Handmade Drinkware
For more than 50 years, we have worked closely with several generations of the finest glassblowers in Europe. There is an art to mouth blowing glass, especially to our specifications. To make a more discriminating choice, train your eye. Look for a flawless attachment at the bowl and stem, or find a bowl with a fine continuous pulled stem. Inspect the rim to make sure it is finely cut and polished. Smoothness and balance are also hallmarks of the finest drinkware.
Care: Handmade Drinkware
Hand washing is recommended for most handmade drinkware. Use warm, soapy water, and avoid abrasive detergents. Dry with a soft cloth.
Machine-Made Drinkware
Today's machine-made drinkware is created with such precision and clarity that it's almost indistinguishable from handmade pieces. At Crate and Barrel, we work with glassmakers who use the latest technology to produce drinkware that resembles handmade quality at an everyday price. Look for wine glasses with thin, finely-finished rims and a bowl that is taller than it is wide.
Care: Machine-made Drinkware
Machine-made drinkware is able to handle slightly more rigorous care than handmade drinkware. Most are top-rack dishwasher-safe. Avoid abrasive detergents that could scratch the surface.
Essential Drinkware
Everyday Glasses
We recommend building your drinkware collection by first choosing all-purpose glassware that can accommodate a variety of beverages, including juices, sodas, smoothies and mixed drinks. Look for short old-fashioned or double old-fashioned glasses for fruit juices during breakfast and brunch. Highball glasses are perfect for drinks with lots of ice or volume, such as sodas, iced teas and coffee drinks, shakes and smoothies.
Barware and Cocktail Glasses
A good cocktail deserves an impeccable presentation. We recommended stocking the bar with at least two each of the most common types of glasses: highball, double old-fashioned, margarita, martini, champagne, and red and white wine glasses. Besides showcasing the drinks they’re designed for, you can use barware and cocktail glasses for different purposes. A pilsner beer glass is perfectly shaped for an iced latte. Try serving individual fruit salads in champagne coups or sorbet in a brandy glass. For a fun way to dish up nuts or candy, consider a martini glass.
Wine Glasses
On first glance, many wine glasses appear almost identical. However, small nuances in design provide a more enjoyable experience for different types of wine, including merlot, chardonnay, zinfandel and sparking. Red and white wine glasses are shaped to optimize temperature, aroma and breathability. Fluted stemware keep champagne bubbly for longer periods of time. We suggest choosing four or more glasses for each type of wine.
Beer Glasses
From stouts and ales to pilsners and home brews, pour your favorite beer into the glass specifically designed for each variety. We’ve paid careful attention to the shapes, curves and details of our beer glasses so the aromas, carbonation and taste stay crisp and clear.
Choosing the Perfect Barware
Shape
To decide what types of bar glasses you’ll need, think about the beverages you serve when entertaining guests and relaxing at home. Old-fashioned glasses work well for aged dark liquors, such as bourbon, scotch and whiskey. Choose Tom Collins glasses, which are taller and narrower than highball shapes, for any drink served with a lot of ice, including Long Island iced teas and mojitos. A well-stocked collection should also include martini and margarita glasses. Classic drinkware shapes are shown below. We recommend stocking the bar with no less than two or three types of bar glasses.
How Much
For stemware, you'll need at least as many red and white wine glasses and water goblets as you have dinnerware place settings. Then, add four extra of each in case of accidents. For everyday drinking glasses, figure out how many your dishwasher can hold, then add a few more so you always have a clean glass on hand. Specialty glasses for bar drinks should number six to eight each.
