Table of Contents
Best Overall: Libbey Polaris 16-Piece Glasses Set
Libbey’s versatile set of glasses ticks a lot of boxes: There are enough glasses to serve a total of 16 people, the glasses feel sturdy in the hand, and the curved design makes them look much taller than the price tag suggests. This 16-piece set includes eight 17.75-ounce shot glasses and eight 15-ounce rock glasses. Both sizes have a classic design, so you won’t feel out of date in a few years. The slightly rounded bottom gives the glass a light appearance, although it is balanced so it provides stability. Made in the USA, this lead-free set is affordable, dishwasher safe, and suitable for any environment.
During testing, I was a fan of the generous capacity – the highball holds an extra-strong gin and tonic or water with plenty of ice to cool you down on a hot day, and the rocks glass is perfect for a generously sized Negroni. Libbey remains one of the best drink glass options on the market for any occasion, and Jonathan Stanyard, who runs the bar at Seattle’s Feast, agrees.
Second Place, Best Overall: Red Co. Glasses Vibrant Splash Highball
All Red Co. sparkling glasses. 13.25 oz., they have a different color on the bottom, which is great for two reasons: it adds a little fun to your glass without being an overwhelming design, and it’s easy to tell whose glass is whose. Since the shades are infused into the bottom, they won’t fade or wear off over time. When I added sparkling water to the glass, I liked how it made the drink slightly shimmer with the color of the glass, be it red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple.While the top of the glass feels delicate and elegant, the weighted bottom stabilizes the glass, giving it a nice feel in the hand and making it less likely to tip over when you put it down. The ripples at the bottom of the glass help manage any condensation that occurs with a cold drink on a hot day. There are six glasses in the set and all are dishwasher safe. If you’re looking for consistency, Red Co. also makes a set of matching low glasses.
Best Budget: Libbey Ascent 16-Piece Assorted Glass Set
Libbey’s Ascent glassware set is especially appealing if you’re storing your glassware cabinet for the first time—perhaps after moving or for your very first apartment. There are 16 glasses in the set, of which 8 are rock and 8 are round. Rocks glasses hold 13.3 ounces and highball glasses hold 16 ounces. Notice the sturdier, more angular base: It makes the glass stable in your hand. Large capacity for both rocks and highball glasses means you can prepare generously sized drinks.
Both are excellent glasses for everyday wear, and at the price, it might be wise to stock up and use them as party glasses as well, as you’ll never have to worry about them dropping or breaking. I would be surprised if one cracked as they are surprisingly durable. These high-design, low-effort glasses complement any home design and are surprisingly versatile. Use them for iced water or mixing cocktails, mock recipes, and refreshing punches. All are dishwasher-safe for quick cleaning.
Best Heavy-Duty: Bormioli Rocco Bodega Mini Glass Tumbler 7.5
These glasses are perfect for anything. Although they look light and delicate, they are made of durable tempered glass, which makes them resistant to thermal shock, breakage, chips, and everyday wear. That said, it also lends itself well to stacking. During my tests, I observed that they fit neatly together for easy cleaning and storage. The minimalist design will go with everything in your glass and kitchenware cabinets, including the most colorful place settings. These glasses come in packs of 12 and each holds 7.5 ounces of everything from wine and water to coffee and desserts. When you’re done with them, put them in the dishwasher. The hardened surface treatment protects them from a cloudy surface. The glass is thicker, which some people may not like, but for me, it felt like a low-effort glass served on a patio in Italy. Use them to pass out Negronis, small portions of beer, sparkling water, or your favorite house wine when friends rollover. The low profile and durable glass ensure the versatility of these containers. The thicker glass also protects your hand from the cold of the ice.
Best high-end: Fferrone Dearborn glasses
Everyone needs a proper set of glasses – you know, the kind you wear to a party. Ferrone is one of the best options to spend, combining vintage flair with modern details. The brand’s glasses are made in Chicago by former architect Felicia Ferrone, and while they’re made in America, their designs pay homage to mid-century Italian design. Each one is carefully hand-blown from borosilicate glass without the use of molds and features fluted sides and a curved bottom that look incredibly stylish on the table. Note that the inside of the lip is also ridged. I found them a little uncomfortable to sip from, but if you’re looking for a high-style glass, it’s a design detail that’s easy to ignore. It has a pleasant weight and holds the temperature well. Your glasses from this brand include standard water glasses, stemless wine glasses, shot glasses, Collins glasses, and stemless champagne flutes. Although on the more expensive side, they are made of nearly indestructible borosilicate glass. If you happen to drop one, chances are you’ll be safe from breaking. They are even dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe, which is surprising for a glass at this price level and quality.
Best for whiskey drinks: Lanfula whiskey decanter and glass
“There’s a particular style of whiskey glass that I just love the feel of,” says Benjamin Pozar, who manages the bar at Fogo de Chão in Bedford, Texas. “The base is a square that is twisted. It has a fantastic weight and is great for sipping pure spirits.” The six attractive glasses and matching crystal decanter are made from high-quality lead-free crystal and have a unique curved shape. I found the glasses to be very heavy even when empty, giving them a nice solid feel in the hand. For people who want to sit in a cozy chair and sip and swirl an Old Fashioned, this scale is perfect. However, the lip is quite thick so it may not be ideal for a top-shelf bottle of scotch.If you are not one to think about the nuances of whiskey and prefer to drink it in a cocktail, this is certainly an excellent choice.
Best for cocktails: Riedel Nick and Nora cocktail glasses
Nick & Nora Riedel’s elegant cocktail glasses are bartender-approved. Anthony Escalante, bar manager and resident mixologist at the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix, Arizona says, “The design is very clean, classic style, but they’re also purpose-built so you can use the set great in any bar program without having to sacrifice quality for durability.”
Although they look expensive and fragile, they are affordable and dishwasher-safe. The top of the glass is light and airy, while the base is nicely balanced. According to my home tests, it is surprisingly resistant to drops and changing temperatures.
In terms of design highlights, I liked the whisper-thin glass top construction and the durable base for stability. Thanks to the curvature of the glass, the drink flows right down the middle of your palate, letting the flavors of the cocktail hit all the right places. On the contrary, there are noticeable seams on the stem, which are not exactly attractive. This set comes with two 4-ounce glasses.
