The Glassware Guide
From barware and stemware to bar cart essentials, we’re breaking down the shapes and styles you’ll need to enjoy everything from cocktails to everyday drinks.
How to Choose a Cocktail Glass
The wide mouth allows you to take in the full aroma of a martini or gimlet while the long stem keeps your hands from warming the drink.
A wide, shallow bowl shows off the bright cocktail and leaves plenty of room for a salt rim.
Also known as a lowball, these short tumblers are for a smaller pour—think your favorite spirit neat or on the rocks.
Lager and pilsner glasses are tall and curved to release carbonation, while traditional mugs have handles to keep your ales cool.
You don’t have to take these all in one gulp—enjoy aromatic aperitifs or post-dinner digestifs with miniature flair.
Bar Cart Essentials
In addition to a bottle opener, a stirrer and jigger are just a few ways to serve like a pro.
Keeping large, slow-melting cubes on hand means your guests can refresh their drinks without a trip to the freezer.
The elegant vessel not only adds visual intrigue to your bar, but it lets your wine or spirit breathe, opening up its aroma.
Keep your bottle at the perfect temperature, no matter how long you linger over dinner.
Colored Glass
Vibrant, eye-catching designs bring style to the table.
Stemware
Each is made for a specific wine—without the proper vessel, you might miss the nuances and aromas.
A wider bowl is best for releasing the rich flavors of a red, while narrow white wine glasses keep things crisp and chilled.
This modern alternative to stemmed wine glasses helps cut down on spills and dishwasher mishaps.
These elegant glasses can be used for cocktails but are great for champagne, thanks to vintage charm, enhanced aromatics, and easy sipping.
Glassware
These picks are all about versatility so you can use them at all your meals.
Top Crystal Brands
Founded in 1764 in France and synonymous with maximalist luxury, it is lauded for its masterful techniques in sculpture, engraving, and ornamental glassmaking.
Using the Scandinavian tenets of functionality, the Swedish brand blends classic craftsmanship with modern minimalism.
The eponymous brand opened its first store in 1983 on Kings Road in London and quickly became known for its contemporary British aesthetic.
Each crystal piece is handcrafted from high-quality raw materials and inspired by the rich natural beauty of its Irish homeland.
Top Glassware Brands
What started with newlyweds Capucine and David Gooding’s mouthblown glassware has evolved into a sweeping collection of elevated dining essentials.
One of Europe’s leading makers of handmade glass, the London label uses traditional methods to create modern silhouettes.
This Austrian stemware is loved by wineries around the world for its large selection of varietal-specific designs.
From fine porcelain to delicate glass, these striking collections honor European tradition while showcasing refreshing palettes.
FAQ
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Wider bowls allow more oxygen exposure, which is ideal for bold red wines, while narrower bowls preserve the delicate aromas in white wines and sparkling wines.
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Decanting preserves quality, removes sediment, and provides aeration, which enhances the flavor of red wine. White wine and spirits don’t need aeration but are decanted for presentation and clarity.
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It’s best to handwash crystal to preserve clarity, but if you must use the dishwasher, opt for a short, low-heat cycle, space them out well, and let them air-dry.
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The innovative design inserts a thin needle into the cork, then siphons out wine without fully opening the bottle—so you can pour a glass and preserve the rest of the bottle.
