If glassware is your chalice of choice for all things hot or cold, it’s important to keep a collection of sizes and styles handy.
Mugs, tea cups, and tea sets are often made from ceramic to keep your beverage warm and have handles so you can hold the cup without burning your fingers.
If a hot beverage isn’t your thing, juice glasses make great additions to breakfast settings. For slower mornings when you have a bit more time, grab a juicer and create your own blend of freshly squeezed flavor.
Glassware for home bars typically features designs meant to enhance the characteristics of particular drinks. From martinis to margaritas, cocktails have unique glassware designed to accommodate the drinks’ flavor profiles, alter the appearance, and change the drinking experience. For example, most cocktails served without ice are chilled to perfection using a cocktail shaker or stirred with a bar spoon before being poured into a stemmed glass so your hand won’t warm the cocktail as you drink.
The same is true for wine and wine glasses. White wine is served chilled in a high-stemmed wine glass with a smaller mouth to preserve the aromas inside and help the drink stay cool. A red wine glass has a wider bowl meant to be held to let both the heat from your hand and more air interact with the wine, softening the flavors and bringing out nuances and complexity. Champagne flutes are tall and slim to help form and concentrate the bubbles, keeping them around longer and giving off the visual effect you love when celebrating with friends.
If shakers aren't your thing, you can always rely on a trusty pint glass or stein for an evening brew. Make it an evening affair and invite friends over to sample new craft recipes with a drink flight that includes a set of glasses and a serving tray.