Glassware Buying Guide
Whether you are outfitting a new location or refreshing your look, this guide will help ensure your bar is stocked with the right glassware for your establishment.
Stocking your bar with the right glassware can be a daunting task. Whether you are outfitting a new location or refreshing your look, this guide will help ensure your bar is stocked with the right glassware for your establishment.
1. Wine Glasses:
When shopping for wine glasses, consider what wine will pair best with the cuisine you are serving. Most restaurants serve both red and white wine, and will need different glasses for each type. You need different glasses for each type of wine because the bowl, stem, and shape of the wine glass can alter the overall flavor of the wine.
Tip!
If you're looking for an all-purpose wine glass, the best option is to purchase a wine glass with a stem (vs. stemless) to ensure your chilled wines will not get warm.
2. Beer Glasses:
The shape of the beer glass can affect the quality and overall customer enjoyment of the beer. Whether you are serving pilsners, IPAs, or stouts each type of beer generally requires a different glass.
Tip!
If your bar has a limited beer selection, you can use a multi-purpose standard beer glass if your restaurant has a larger cocktail or wine offering. This will help you save on storage!
There are endless drink options you can serve from Moscow Mules to Martinis to Gin & Tonics. The design of the glass can help to better take in the aroma, keep your products chilled, or allow for a garnish to top off the cocktail. There are many factors that help determine the glass you will need including:
- The number of ingredients in your cocktail
- Whether your drink is on the rocks or straight up
- If a garnish is included or not
The most common glasses are High and Low-Ball, Martini, and Collins glasses, but with the emphasis on drink presentation, Coupe and Copper Mugs have started to become a bar necessity.
The type of water glass you choose will be mainly based on the style and aesthetic of your restaurant. Often times water and juice glasses can be used as cocktail glasses. If you plan to make your water glasses multi-purpose make sure to account for this in your inventory.
Tip!
A unique glass and drink presentation can help amplify the customer experience. Customers often take pictures for social media of fun cocktails. Make your drinks stand out with these fun glasses, and tag @WayfairProfessional to show off your new glassware.
While the drink dictates the type of glass that is best to use, keep in mind these other factors when choosing the glassware for your bar.
- Overall theme of your restaurant or bar
- Ease of cleaning and storage
- Check your inventory levels
Tips!
When determining the number of glasses you need for your bar, you will want (at a minimum) one glass per table setting. For water glasses, you will want to increase the number of glasses you have on hand since these are used most frequently!
