Bottoms Up: 5 Types of Glasses Every Bar Needs

Opening a bar means offering more than great drinks and an inviting atmosphere. The right glassware can elevate each pour while complementing your brand’s personality. Not all glasses are created equal, and having a well-rounded selection keeps your customers happy while making your life a lot simpler. Read on for a handy guide to five glasses every well-stocked bar should have.

Shot Glasses: The Party Starters

Shot glasses may be small, but they never go unnoticed. Perfect for serving everything from tequila to kamikaze shots, these little glasses can make a big impression on customers. Their versatility also makes them great for measuring liquors during cocktail prep.

Stocking durable, clear options allows the bright colors of fun liqueur-based shots to pop, adding to the visual appeal patrons love. Don’t underestimate these tiny vessels; they’re the life of any celebration.

Rocks Glasses for Stronger Sips

Sometimes referred to as old-fashioned glasses, rocks glasses are built for timeless drinks. Whiskey, Old Fashioneds, and any spirit served on the rocks look and feel better in these sturdy, low-profile glasses.

Their broad rims allow aromas to develop, turning each sip into a sensory experience. You’ll also appreciate their durability and multi-purpose functionality; they’ll soon be your workhorse behind the bar.

Highball Glasses for Effortless Elegance

Great for cocktails like Mojitos, Gin and Tonics, and Bloody Marys, highball glasses play a significant role in drink presentation. Their tall, slender design accommodates plenty of ice, liquids, and garnishes while keeping flavors balanced.

Guests often associate these glasses with sophistication, so having a reliable stock of them elevates your bar’s appeal. Plus, they provide you with a canvas for creative layering in drinks.

Martini Glasses for That Wow Factor

Nothing says class quite like a martini glass. Beyond the obvious martinis, these glasses work wonders for cosmopolitans and gimlets too.

That iconic, triangular shape is more purposeful than it looks, enhancing aromas while keeping the drink cold since fingers don’t touch the bowl. Keep a variety of stemmed glasses on hand to serve up cocktails worthy of an Instagram post.

Beer Glasses Built for Enjoyment

Beer deserves more than just any old pint glass. From Weizen glasses for wheat beers to tulips that enhance the hops in IPAs, the right beer glass can amplify the drinking experience.

For most bars, a standard pint glass still gets the most mileage. Guests will immediately notice the effort you put into matching the serving glass to the beer style, and that attention to detail keeps them coming back.

Closing Time Thoughts

Building out your bar’s glassware collection doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but starting with these essentials sets the foundation for a fantastic drinking experience. The glass you serve in sets the tone for how drinks are perceived and enjoyed. Delight your patrons with thoughtful choices, and they’ll be raising their glasses to you in no time. Cheers!