Glasses for restaurants, bars and catering (106)

Professional glassware for the catering industry

A glass is not only a vessel for serving a drink, but also an important element of the service. Its shape can emphasise the colour of the drink, direct the aroma towards the guest and provide adequate space for ice, foam or decoration.

In professional catering, it is worth paying attention to:

• the type of drink for which the glass is intended,
• the capacity and proportions of the bowl,
• the diameter of the upper rim,
• the height and stability of the glass,
• the type of glass used,
• whether it can be washed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,
• how well it fits into the baskets, shelves and trays used on the premises.

Wine glasses

Wine glasses vary in size and bowl shape. Larger, more elaborate designs are often chosen for red wines, whilst smaller and slimmer models work well with white wines.

The range also includes glasses with universal proportions, which help to reduce the number of different types of glassware used on the premises. This is a practical solution for bistros, banquets and restaurants with a shorter wine list.

Glasses for champagne and sparkling wines

Glasses for champagne and prosecco usually have a slender bowl, which effectively showcases the rising bubbles and helps to preserve the drink’s effervescence for longer.

Depending on the style of service, you can choose classic flute-style glasses, more open coupe shapes or modern models with a tapered bowl. They are ideal for banquets, weddings, formal dinners, corporate events and hotel service.

Cocktail and martini glasses

Cocktail glasses are available in many shapes to suit different recipes. They may have a classic conical bowl, a rounded profile, a tall ‘hurricane’ style, or a wide shape designed for margaritas.

The right glass should provide space for:

• a ready-made portion of cocktail,
• ice or crushed ice,
• foam created during preparation,
• fruit, herbs and other garnishes,
• a garnish placed on the rim,
• and a safe space to prevent the drink from spilling.

Martini glasses are best suited to chilled cocktails served without ice, such as the Dry Martini, Cosmopolitan or Espresso Martini.

Gin glasses

Gin glasses are characterised by a large, rounded bowl. They provide space for gin, tonic, ice, fruit, herbs and botanical additions, whilst the stem allows the glass to be held without cupping the bowl in the hand.

Large balloon glasses can also be used to serve spritzes, fruit cocktails, lemonades and other non-alcoholic drinks.

Glasses for vodka, liqueurs and tasting

Smaller glasses are designed for serving vodka, liqueurs, fruit liqueurs and spirits for tasting. Their capacity should correspond to the standard portion served in the establishment.

Depending on the type of drink, you can choose:

• simple shot glasses,
• models with short or long stems,
• small liqueur glasses,
• tasting glasses with a tapered bowl,
• decorative models for premium service.

Crystal glassware

Crystal glass is characterised by its high transparency and elegant lustre. It showcases the colour of wine and cocktails well, which is why it is often chosen for à la carte restaurants, wine bars, hotel bars and more prestigious settings.

Thin walls and a precisely finished rim enhance the tasting experience. However, these more delicate designs require proper washing, polishing, transport and storage.

Glassware for everyday service

Glassware is a practical choice for the day-to-day operations of restaurants, hotels, bars and catering companies. Both simple banquet models and more decorative collections designed for modern service are available.

When choosing, it is worth considering the intensity of use, the stability of the base, the thickness of the rim and the ability to safely place the glassware in the equipment used in the washroom.

How to choose the right glass capacity?

The total capacity of a glass is not equal to the portion of the drink served. Part of the bowl should remain empty to allow the aroma to develop, to swirl the wine safely, or to add ice and garnishes.

Before making a choice, it is worth checking:

• the standard serving size of the drink,
• the amount of space taken up by ice,
• the height of the foam or garnishes,
• the distance of the liquid from the rim,
• the proportions of the drink in relation to the bowl,
• how easy it is to carry a full glass.

A good idea is to test the chosen model with an actual recipe or the portion size used in your establishment.

How to put together a glassware set for your venue?

In a restaurant with an extensive wine and cocktail list, it is worth choosing several types of glasses suited to different drinks. In a smaller venue, it may be more practical to limit the number of models and use glasses with a more versatile purpose.

A basic set might include:

• glasses for red and white wine,
• glasses for champagne or prosecco,
• versatile cocktail glasses,
• martini glasses,
• gin glasses,
• vodka and liqueur glasses.

Choosing products from a single collection ensures a consistent design across the bowl, stem and base. You can also mix and match different ranges, whilst ensuring consistent proportions and the character of the glass.

Glasses for restaurants, hotels and catering

Professional glasses can be used in:

• à la carte restaurants,
• wine bars and cocktail bars,
• hotels and hotel bars,
• bistros and cafés,
• banquet halls,
• catering companies,
• at weddings, wine tastings and corporate events.

When catering for larger events, the ability to prepare a large number of identical place settings, easily replace missing items and transport the glassware safely are of particular importance.

Washing and caring for glasses

The washing method should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Glasses intended for commercial dishwashers should be placed in racks suited to their height, bowl diameter and base.

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

• place the glassware securely and at appropriate intervals,
• avoid contact between the rims of adjacent glasses,
• use the correct dosage of detergent and rinse aid,
• monitor water quality,
• allow the glassware to dry naturally,
• polish the glasses gently, without twisting the bowl and base in opposite directions.

What should you look out for before buying?

Before purchasing glasses for a professional establishment, it is worth checking:

• the type of drink and how it is served,
• the capacity and dimensions of the bowl,
• the total height of the glass,
• the diameter and stability of the base,
• the type and thickness of the glass,
• whether it is dishwasher-safe,
• how well it fits into baskets, trays, shelves and cupboards,
• availability of other types of glassware in the same collection.

Functional characteristics may vary between models. Before use, please check the information and symbols on the specific product’s information card.

Why choose professional glasses?

• they allow you to match the glass to the type of drink,
• they enhance the colour, aroma and presentation of the drink,
• they complement the table setting and barware,
• they are available in glass and crystal,
• they include models for wine, champagne, cocktails, gin and spirits,
• they are ideal for restaurants, hotels, bars and catering.

Discover glasses for the professional hospitality industry and choose glassware to suit your wine list, cocktail menu, service style and the character of your venue.