The bar glassware guide for the home bar.
There are plenty of bar glassware guides out there that explain in detail all the specific types of glassware a bar needs. In total, there are more than a dozen types of glassware for serving everything from straight liquor on ice to the most elaborate mixed cocktails you can imagine. For the more casual home bartender or the beginner furnishing a home bar for the first time, there are only a few types of glassware that are absolutely necessary. This bare bones home bar glassware guide will tell you all you need to know to get your own home bar up and running with the right gear.
The pint glass
If you invest in only one type of glass for your bar, pint glasses are the way to go. It is absolutely essential that every bar is stocked with pint glasses. This is particularly true if you plan to serve beer but pint glasses are fairly unique in their level of versatility. In lieu of specific glasses, pint glasses can be used to serve everything from cocktails to soda and root beer floats. Whether you’re on a budget or just keeping things basic for the sake of simplicity, keeping a nice stock of pint glasses will give the drinks you serve a more polished feel with minimal effort or expense.
The wine glass
Wine is one of the most popular drink choices served in the home bar. In addition to being one of the top choices among guests, wine is also one of the few drinks that simply cannot be served in another type of glass without feeling disappointingly tacky! While there are a few more specialized types of wine glasses for serving specific wines, all you need to keep on hand is a few white and red wine glasses. These will be sufficient for providing you with the home bar glassware types you need to serve wine with style and class.
The shot glass
The shot glass is another basic bar staple. Shot glasses are a must for serving single shots of straight liquor. In addition, they come with an added benefit for home bartenders. If you’re mixing drinks without a jigger, a shot glass can be used for measurement. This allows the casual bartender to mix perfectly proportioned and consistent cocktails with the right amount of alcohol every time. The small size (1.5 oz. standard) of these glasses makes them one of the most inexpensive pieces and few bars need to keep more than 4-6 on hand. Investing in a nice quality set of matching shot glasses will give the shots you serve a professional look while making your guests feel like they’re in a “real” bar!
The lowball glass & highball glass
Lowball glasses typically hold between 6 to 10 ounces and are your staple glassware for serving liquor on the rocks. This is your basic “tumbler” type glass and is another nice basic choice for a professional touch. Another important piece of barware is the highball glass. Tall and narrow, these 8-12 ounce glasses are an elegant way to serve mixed drinks. Highball glasses can be used exclusively, eliminating the need for lowball glasses if you prefer to keep your glassware to a minimum.
The cocktail glass
Cocktail drinks such as Martinis and Manhattans are gaining back their popularity, so you might consider the addition of a few cocktail glasses to your collection. If you know how to make these classic cocktails, serving them in the proper glass will really make your skills stand out! Plus, these glasses look phenomenal behind a home bar, adding a sense that real mixology happens here.
