When presented with the challenge of finding and testing the best drinking glasses, I first tried to answer the question: What, specifically, makes a glass a drinking glass? After overthinking it for approximately 90 seconds, I decided that any glass from which you drink can be a drinking glass and that the “drinking” qualifier only serves to set these glasses apart from reading glasses. (Even then, I suspect it’s mostly there to keep the bots at a certain search engine from showing me a cute pair of tortoise shell sunnies when what I really wanted was some new tableware.)
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With that broad a remit, I went in search of the best glasses and glassware sets for drinking just about anything, including water, beer, wine, and cocktails. I narrowed my top picks to 10, and most (though not all) of them are versatile enough to use for more than one kind of drink. For example, you won’t find anything specifically called a rocks glass or double old-fashioned glass on this list, but you will find glass tumblers that function just as well as anything with those monikers. And as much as I love a coupe glass, you won’t find one of those either because the stemmed cocktail glass I chose is more suited to a wide variety of drinks that should be served up.
I spent weeks drinking nonstop (mostly water and La Croix, don’t worry) to see how these glasses perform in real life. I considered how functional they were as drinking vessels, how they felt in my hand, and how well they held up to everyday use and cleaning.
So without further ado here are the 10 best drinking glasses for drinking just about anything.
Best everyday drinking glasses
Best modern drinking glasses
Best fancy glass tumblers
Best stemmed cocktail glasses
Best tall, skinny glasses
Best wine glasses
Best budget wine glasses
Best Champagne glasses
Best beer glasses
Best plastic glasses
If these clear glass tumblers look a lot like the cups at your favorite French bistro, that’s because they probably are. Duralex’s durable Picardie glasses are ubiquitous in both restaurants and homes because the thick tempered glass is nearly impossible to break or chip. While they lack the sleek silhouette and clean lines you’ll find with more modern drinkware, the design is truly timeless and the tapered, ridged shape is easier to grip than a smooth cylinder, too. They’re also stackable, which is a bonus for anyone short on shelf or cabinet space. Picardie tumblers come in multiple sizes, and I tested the three that are often sold together as a mixed set. At just under 17 ounces, the biggest one felt comically large at first, though I got used to it over time and it was nice to have for water during the day. The smallest (8.75 ounces) quickly became my go-to for wine as well as espresso and lattes because the heat-safe glass is thick enough that hot coffee drinks didn’t hurt my hands. Of all three sizes I tried, the 12-ounce tumbler was just right for everyday use. While clear is the most common choice, these durable glasses are available in a variety of colors including dark blue, light blue, red, gray, and even a vintage-inspired amber.
If you love everything I just said about the Picardie tumbler glasses but you’re set on a more modern, minimalist look, then Bormioli Rocco’s Italian-made Bodega glasses are the way to go. Like the Picardie tumblers, these durable glasses are made of tempered glass (albeit much thinner tempered glass) and they’re also stackable. The straight-sided shape has a very subtle taper, which makes them nice to hold (though not as easy to grip as the Picardie) and though they feel modern, they’re also nondescript enough to work with just about any tableware from just about any era. Depending on where and how many you buy, these are generally more affordable than the Picardie glasses, making them a high-quality budget option (we also looked at even more budget-friendly contenders like the Libbey Province glasses, but none were as stylish and durable as these). Bormioli Rocco Bodega glasses come in three sizes and while the 17 ounce feels almost too big, the 12 ounce is great for water or mixed drinks, and I liked the 7.5-ounce glass for wine.
The H2O Classic Bar is part of Riedel’s O line of stemless wine glasses and with its straight sides and blunt rim, it wouldn’t be out of place at a pricey New York hot spot. Though the walls of these modern crystal tumblers are very thin, they’re much more durable than they look and I wasn’t afraid to put them in the dishwasher or drop a giant ice cube into an empty one. They’re available in two sizes and the 15 ouncer is called a whiskey glass, even though it’s a little large for that, while the 11.6 ounce glass is billed as a water glass. I found myself using them opposite of how they were intended since I prefer a tall glass for water and something squattier for whiskey and wine, but hey, extra points for versatility! The only drawbacks are the price ($35 for two short glasses at the time of publishing) and they really show fingerprints. But even if you don’t make these your everyday drinking glasses, you might pick up a two-tumbler set for special occasions or to have on hand as a last-minute host gift.
I'm going to be honest with you: It pains me to recommend a stemmed cocktail glass that isn't my beloved coupe, but if I had to pick just one type of glass for mixed drinks served up (and I have to here), I must bow down to the more versatile fizz. Though technically intended for proper fizz cocktails, Bormioli Rocco’s Novecento Fizz is more than suitable for martinis, manhattans, and even margaritas. At 7.5 ounces it’s a little roomier than a standard 6-ounce coupe. That bonus space means you’re less likely to spill when presenting a trayful of gimlets at your next dinner party or carrying your drink around a crowded cocktail party. The stem and bowl are produced in one sturdy piece and because the bowl widens at the top, these glasses are very easy to clean by hand (they’re dishwasher safe, too). The stem is on the short side, but it’s still long enough to wrap two fingers and a thumb around while your middle and pinky fingers rest comfortably on the base (which is apparently the “civilized” way to hold stemmed glassware, anyway).
Epi digital director Maggie Hoffman loves her 13-ounce Schott Zwiesel Basic Bar glasses—which aren’t quite highball glasses or Collins glasses—for a variety of cold beverages, including highball cocktails, soda, and iced tea. If your drink of choice is effervescent, you’ll want a set too, because these tall, skinny glasses really do concentrate the carbonation and aromas of anything bubbly, making each sip or swig even more flavorful. And because they’re so slim (2.7 inches in diameter, to be exact), they’re comfortable to hold. I’ve found that they’re also handy to use as water glasses on an overcrowded dinner table. Though these glasses are delightfully thin, they’re dishwasher safe and more durable than they look and feel thanks to the lead-free Tritan crystal.
Zalto glasses are widely considered to be among the best wine glasses money can buy and if you want to get the most use out of your glassware investment, the brand’s Universal Glass is engineered for optimal enjoyment of multiple styles. That may sound like marketing BS, but the shape of the 18-ounce hand-blown crystal bowl does seem to enhance the full sensory experience of drinking both still and bubbly wine, even if your bubbly of choice is Kirkland Prosecco (which is actually quite nice, by the way). Lest you think that’s all in my Costco-wine-loving head, in a blind taste for Epi, a certified sommelier reported that a Zalto glass improved the taste of multiple wines more than any other vessel she tried. But buyer beware: these glasses are fragile. My husband managed to break one I left next to the sink when he picked it up and barely caught the base on the windowsill. So imagine my shock when I learned recently that the brand actually recommends putting these delicate beauties in the dishwasher because “manual polishing [is] the most frequent cause of breakage.” Fragility aside, this is the wine glass you’ll reach for every time you pull a cork.
The 19-ounce Spiegelau Definition Universal Wine Glass is a near-identical dupe for the Zalto at about a third of the price. The Spiegelau does have a slightly more substantial base but the thin, lead-free crystal bowl and leggy stem feel just as luxurious and delicate as the Zalto—though if my own experience is any indication, this one isn’t quite so fragile. I managed to knock one over onto a marble table and it didn’t crack, shatter, or chip—not even when it hit the sturdy rim of a Picardie glass on the way down. So if you’re looking for a more affordable (and seemingly less breakable) high-end universal glass to use for red, white, and bubbly, this is the wine glass for you. It’s dishwasher safe, too.
Drinking out of traditional Champagne glasses always feels festive, but at home, I generally prefer to use a coupe instead. Flutes are just too tall and delicate for the dishwasher and you need a bottle brush (or similar tool) to get them really clean. But recognizing that a tall, skinny glass enhances the experience of champagne by concentrating the bubbles and aromas, I set out to find a flute worth the awkward storage and hand washing and landed on these beauties from Estelle Colored Glass. Hand blown in Poland, Estelle’s eye-catching glasses and decanters are reminiscent of colorful antique glassware but unlike those green goblets you might pick up at a thrift store or estate sale, you don’t have to worry about any risk of lead contamination. The color selections are fabulous, too; nearly every piece is available in multiple pastels, jewel tones, and vintage-inspired neutrals. These 10-ounce flutes feel much sturdier than other champagne flutes I’ve used, and busting them out can turn even a boring Friday night at home into a special occasion.
If you’re still drinking beer out of basic pint glasses, it’s time to upgrade. Those glorified mixing glasses aren’t doing a damn thing for your dank IPAs or your malty Czech-style lagers and while you could go down the rabbit hole of getting a specialized glass for every kind of beer in your fridge, you’re better off with something more versatile. Enter the Rastal Nucleated Teku 3.0, a stemmed tulip glass that’s been meticulously engineered to enhance the experience of drinking any high-quality beer. The Teku’s 14-ounce size comfortably fits a 12-ounce pour with room for a proper head, the stem prevents your hand from warming what’s inside, and the shape of the bowl perfectly concentrates the bubbles and aromas in just the right place for optimal enjoyment of every sip. Also, the curve of the splayed rim feels like it was made for your bottom lip. But wait; there’s more. This German-made glass is also nucleated, meaning there’s subtle etching in the bottom that agitates the beer’s gasses to form a constant stream of small bubbles that rise to the top, further enhancing the aromatic properties of your favorite brew. The Nucleated Teku is dishwasher safe, but I’m hesitant to put any etched glass into the dishwasher and prefer cleaning it with a soft brush instead.
Whether it’s your first or fiftieth location, opening a bar is easier when you have a detailed plan. Before you open your doors, it’s important to make sure you have all the right bar equipment so your team can hit the ground running.
To save you precious time, here’s a complete bar equipment list that covers everything you’ll need from rail to cleaning supplies (broken down by category, of course).
Of course, your specific bar needs will vary based on your operations and offering, but it’s safe to say your bar will need at least most of the items on our essential bar equipment list.
Your tools matter. Few professionals understand this better than bartenders and chefs (except maybe carpenters). And unless you exclusively serve college students, your guests are going to expect to get their drinks in appropriate glassware.
As with any business, your equipment is essential to keeping your bar operating smoothly. Invest in equipment and supplies that will save you time, effort and money in the long term.
Your bar equipment list should also include a good selection of well liquors and top-shelf liquors, as well as liqueurs and mixers for cocktails. Unless you’re a cocktail bar, you may not need a huge selection, but guests will expect at least one house option and a few premium options.
You’ll also want to stock garnishes and those extra touches that take your cocktails up a notch, particularly if you’re running a higher-end establishment.
“We have like 200 types of whiskey. I copy and paste my LCBO order into an Excel sheet, put that in Lightspeed, and it’s like magic—within five minutes, my menu is already there.” — Rohit Sharma, General Manager, Bar 404
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You’ll also want to stock garnishes and those extra touches that take your cocktails up a notch, particularly if you’re running a higher-end establishment.
Depending on local regulations, you might be able to offer to-go or off-premise drinks. If that’s the case, you’ll need to invest in supplies to make takeout orders a breeze.
A modern bar POS system is invaluable to your business. Not only will this system give you a quick way to manage customer tabs and transactions, but modern POS software also gives you tools to manage the operations of your entire business within a unified platform.
Bars and restaurants can feel like a revolving door of staff coming and going. And new employees need training—lots of training. If you have high staff turnover, it can feel like training is all you do. Get new employees floor-ready in no time with an easy-to-use, intuitive POS system built for hospitality.
With an integrated POS solution like Lightspeed Restaurant, you can say goodbye to manual stock counting and spreadsheets with automated inventory management tools that help you keep track of what you have and plan ahead to reduce waste.
Learn how Liverpool House uses Lightspeed to balance food costs and menu pricing.
Bar and restaurant managers often work long, irregular hours. The last thing you want to do is come in on your day off, especially for tasks as simple as pulling the sales report or changing the menu.
With a cloud-based POS solution like Lightspeed, you can manage your bar or restaurant from anywhere with remote access to your back end manager. Learn more.
Now more than ever, hospitality businesses need to leverage their data to stay competitive. A POS solution with robust data and insights enables you to better understand your customers, business trends, staff performance and your most and least profitable menu items so you can make improvements across the board.
“The food, the drinks, the hospitality, those are the pillars of what we do. But without a solid understanding of our numbers and our operations in the back end, those things can’t happen. They need that support.” — James Graham-Simpkins, General Manager, Joe Beef Group
Depending on the size of your space, you’ll have to figure out the number and style of the tables and chairs you want in your business. If you don’t have a physical bar counter, you’ll want to have one built to fit the space. Other logistical needs will include decor, as well as TV monitors, cable and sound equipment.
When it comes to decor, be sure to consider what design elements best align with your brand story and the vibe you want to create.
From color scheme and textiles to the artwork on the walls, your decor should reflect your niche and create a cohesive and welcoming atmosphere. Learn how Life House Hotels creates the perfect guest experience with masterful brand storytelling.
Refrigeration and cold storage are also essential, even if you don’t serve food at your establishment. Here’s the full list of coolers to consider:
Now more than ever, it’s crucial that you have strong cleaning tools and a streamlined process for disinfecting glassware and barware for the safety of your employees and customers. You’ll need a two or three sink setup for bar staff to wash dishes with specialized cleaning agents, as well as bathroom equipment, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies.
If you’re going to serve food at your bar, you’ll need kitchen equipment and supplies. Depending on the food you serve, you might need:
Food and kitchen supplies????Grills????Fryers????Flat-top griddles????Plates????Cutlery (and whatever else lets your staff execute your menu efficiently)Some bars are now mandated to serve food as a requirement for opening. Check your local guidelines to see if this applies to your business.
You need equipment that will last a long time, so it usually pays to buy new, high-quality equipment. While used bar equipment may save money at the time of purchase, it will likely wear down and need to be replaced sooner than brand-new bar supplies.
You can find discount supplies at any restaurant supply retailer or order them from various specialized online retailers.
If your margins are tight, you can rent or lease some of the equipment you need to operate a bar. This is a good idea for any specialty equipment you either use for limited-time offerings or don’t use very often. Make sure that if you shop for used or rental bar equipment, you don’t compromise on quality.
Once you’ve finalized your bar equipment list, you’re free to focus on the other things that come with opening a new location: hiring and training employees, growing sales and building brand recognition. With the right tools and equipment in place, your bar will have a strong foundation.
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