Your glasses make a statement. Your guests’ experience will be enhanced by the choice of glasses. However, there are many things to consider when choosing the right glass. What is your drink menu? Are you offering bar service? In that case, you’ll want specific bar glassware. Are you trying to enhance your wine service? You’ll want to familiarize yourself with all the different types of wine glasses. Are you able to offer a consistent selection of beer on tap? It is important to know the differences between beer glasses and which beer glasses are best for each beer. Each type of glassware has a specific purpose. They are meant to add style and flavor to the table, as well as bringing out unique aromas, flavors and enhance the drinking experience.
There are many options for glassware. No matter what kind of restaurant you own, no matter what type, you will need standard glasses to drink water, juice, soft drinks, and other beverages. We present a list of the most popular types of drinking glasses and some considerations to consider before you choose the right glass for you.
These are the Most Popular Types of Drinking glasses
The following types of drinking glasses can be used interchangeably. They share many similarities. However, based on your operation or catered event, opting for the right glass can go a long way towards a positive impression.
Water & Cooler Glasses
Cooler glasses, sometimes referred to as standard water glasses, are used to do just that – serve water. However, they can be used to serve all kinds of cold beverages, as we have already mentioned. Traditional water glasses have tall sides and 12 ounces. However, there are a variety of sizes available, from 10 to 25 to meet different needs.
Juice glasses
As you may be able to infer from the name, juice glasses are best reserved for serving juice. Because of their smaller capacities, they are great for serving freshly squeezed juices at breakfast or brunch.
You can choose from a variety of designs to enhance bright juices or help with tabletop presentations. These can sometimes be used interchangeably with smaller capacity rocks glasses. A juice glass’s standard height is usually five inches. Juice glasses can hold between three and seven ounces.
Rocks glasses
Rocks glasses have become more prominent in everyday dining thanks to their versatility. Lowball glasses are also known as rocks glasses. They have a thick, sturdy, and round base, which is in contrast to highball glasses. For more information, see our Types Of Bar Glasses Buying guide. Lowball glasses are also known as “old-fashioned glasses” because they were originally made to be used as whiskey glasses.
Although they are no longer used for serving classic cocktails and whiskey, rocks glasses can still be used for cocktail strainer. This is how the name came to be. It was originally used for serving spirits “on the rocks” or with ice. Many restaurants now use the low-profile rocks glass to set the tabletop with water, complementing with a carafe that sits in the middle of the table for guests to refill their own glasses. This feature is common in trendy brunch places and restaurants that cater to the farm-to-table scene. Many people have started to use rocks glasses in place of juice glasses.
Tumblers
Tumblers are the most popular form of beverage glasses, often seen in casual dining establishments. Tumblers can be made from plastic which makes them ideal for institutional-type institutions such as cafeterias at schools, universities, hospitals, or correctional facilities.
Tumblers come in a variety of sizes. They can hold five ounces at the bottom and more than 30 ounces at the top. Many establishments choose a 16-ounce or 20-ounce tumbler to accommodate smaller and larger sizes.
Tumblers for restaurants are known for their flat bottom, straight sides, and traditional plastic construction.
Goblets
Goblet glasses are best reserved for serving water or iced tea at banquets or higher-end catered events. The distinctive feature of goblets is their large bowl with a long stem. They are sometimes used to serve beer at bars that have a wide selection on draft. They should not be confused with tulip glass, which has a similar design. Tulip glasses serve strong, Belgian-styled beers and darker, heavier beers. (Read more in our Guide to Types of Beer Glasses and Craft Beer Glasses: Which Glass is Best for Your Beer?
The standard height for goblet glasses is six to nine inches, and the diameter of the bowl is between three and six. These are important dimensions to ensure you get the right glass dishwasher rack to accommodate your goblet glasses. The capacities range from 10 to 14 ounces.
Mixing glasses
Mixing glasses are another common type of drinking glass known for their versatility. These glasses are used behind bars to serve as a versatile beer pint glass and as the bartenders’ favorite accessory. They can also be used to mix ingredients for cocktails (as their name implies). Because of their simple, tapered shape and ability to open at the rim, they make excellent standard drinking glasses.
Mixing glasses are a popular choice for many establishments. If you only need one type of glassware, this is a good option. Mixing glasses come in a standard size of a pint (16 ounces), but they also come with larger capacities such as 14 or 20 ounces.
All-Purpose Beverage glass
Some all-purpose beverage glasses differ slightly from standard mixing glasses in their design. Mixing glasses are primarily made with straight sides. Many all-purpose glasses have textured sides or patterns that enhance the dining experience.
Disposable Drinkware
Regardless of the type of establishment, it’s never a bad idea to stock up on disposable drinkware for drinks to go.
Pitchers and Carafes
To improve the efficiency of large groups, don’t forget to bring carafes or pitchers. The carafe is a great accessory for self-service at the table so that guests can refill their water bottles without having to flag down their server.
Final thoughts on the Different Types of Drinking Glasses
This is the key message: There are many options when it comes to drinkware. Not every option will work for every establishment. There are many options for glassware. Many of the glass types mentioned above can be used for multiple purposes.
We have thousands of glassware options from top brands like Anchor Hocking and Libbey Glassware. We also have our own Value Series and Central Exclusive glassware solutions available at value price points and exclusive warranties.
Do not forget to get free samples. Request a sample of popular commercial drinkware lines by simply completing this form. Connect with one of our food service products experts. This is a great way to test out a glass before you commit to a larger purchase.
