Class over quantity: The smart buying guide for your glassware collection

A glance into the kitchen cupboard of many mixologists often reveals a sad picture: a jumble of promotional gifts, glasses from the Swedish furniture store and perhaps a few lonely wine glasses.

At Swiss Bar Shop, we have a different philosophy. We don't believe you need 50 standard glasses. We believe you need a small but excellent selection that perfectly suits your drinking habits. Standard glasses serve their purpose – but selected speciality glasses turn a drink into a moment of pleasure.

This guide will help you decide where to invest.

1. The Foundation: The Essential Basics

Before we get to the specialities, every bar needs a foundation. With these four types, you can cover 90% of all classic recipes. Solid quality is sufficient here – or you can go straight for premium glasses if you use them often.

  • The Tumbler: Your workhorse for whisky, Negroni or Old Fashioned. It should be large enough for large ice cubes.
  • The Highball Glass: For anything with a filler (gin and tonic, soda, cola).
  • The Coupe Glass: More elegant and practical than a martini glass. For everything served without ice (e.g. Daiquiri, Manhattan).
  • The Shot Glass: But please, not the cheap ones from the fairground. A good shot glass has a shape that also allows you to sip.

2. Choose your path: Where should I invest?

Now it gets interesting. Instead of buying everything at once, you should spend your budget on what your heart (and palate) desires. Which type are you?

Type A: The Spirits Purist (Whisky, Rum, Agave)

Do you rarely drink colourful cocktails, but enjoy fine spirits neat or on the rocks? Your investment: high-quality crystal tumblers and nosing glasses. Forget thin glass. You want heavy tumblers with a deep cut that feel heavy in your hand. The feel is crucial here. The weight of the glass emphasises the value of an 18-year-old whisky. Tip: look for glasses that taper towards the top to direct the aromas to the nose.

Type B: The Creative Mixologist

Do you love to surprise your guests, and are your drinks little works of art? Your investment: fancy cocktail glasses. Standard glasses bore you. At Swiss Bar Shop, you'll find animal-shaped glasses, asymmetrical goblets and curved sculptures. These glasses are conversation starters. If you put a lot of time into the garnish and colour of your drinks, you need a stage that is just as spectacular. Every penny is worth it here, because the glass is half the show.

Type C: The Themed Drinker (Mule & Tiki)

Do you have a preference for certain categories of drinks? Your investment: authentic speciality glasses.

  • Copper Cups: If you love mules, real copper cups are a must. Not only because of their appearance, but also because of their thermodynamics. Only real copper becomes so ice-cold on the lips that the drink gets that unique ‘kick’.
  • Tiki Mugs: For Mai Tais and Zombies, you need the playful ceramic mugs (skulls, idols). They insulate the crushed ice and are simply part of the ‘Polynesian style’.


Type D: The Sake Lover

An often underestimated field. Drinking sake from a wine glass is possible, but it takes away its soul. Your investment: a genuine sake set. Sake is a ceremonial drink. A set consisting of a carafe (tokkuri) and small cups (ochoko) makes the experience authentic. The material (often ceramic or glass) has a decisive influence on the mouthfeel. This is indispensable for fans of Japanese culture.

3. The Upgrade: Ice & Straws

Even the most expensive glass is useless if the contents are watered down or taste like plastic.

Conclusion

Don't blindly buy entire sets, half of which you'll never use. Start with the basics and then treat yourself to exactly the glasses that will enhance your favourite drinks. A single, perfect heavy tumbler will bring you more joy than twelve thin water glasses.

Take a look around Swiss Bar Shop – we have curated exactly these special pieces for you.

Connoisseur Type Investment Focus Why this glass? Matching Accessories
The All-Rounder Tumbler, Highball, Coupe, Shot Glass Covers 90% of all classic recipes (Sours, Long Drinks, Spirits). Glass Straws (neutral & elegant).
Whisky & Spirits Heavy Crystal Tumblers, Nosing Glasses Focus on haptics (weight) and aroma concentration. Stainless Steel Ice Cubes (chilling without dilution).
Creative Mixologist Fancy Cocktail Glasses The glass serves as a stage for color and garnish ("Instagram Factor"). Clear Ice and Ice Molds (for the perfect look).
Mule & Tiki Fan Real Copper Mugs, Ceramic Tiki Mugs Thermals (copper chills lips) and insulation (ceramic preserves ice). Stainless Steel Straws (conduct cold).
Japan Enthusiast Sake Set (Tokkuri & Ochoko) Authentic drinking experience and ceremony. -

 

Back to blog

Leave a comment