that comes with a custom-designed filtering lid and a cold brew infuser.
Material: Recycled glass | Number of Pieces: 4 | Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.8 inches | Capacity: 12 and 16ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Grace Kelly
Best Heavy-Duty
Goto Midas to know more.
Bormioli Rocco Bodega Mini Glass Tumbler Set
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
High-end but low-effort appearance
Made with tough tempered glass
Beautiful and simple
What We Don't Like
Thick
These drinking glasses are ideal for anything and everything. Even though they look light and delicate, they&#;re made with tough tempered glass, making them resistant to thermal shock, breakage, chips, and everyday wear. This means they also lend well to stacking. During our tests, we observed that they fit neatly inside each other for easy cleanup and storage. The minimal design will match everything in your glassware and kitchenware cabinets, including the most colorful of place settings.
These glasses come 12 to a set, and each holds 7.5 ounces of everything from wine and water to coffee and desserts. When you&#;re done with them, pop them in the dishwasher. The tempered finish protects them from getting cloudy.
The glass is thicker, which some folks may not love, but to us, it had the draw of a low-effort glass served on a patio in Italy. Use these to dole out Negronis, sparkling water, or your favorite house wine when friends roll up. Likewise, since these are technically the smaller version of our favorite beer glasses, they're also great for small portions of pilsner, sour ale, or IPA. The low profile and durable glass ensure these vessels are versatile, and the thicker glass also protects your hand from the chill of ice.
Material: Glass | Number of Pieces: 12 | Dimensions: 3.25 x 2.25 inches | Capacity: 7.5 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
Best Stackable
Duralex Picardie Clear Tumbler Set
PHOTO: Amazon
$40
What We Like
Easy to grip
Tapered design
Very durable
What We Don't Like
Harder to hand wash
If you're short on storage space or just want a set of universal drinking glasses for everyday use, these stackable tumblers from Duralex are sure to fit the bill. We love their facets, which not only give the glasses a beautiful shine but also make them easier to grip.
Another bonus? They're super durable (we accidentally knocked one of them onto the concrete floor and were surprised to find it fully intact with no chips or scratches). Because they're so sturdy, you won't have to worry about them tipping over as much as other glasses, even when stacked high.
While the bottom is a little difficult to reach while hand washing, this shouldn't be a problem for those with access to a dishwasher since they're completely dishwasher safe. Overall, these drinking glasses feature a classic aesthetic that's versatile enough for practically every type of setting and occasion.
Material: Tempered glass | Number of Pieces: 6 | Dimensions: 3.4 x 4.7 inches | Capacity: 12 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh
Best for Outdoors
Silipint Silicone Original Pint Glass
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
Unbreakable through years of use
Flexes yet sits flat
Withstands freezer to microwave temperatures
What We Don't Like
Thicker-than-expected rim
Silipint&#;s flexible pint glasses are outdoor-friendly for your drink and the environment since they&#;re made of food-grade silica, a naturally occurring alternative to plastic. The material can withstand temperatures below 58 and up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, making it safe for the microwave, oven, and boiling water (just avoid setting it on a direct flame or burner).
We found this pint glass to be highly packable since it flexes slightly and doesn&#;t crack if it gets jammed into a backpack or tossed around. Even with the flexibility, the glass is stable enough to hold its shape while you drink and doesn&#;t tip over when you set it down&#;even on a somewhat uneven surface. The thickness of the silicone aids this stability, though it does make the rim a little wider than that of other glasses.
It holds up to repeated use in all sorts of conditions, and tough remains like dried-on smoothie, garden dirt, and even sand will wash off in hot, soapy water. The pint glasses are sold individually or in sets in numerous colors and patterns and can be customized, so you may find one with the logo of your favorite bike shop or kayak outfitter. They fit nicely into most car cupholders, and you can add a straw and lid to your order for spill-free sipping when behind the wheel. If you plan on using these glasses for your favorite cocktail, pick up a good travel bar set to make drinks on the go easily.
Material: BPA-free silicone | Number of Pieces: 1 | Dimensions: 2.5 x 3.5 x 6.8 inches | Capacity: 16 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
Best High-End
Fferrone Dearborn Glasses
PHOTO: Far Fetch
What We Like
Extremely durable material
Stunning in design
Blown by hand
What We Don't Like
Slightly awkward to sip from
Everyone needs a good set of glasses&#;you know, the kind you bring out for a celebration. Fferrone makes one of the best options to splurge on, combining vintage flair with contemporary detailing. The brand&#;s glasses are made in Chicago by former architect Felicia Ferrone, and while they&#;re American-made, the design pays homage to mid-century Italian design.
Each is carefully blown by hand from borosilicate glass without the use of molds, featuring fluted sides and a curved bottom that looks incredibly stylish perched on a table. Note the inside of the lip is also fluted. While some may find them slightly awkward to sip from, it&#;s an easily ignored design detail if you&#;re looking for a high-style glass. It has a pleasant weight and holds temperature well.
Your glass options with this brand include standard water glasses, stemless wine glasses, shot glasses, Collins glasses, and stemless Champagne flutes. While they are on the pricier side, they're made with near-indestructible borosilicate glass. If you happen to tip one over, chances are you&#;ll be safe from smashes. They're even dishwasher-, oven-, and microwave-safe, which is surprising for a glass at this price point and quality.
Material: Glass | Number of Pieces: 2 | Dimensions: 2.36 x 6.69 inches (Collins glass), 2.76 inches x 3.94 inches (water glass) | Capacity: 13 ounces (Collins glass), 10 ounces (water glass) | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
Best Design
Material The Full Glass Set
PHOTO: Material
What We Like
Dainty yet durable
Stackable
Excellent size and shape
Unique appearance
What We Don't Lik
Stem may be breakable
Water glasses aren&#;t exactly the most glamorous of glasses (a coupe or martini glass will likely take that award). But these design-forward water glasses from Material certainly do a good job of elevating your standard drinking glass. The glasses come in three different colors &#; a smokey gray, standard clear, forest green, and lilac.
There&#;s a small foot at the bottom of the glass. It allows you to hold the glass with a better grip and keeps the heat of your hand away from whatever is inside the glass, reducing the chance your hand will melt ice or warm up your wine. The glasses are made with ultra-thin and highly durable borosilicate glass &#; resistant to thermal shock, dishwasher safe, and able to withstand everyday use. The glass is light and feels delicate in your hand, but we were surprised at how durable they are &#; after multiple uses the clarity remains and the glasses withstood bumps.
We were particularly impressed with the size. At 12.6 ounces, it&#;s large enough for both generous pours of water and standard mixed drinks (like sparkling G&Ts and rum-and-colas). Or, pour a glass of wine &#; the curving bottom allows the glass to double as a low-effort wine glass that amplifies aromas. After testing we are sure these glasses are built for all occasions.
Material also offers a full range of matching settings to build out your kitchen with. Serve a G&T in this glass and pair it with a half-sized glass in a matching shade for water.
Material: Borosilicate glass | Number of Pieces: 4 | Dimensions: 4.9 inches tall | Capacity: 12.6 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
Best Plastic
Tervis 16-Ounce Clear Tumbler Set
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
Break- and spill-resistant
Double-walled construction is effective
Lightweight
What We Don't Like
Lids and straws sold separately
Though the notion of plastic drinking glasses may bring your mind to red Solo cups, upscale plastic tumblers can come in handy for your drinking needs. Think of them as the ideal vessel for patio, porch, or picnic drinks. If you tend to break glasses (or have clumsy members in your household), plastic can be a great solution&#;it&#;s resistant to drops and spills for all al fresco drinking needs.
Tervis is a fan favorite when it comes to plastic drinking glasses. The shatter-proof tumbler holds 16 ounces and keeps drinks hot or cold for an extended period of time. The thoughtful double-walled construction keeps the outside sweat-free, too. Each tumbler is made with BPA- and melamine-free construction. Note that these glasses do not come with lids or straws.
In our tests, we found that even though the lip of the tumbler is thicker, it's curved, allowing the liquid to flow more easily. It's also very light&#;a wonderful option for, say, making drinks by a pool. Even if the cup is loaded up with ice, the double-walled design kept our drink freezing cold, just the way it should be.
The standard option is minimalist and clear, but you can also opt for a personalized cup including your initials, favorite color, or a personalized message. Whatever you decide, these durable glasses can seemingly last a lifetime.
Material: Plastic | Number of Pieces: 4 | Dimensions: 3.4 x 6 inches | Capacity: 16 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples
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