Every type of beverage deserves its own glass, whether it's a local craft beer in Colorado or a high-end cocktail bar in Arizona.
Precision and science are required to develop ideal aromas and flavor profiles, while creative design lends itself to the aesthetics consumers love when consuming libations. Ultimately, whether a customer orders beer, whiskey, or wine, only the right highball glass or beer stein can properly enhance each drink's characteristics and appearance.
Stem or no stem, snifter or tumbler? Here's what to know to ensure well-presented cocktails do what they should to delight consumers and boost sales.
The Role of Glassware in Drink Presentation
Glassware reflects a bar or restaurant's culture and brand identity. The glass used for a mixed drink or frothy beer is more than a fancy mug holding an adult beverage. Each glass should be selected with purpose, knowing its critical role in the presentation and flavor of liquor, wine, and ale. The proper glassware enhances a drink's appearance, temperature, and aroma, making it an integral part of the imbibing experience for thirsty customers. Customized options with logos or unique designs create a sense of brand loyalty, reinforce the establishment's character, and strengthen seasonal menus and themed event revenue.
There’s also an efficiency benefit to the style of glass used for each margarita, mai tai, or mimosa. Bartenders and wait staff can quickly identify the kind of cocktail a customer is drinking based on the shape and size of a glass that needs a refill. When an employee is serving a group of customers talking loudly to each other, time and money are saved because it’s easy to identify who gets the martini vs. the gin and tonic without interrupting guests.
Restaurant and bar trends in glassware can vary by region, type of establishment, and customer preferences, so it's vital to consider specific markets and target audiences when selecting bar glasses. A Texas steakhouse may serve its red sangria in a mason jar, while the local tapas restaurant pours its red wine cocktail into a traditional stemmed glass. Vintage-inspired glassware, such as coupes, retro highball glasses, and tiki mugs, are famous for attracting high-paying guests. These nostalgic designs add a touch of classic charm to modern cocktails.
Copper mugs, like those used for Moscow Mules and glasses with metal accents, are sought after for their stylish and rustic appearance. Double-walled or insulated glassware is ideal for cocktails like a hot Irish whiskey or an ice-cold pilsner. For more modern bars and restaurants, glasses with non-traditional shapes, like angular or geometric designs, add a visually striking element to cocktails and each table setting. On the other hand, many bars and restaurants use custom-designed glassware to enhance branding and deliver a more memorable drinking experience.
Glassware for Every Bar or Restaurant
Craft Cocktails: Classic mixed drink glassware brings a rich history of culture to each carefully crafted cocktail. It evokes a sense of tradition and authenticity, connecting bartenders and customers to the heritage of time-honored recipes. Consider the first Bormioli Rocco facility, which began manufacturing in the early 1800s. Many historians believe the company’s glass dates back to the Middle Ages. Multi-functional glasses allow bars to use the same beautifully curved martini glass for a Gibson and Vesper to serve other shaken or stirred drinks like Cosmopolitans and Lemon Drops. Steelite offers historical glassware like Bormioli Rocco, Minners, RCR, Pasabahce, Willam Edward, Utopia, and more to elevate the presentation and flavor of any aperitif or nightcap.
Wine: Restaurant and bar owners must carefully consider their wine list before purchasing an inventory of wine glasses. Knowing when to use stemmed versus stemless wine glasses is essential, whether it’s a well-seasoned sommelier or barback pouring drinks for the first time. A wine glass with a stem is most suitable in formal or traditional settings. Ideal for weddings, they're considered elegant and are a common choice in fine dining and upscale businesses. Stemmed glasses maintain the crisp flavor of white wine and delicate reds because the stem prevents hand heat from warming the wine. Alternatively, stemless glasses are for wines served at room temperature or slightly below, such as red Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Stemless wine glasses are perfect for casual settings like Italian bistros and busy pubs that require durable, space-efficient wine glasses.
Whiskey and Spirits: Whiskey continues to gain popularity worldwide, and snifter use is not limited to a single type of libation. Initially designed for the enjoyment of brandy, a snifter's ample bowl, short stem, and tapered top were crafted with precision to enhance the spirit's aroma and flavor. Over time, this design found its way into whiskey culture, gaining popularity for its ability to accentuate the complexities of any scotch, bourbon, or rye. Experienced whiskey and spirit enthusiasts know how different cultures incorporate snifters into their unique bar programs. Every detail counts, from selecting the finest single malts for a cigar bar to choosing glassware for a high-end steakhouse. The snifter serves as a revered drinking vessel and provides an experience steeped in history, tradition, and the pursuit of the perfect sip.
Beer: In the ever-competitive craft beer market, standing out is paramount to repeat business and attracting new customers. A unique craft beer experience sets a bar apart and leaves a lasting impression on its patrons. Developing a unique atmosphere engages beer enthusiasts on a deeper level, sparking curiosity and excitement that customers share with others online and by word of mouth. The variety of beer styles and flavors offered impact beer consumption and repeat business. Craft beer aficionados and connoisseurs seek destinations offering thoughtfully crafted programs catering to diverse tastes. The choice of glassware should complement the craft beer experience, enhancing all the senses.
Each margarita glass, champagne flute, and cognac snifter has a purpose and story. Owning a diverse selection of glassware is important for any libation, from tulip shapes that concentrate aromas to pints that celebrate tradition. Ensure your bar, restaurant, hotel, or hospitality venue has the right glass for every occasion.
What trends are best suited for your bar or fine dining business? Find out with a free Bar & Beverage assessment from Elevation Foodservice Reps:
