Liquor & Cocktail Glasses

Common Questions About Cocktail Glasses

Why do I need liquor glasses?

Liquors and cocktails are a focus item – when your customers order drinks like these, they're not just trying to wash down a burger. They want to enjoy the drink itself and are willing to pay a higher price for a fancy cocktail than a simpler drink, such as beer or soda. If they're going to pay a premium price, they will expect a premium product, and you'll need the right cocktail glasses to provide that product. The correct glass enables your bartenders pour the right amount instead of overpouring and costing you significantly more in beverage expenses. You want your customers to feel like they're getting their money's worth, and if everyone is accustomed to getting their whiskey in a whiskey glass, they'll know exactly how full the glass is supposed to be. Using a non-standard shape could lead to arguments over pouring and dissatisfied customers, which is lost business and wasted time.

Do I really need all these different types of liquor glasses?

Most establishments won't need all the different types of glass offered here because most establishments don't offer such a wide array of drinks. You only need to stock glasses for the drinks you will be offering. If you've got a classy bar serving high-end liquors, you might not have much use for margarita glasses, but a Mexican restaurant is going to need several margarita glasses of different sizes. If you're just getting started or working on a tight budget, several of these glasses can serve multiple purposes. Rocks glasses and whiskey glasses are almost interchangeable, while shot glasses work for myriad liquor types. Sherry and cordial glasses won't see as much use as a standard mixing glass, so you can prioritize the glasses you purchase based on frequency of use. Consider how expensive each drink will be – higher priced drinks must be served in finer cocktail glassware than cheaper options.

What factors should I consider before choosing cocktail glassware?

On top of choosing which type of glass to purchase, you should make a few considerations about which glass you need from inside each category. First, consult your budget. There's no point in looking at the nicest glasses on the market if you can only afford the entry level items. The next concern should be durability. All glasses are going to be dropped and handled roughly – liquor glasses perhaps more than other styles. As you likely have experienced already, restaurant glassware is a constant expenditure: no matter what grade of glass you purchase, it will chip or break eventually and need to be replaced. But if you purchase sturdy glasses, you can minimize that cost.

On top of durability, consider the visual appeal of the glass. You can drive sales just by having customers see a glass full of quality liquor being enjoyed by another patron. Stylized glasses can add a touch of visual intrigue that distinguish your drinks, driving impulse sales.