Specialist glasses for drinks, coffee and cocktails (11)

What products are included in this category?

This category includes glassware with more specialised uses that cannot be clearly classified under the basic groups of whisky, soft drink, cocktail or beer glasses.

Depending on current availability, you can find the following here:

• bartender’s glasses – for mixing and chilling cocktails,
• decorative glasses – for drinks, beverages and bar service,
• Irish coffee glasses – for coffee with additions and hot drinks,
• juice glasses – for breakfast, buffet and restaurant service,
• stemless wine glasses – for white, red and rosé wines,
• stemless champagne glasses – for sparkling wines and cocktails,
• multi-purpose bar glasses – for water, soft drinks, spirits and cocktails.

Before purchasing, it is worth checking the capacity, height, diameter and exact intended use of a specific model.

Bar glasses for drinks and cocktails

Versatile bar glasses can be used to serve water, juices, fizzy drinks, spirits and cocktails. Depending on their capacity and shape, they are suitable for both simple drinks and more elaborate recipes with ice and garnishes.

Glasses of this type can be used to serve:

• mineral and flavoured water,
• juices and lemonades,
• fizzy drinks,
• highballs and long drinks,
• cocktails served on the rocks,
• whisky, rum and other spirits with mixers,
• non-alcoholic cocktails and signature drinks.

When choosing, take into account the amount of ice, the volume of the ingredients and the space needed for a slice of fruit, herbs or other garnishes.

Decorative glasses for an impressive presentation

Glasses with decorative grooves or geometric patterns can be an important element of a drink’s presentation. The textured sides refract light, emphasise the colour of the contents and lend the presentation a more elegant or classic character.

Decorative designs work well in:

• cocktail bars,
• à la carte restaurants,
• hotel lobby bars,
• venues with a vintage or glamour theme,
• at banquets and receptions,
• when serving signature drinks.

The distinctive pattern of the glass should complement the character of the drink and the other elements of the bar or table décor.

Bartender’s mixing glasses for cocktails

A bartender’s mixing glass is used for mixing and chilling cocktails that do not require vigorous shaking in a shaker. Ingredients and ice are added to the glass, and the mixture is then stirred with a bar spoon.

The mixing glass can be used when preparing, amongst others:

• Martinis,
• Manhattans,
• Negronis,
• Old Fashioneds prepared using the mixing method,
• whisky-, gin- or vermouth-based cocktails,
• signature drinks requiring a delicate blend of ingredients.

When preparing a cocktail, it is advisable to adjust the amount of ice and the stirring time to achieve the correct temperature and controlled dilution of the drink.

How to choose a bar glass?

When choosing a bar glass, pay attention to its capacity, stability and ease of pouring the prepared cocktail.

Among other things, the following are important:

• a capacity that provides space for the ingredients and the right amount of ice,
• the thickness and stability of the base,
• the width of the opening to facilitate mixing,
• a contoured rim or spout for pouring,
• compatibility with a bar strainer,
• durability for regular use and washing.

Glasses for Irish Coffee and hot drinks

Irish Coffee glasses are designed for the striking presentation of hot coffee with accompaniments. The transparent sides allow the layers of the drink, the colour of the coffee, the cream, the milk foam and the decorations to be showcased.

Glasses of this type can be used to serve:

• Irish coffee,
• Viennese coffee,
• lattes and layered coffees,
• hot chocolate,
• non-alcoholic mulled drinks,
• tea with fruit and spices,
• signature dessert drinks.

Before pouring a hot drink, ensure that the specific product is suitable for contact with high temperatures. Check the product information for this detail.

Juice glasses and breakfast service glasses

Juice glasses are ideal for restaurants, hotels, cafés and buffet service. They can be used for freshly squeezed juices, fruit drinks, water and non-alcoholic cocktails.

The appropriate capacity should be tailored to the portion sizes standard at the establishment. For breakfast buffets, models with a moderate capacity are often practical, as they are easy to carry and do not take up too much space.

The glasses can be used to serve:

• orange and grapefruit juice,
• apple and vegetable juice,
• smoothies and fruit cocktails,
• flavoured water,
• lemonade,
• milk and plant-based drinks.

Stemless wine glasses

Stemless wine glasses combine a shape inspired by the classic wine glass with the more casual form of a tumbler. They are stable, easy to store and can be used in less formal settings.

Depending on their capacity and bowl shape, they can be used to serve:

• red wine,
• white wine,
• rosé wine,
• spritzers and wine-based drinks,
• mineral water,
• juices and cocktails.

The lack of a stem means the hand is in direct contact with the bowl, which may cause the contents to warm up more quickly. Wines requiring a low temperature should be poured in smaller portions.

Stemless glasses for champagne and sparkling wines

Stemless designs intended for sparkling wines can offer a modern alternative to classic stemmed glasses. They are particularly well-suited to less formal settings, outdoor receptions and casual dining venues.

They can be used to serve:

• champagne,
• prosecco,
• cava and other sparkling wines,
• sparkling wine-based cocktails,
• aperitifs and light drinks.

The glass should not be filled to the very brim. Leaving some space reduces the risk of spillage and allows room for foam and aromas.

How to choose the right glass capacity?

The total capacity of the glass does not always correspond to the size of the portion being served. You should leave room for ice, foam, garnishes, decorations and to hold the drink comfortably.

When choosing, it is worth considering:

• the standard volume of the drink,
• the amount of ice specified in the recipe,
• the space needed for extras and garnishes,
• the type of alcohol or drink,
• the method of serving – at the table, on a tray or at the bar,
• the dimensions of the dishwasher baskets and shelves available.

A larger glass does not always mean a larger portion. In many cocktails, the extra space is used to arrange the ice correctly and maintain the right visual proportions.

Glasses for professional catering

Specialist glassware allows you to complement your establishment’s basic equipment and match the glass to specific drinks and recipes.

This category is intended, amongst others, for:

• à la carte restaurants,
• bars and cocktail bars,
• hotels and lobby bars,
• cafés and patisseries,
• bistros and casual dining establishments,
• catering companies,
• banquet and wedding venues,
• breakfast buffets.

How to put together a glassware set?

The choice of glassware should be based on the drinks menu and the venue’s actual requirements. Not every model needs to be ordered in the same quantity.

When putting together a set, it is worth considering:

• the most frequently ordered drinks and cocktails,
• the number of seats in the venue,
• the expected turnover of guests,
• the duration of the washing cycle,
• the stock required whilst washing and polishing,
• the risk of breakages during busy service periods,
• the amount of space available in the back room.

It is advisable to order the most frequently used models with an appropriate stock buffer. Glasses intended for seasonal drinks or less frequently chosen items may be required in smaller quantities.

Consistency of the glassware with the rest of the tableware

Glasses should complement the rest of the glassware, tableware and the character of the interior. Consistency does not necessarily mean using a single, identical design, but individual models should form a well-considered whole.

A consistent look can be achieved by:

• selecting glassware from a single collection,
• maintaining a similar style of decoration,
• matching the thickness of the walls and base,
• using similar proportions,
• limiting the number of randomly combined designs,
• matching the glassware to the tableware and cutlery.

Washing and caring for glasses

The washing method should be adapted to the recommendations given on the specific product’s information sheet. Catering glassware should be placed in racks suitable for its height and diameter.

To minimise the risk of damage and water marks, it is advisable to:

• not overload the dishwasher racks,
• leave space between the glasses,
• use detergents designed for professional glassware,
• monitor water parameters and detergent dosing,
• avoid nesting one glass inside another,
• regularly check the rims for chips,
• withdraw cracked or damaged glassware from use.

Storing glassware in the back room

Glasses should be stored in a way that minimises contact between rims and sides. Unusually shaped items may require a separate shelf or a suitably adapted shelving unit.

When organising the back room, it is advisable to:

• set aside space for specific types of glassware,
• avoid stacking glasses in unstable piles,
• avoid nesting one glass inside another,
• adjust the height of the shelves to suit the dimensions of the items,
• ensure easy access to the most frequently used models,
• protect the rims from contact with metal parts of the shelving unit.

What should you look out for before buying?

Before choosing specialised glasses, it is worth checking:

• the intended use of a particular model,
• the total capacity and the planned portion size,
• the height and diameter of the glass,
• the type and thickness of the base,
• whether it is suitable for serving hot drinks,
• the recommended washing method,
• the minimum order quantity,
• product availability and the option to add to the set later.

Why choose specialised glasses?

• they allow you to match the glass to a specific drink or cocktail,
• they include models for cold drinks, hot drinks and alcoholic beverages,
• they make it easier to maintain consistent portion sizes,
• they provide space for ice, foam and garnishes,
• they complement the basic equipment of restaurants, bars and cafés,
• they allow you to choose decorative, functional or barware glasses,
• they are ideal for everyday service, banquets and events.

Choose glasses to suit your drinks menu and add specialist glassware for drinks, coffee, juices, wine and soft drinks to your restaurant, bar or café’s equipment.