Best Drinking Glasses – 12 Top Options In 2023

The glassware industry does not pay much attention to drinking glasses, despite the fact that they are essential household items. Water is an everyday beverage that every human being needs, but not everybody drinks wine. Drinking glasses come in every shape and style, from chic, vintage barware to sturdy plastic tumblers.

Choosing glass or the best plastic drinking glasses for your home is a critical decision. Do you have children who may enjoy an acrylic tumbler, or are you a budding mixologist looking for a versatile set of glasses to prepare your creations? You also have to consider maintenance and storage.

To determine whether the plastic was really shatterproof and if the glasses were really compatible with temperature variations, we sent our top picks to our tester, Taylor Tobin. Added cold water to dishwasher-warm glasses, dropped plastic ones from shoulder height, and stacked glass ones to check if any chipped.

Obviously, she put them to the test by holding them for drinks to see how they felt in her hand and whether they would fall on the wobbly table. We’ve gathered the best drinking glasses in 2023, from classic tempered bodega glasses to shatterproof acrylic tumblers.

1. US Acrylic Classic Drinking Glass

Children tend to prefer plastic drinking glasses, so this is the most common choice. Plastic has all of the advantages of glass, but the US Acrylic Classic looks like real glass. They look like high-end glass drinkware at first glance, even though these cups aren’t. No seams are visible on the sides but are thin and durable.

Stackable, their narrow and tall shape adds to their sturdiness, as does their thick base. Despite their thinner lips, the glasses do not catch on the mouth and are still comfortable to drink from. These 16-ounce tumblers are shatterproof, BPA-free, and can be placed in the dishwasher on the top shelf.

During testing, these glasses bounced without chipping or cracking after being dropped from about four feet onto a tile floor. People looking for a way to make iced chai in the pool without fear of breaking them will find this ideal for their families with adventurous children. They were also very comfortable to drink from, perhaps most important.

You may also like:

• Best Martini Glasses

2. Tervis Double-Walled Glass

To ensure the tumbler can last for a long time and not chip, crack or break if it slips out of your hands onto the floor, you need one that can withstand a lot of use. Cold drinks stay cold in these double-wall insulated tumblers and hot drinks stay hot in them. You can use these anywhere from the microwave to the freezer.

Tervis tumblers have been a part of my life for over a decade. In addition to the brand’s quality and a lifetime guarantee, Bernitt enjoys the brand’s customer service. Besides being useful with hot drinks (morning coffee), they’re also perfect to take out by the pool when it’s chilly.

It is nice to have a plain tumbler, but Tervis also has a wide variety of graphics, including sports logos from college and professional teams. Furthermore, they don’t sweat, so your furniture won’t get distorted by beverage glass rings.

3. Libbey Polaris Rocks Glass Set

They feature a thick base and an elegant design that makes them an excellent choice. This 16-piece Libbey Polaris Tumbler and Rocks Glass Set is designed to be used every day. The design is so stylish that it can also be used for special occasions.

You can choose from sixteen glasses that have been crafted in the same style in this set. You can choose from eight 16.25-ounce glasses to serve juice, water, and a variety of other beverages. These glasses are accompanied by eight matching shorter rocks glasses of 12.25 ounces, which are ideal for drinking whiskey.

They are different from other glasses because they have a thick base. The added weight makes the glasses feel even more comfortable in the hand. Besides adding extra stability, the thick base also prevents them from easily falling.

You won’t regret purchasing this model if you need highly durable drinking glasses. Its distinctive rounded base means you won’t have to settle for less-than-excellent quality. Glasses of this quality are so strong that you can rely on them for years to come.

These glasses can also be cleaned in the dishwasher. They have a rounded bottom that does not collect water, unlike some other models. These are some of the best drinking glasses around in terms of style and convenience.

You may also like:

• Best Shot Glasses

4. Fortessa Jupiter Iced Beverage Glass

It’s time for those cocktail enthusiasts out there to pour a Negroni from the Fortessa Jupiter line. There are echoes of vintage Parisian flea markets and dark European cafes on the exterior of this piece. With a variety of colors to choose from, the 10-ounce glasses are perfect for serving everything from Old Fashioneds to tropical drinks.

This smoke color goes well with both my great-grandmother’s Depression-era dinnerware and my modern West Elm items. You’ll love the aesthetics of these water glasses when you use them for drinking. If, however, you prefer a clear visual of your cocktail, the darker textured glass won’t provide you with that. Tempered glass is strong and durable, and it maintains a consistent temperature.

Filling the Fortessa glasses with water makes them heavier. As a result, our tester rated this feature positively; the glasses’ substance provided good balance and reduced her concerns about spills. Moreover, they are dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is a breeze after a dinner party. Featuring rounded lips, the set includes six glasses. Imbibers will enjoy easy sipping with the rounded lip.

5. Riedel Nick & Nora Cocktail Glass

Cocktail lovers will fall in love with Riedel’s chic Nick & Nora Cocktail Glasses. Wrigley Mansion’s resident mixologist is Anthony Escalante, bar manager. Clean, classic design, but is also purposefully built, so you can use the set in all types of bar programs without compromising quality for durability.

Though they look expensive and fragile, the dishes are dishwasher-safe and affordable. In addition to being light and airy, the glass base is nicely anchored. During my at-home tests, it proved surprisingly resistant to drops and varying temperatures as well.

One of the design highlights was the whisper-thin, durable glass upper construction and sturdy base. Flowing straight to your palate, the taste of this cocktail hits all the right spots thanks to the glass curve. Although it has some seams on the stem, they don’t seem to be a major problem. The set includes two glasses measuring four ounces each.

You may also like:

• Best Old Fashioned Glasses

6. Glencairn Whisky Glass

For whiskey tasters who want to capture the ultimate flavor nuances, it is important to have the right glass. With its tapered shape, this glass is not only beautiful to look at, but also perfectly suited to capturing and accentuating all the aromas and flavors of the liquor.

It’s not just about what you drink, but how you drink it that makes the difference, and this glass will enhance your enjoyment of whatever whiskey you choose. You can easily hold it in your hand with its tapered pedestal base for long thoughtful tasting sessions. The quality and clarity of this glass will be maintained by washing it regularly.

7. Duralex Unie Glass Tumbler

Drinking a cold beverage on a hot day is an enjoyable experience. However, if you add lots of ice to liquors or other beverages, your drink will be watered down. You’ll probably find you’re left with a watery mess after a few minutes.

You will no longer have to worry about this when you decide to purchase the Duralex Made In France Unie Glass Tumbler set. Designed for freezing, these tumblers are safe for direct use in the freezer. The benefits of this are that you can freeze your drink instead of adding tons of ice to it.

In addition to being able to dishwash these glasses, you can even microwave them. This will also make them suitable for drinking hot liquids. When your hot drink gets a little chilly, simply put it in the microwave. Tempered glass is nonporous and designed to resist breaking.

This makes it the ideal option for parents with young children. They will no longer have to use plastic drinking glasses. This glassware is made in a classic French style that dates back to 1945. Durex has developed a special technique for making its glasses so heavy-duty and durable. As a matter of fact, the glasses are much stronger than regular drinking glasses.

You may also like:

• Best Glass Coffee Mugs

8. Bormioli Rocco Bodega Collection Glassware

Looking for a simple and yet effective way to make your home a little more classy? These glasses will definitely become a focal point. Choosing the right set of glasses effortlessly adds an extra sparkle to any occasion, and you won’t go unnoticed.

Rocco Bodega Collection Glassware from Bormioli is sure to be a hit among glassware lovers. This collection exhibits traditional Italian style. Thin tempered glass has been used to make them, along with straight sides and an especially wide opening.

Although these glasses are rather thin, they are as durable as they should be. Their base is thick and sturdy, which prevents them from falling over. The fact that they are dishwasher-safe is also certain to impress. Bodega Collection Glassware from Bormioli comes with a set of twelve matching glasses. When entertaining, you can be sure that you have plenty of glasses available.

Whether you are hosting a cocktail party or a dinner party, everyone will receive a matching glass. When stacking these glasses, you should be extra careful. The thin rims make it more likely that the glasses will stick together. You will need to be careful when releasing the glasses if this occurs.

9. Anchor Hocking Sweetbrier Drinking Glasses

Beautifully beveled, these glasses have a particularly striking appearance. While the Anchor Hocking Sweetbrier Drinking Glasses 84571L8 are appealing, they are also reliable and functional. These glasses strike the right balance between form and function.

The Sweetbrier glassware collection is quite attractive and will surely catch many people’s attention. An attractive geometric form is complemented by a clear design. A combination of a solid base and a heavy body helps make the overall design extremely strong. This pair of glasses will undoubtedly last you a long time.

You’ll be able to clean them using the dishwasher with no problem, significantly improving convenience. You are also provided with a very beautiful gift box when you purchase these glasses. Consequently, these glasses can be a great present for a friend or family member who has everything. A set of these beautiful glasses would serve as a wonderful housewarming gift too.

In spite of this, the set only contains four drinking glasses. They would not be suitable for larger households. But you can choose to buy two sets if you like.

You may also like:

• Best Champagne Flute

10. Libbey Awa Rocks Glass Set

Do you want to find a set of glasses that can be worn for any occasion? An elegant pair of matching glasses add a touch of style to your living space. Nevertheless, your glasses should come in different sizes based on the purpose.

With the Libbey Awa 16-Piece Tumblers and Rocks Glass Set, you are certain to be satisfied. This collection offers sixteen high-quality glasses in matching colors. Eight tumblers are paired with eight matching rocks glasses that are used for juice.

Regardless of the time of day, these glasses are sure to please you. Starting your day off with a glass of juice will be the perfect start to your day. When you’re unwinding in the evening, the rock glasses are the perfect companion to your favorite whiskey.

A 16-piece set of tumblers and rocks from Libbey features indentations in the surface that create spots. Such designs are quite striking. In addition, the indents help to give the glass a good grip even when its surface is slick with condensation.

In addition, there are bubbles on the inside of the glass making it difficult to clean them by hand. The remaining residue may be visible around the bubble edges. Thanks to their durable construction, these glasses can be dishwasher-safe.

11. Libbey Midtown Cooler Glass

The stylish design of these drinking glasses ensures that they will fit into any decor. As part of Libbey’s Midtown Cooler Glass family, this 16-ounce glass is supplied in a package of four. It has a traditional design with one important difference.

You’ll hardly miss the fact that the base of these drinking glasses is exceptionally thick. These elements make the glasses extremely sturdy. This makes it less likely that the glasses will be knocked over and broken if they happen to brush against someone.

Consequently, these drinking glasses will last for a long time. The sculptures are sure to be a focal point throughout the entire day for a very long time. The staff will serve you up an ice-cold drink or milk of your choice. A dishwasher is available for added convenience. In case you don’t own a dishwasher, consider skipping this model.

You may also like:

• Best Beer Glasses

12. Libbey Glassware Endeavor Rocks Duratuff Glass

To ensure that you have the right glasses on hand for entertaining guests at home, make sure you have a good selection of them available. Your guests must all have matching glasses. Adding this touch of class and making a great impression will go a long way. It will be easy to handle the Endeavor Rocks Duratuff Glass set by Libbey Glassware 15710.

Each set contains twelve matching wine glasses. This glass has a capacity of 9 ounces and is ideal for whiskey, brandy, and other spirits. This set will assure you that your glasses will be suitable for long-term use. All the pieces in this set have been treated with Libbey DuraTuff. This helps ensure they are tough and resistant to breakage and chipping.

The glasses are constructed with a thick base. The thick base makes the glasses extra durable. Whether your party gets lively or not, the glasses are unlikely to tip or wobble. This flared top makes it easy for these glasses to be cleaned by hand. Having guests over for dinner will save you a great deal of time. After the party, you can also run the dishwasher to clean the glasses.

Best Drinking Glasses: What to Look for

Type of Glassware

Depending on your lifestyle, you might just need glasses for daily drinks like milk, juice, and water in the morning. Alternatively, maybe you need glasses for your home bar, such as wine, beer, champagne, or martinis. You will make the best choice for glasses if you first determine the type you need.

Volume

Personal preference comes into play here. 16 ounces is a good size for those who drink a lot of water at their desks and prefer water glasses that are primarily used to drink water. In most cases, glass cannot hold more than this amount of volume. Those who prefer smaller glasses may find 10 to 12 ounces to be a great choice for all-purpose drinks, including cold brew with cream, a craft cocktail, and enough water to last all day.

Maintainance

Two types of drinking glasses are available: plastic and glass. Every product has its own maintenance needs, so make sure to read all manufacturer instructions. Plastic glasses can usually be washed in the dishwasher, but glasses are different depending on the type of glass.

Tempered glasses are extremely durable and resistant to extreme temperature changes. The majority of tempered glass is dishwasher-safe and does not suffer from thermal shock. Ensure your glasses are not compromised by cracks that weaken the surface-which can result in spontaneous breaking. If tempered glasses break, the cubes instead of sharp shards will break. 

The softer soda-lime glass will not break easily. Thermal shock may cause it to shatter, so hand washing is recommended. You should take care if you break soda-lime glass as it shatters into sharp shards.

You may also like:

• Best Travel Bar Sets

Versatility

You can put plastic into any situation, whether you’re taking it to the pool, pouring children a glass of orange juice, or packing it for your beach picnic. Plastic often stacks easily and is light. The majority of plastic options are casual, so they are not ideal for formal dining or table decorations.

Drinkware made of glass has many more style options but is breakable, which means it’s not appropriate for outdoor use since a slip could cause a mess that would be difficult to remove. You can opt for the more sturdy tempered glasses, also known as safety glasses because they can hold cold and hot drinks and is unbreakable, or if broken, will result in small cubes that can still be handled. A soda-lime glass, on the other hand, is extremely delicate and is only suitable for serving cold drinks.

Its shape is also important. Drinking tumblers are great for all types of beverages, from water to beer, but are not ideal for storing cocktails or wine. Bodegas come in handy for many things besides beverages. The one I have is great for desserts, charcuterie accompaniments, and dips.

Frequently Asked Questions