16 Unique Luxury Glassware Pieces You Should Own
By Emily Arden Wells
“Liquid is one of the four fundamental states of matter (the others being solid, gas, and plasma), and is the only state with a definite volume but no fixed shape. A liquid is made up of tiny vibrating particles of matter, such as atoms, held together by intermolecular bonds… Like a gas, a liquid is able to flow and take the shape of a container.” – Wikipedia
Liquids require a vessel, and ultimately, said vessel is the paramount element of presentation for any crafted libation. Glassware is intrinsic to the experience of drinking – a symbiotic relationship that can influence the aromas of the contained liquids, the color of a potation, and can elevate a cocktail to a sacred level.
Looking for the crème de la crème of glassware for your home bar or for your bar program? Look no further, we’ve scoured the internet and found our favorites for luxury glassware to elevate even the simplest of cocktails.
1. The Classic Pewter Stem Martini Glass
This martini glass has a classic shape with a pewter stem that gives it an old world feel. Pewter cocktail bases reflect extra light into your cocktail, making it extra seductive.
$58. Click Here to Purchase.
2. Kate Moss Champagne Coupe
The original champagne coupe is rumoured to be modeled after Marie Antoinette’s left breast. A contemporary version of the coupe has been modeled after supermodel Kate Moss’ left breast, created by artist Jane McAdam Freud to celebrate the model’s 40th birthday and her 25th year in the fashion industry. The design of the classic coupe has been modified to give it a modern feel; it has been elongated, the stem has been thinned, and the bowl of the coupe is etched with an art-deco inspired pattern.
$520 for Two. Click Here to Purchase.
3. Baccarat Harmonie Tumbler
The iconic Baccarat Harmonie crystal tumbler is a classic piece of glassware that benefits from minimalism of design. Crafted from clear crystal, it has a simple silhouette with linear detailing that catches light and illuminates the spirit within. These tumblers make even a simple pour of whiskey feel special.
$250 for Two. Click Here to Purchase.
4. Elements Glassware by Scholten & Baijings
For those who like cut crystal with a contemporary edge, the Elements Glassware line is designed by Scholten & Baijings for J. Hill’s Standard in Ireland. These glasses are made of lead crystal and are textured and cut using innovative methods of varying depth to create layers of pattern, giving them a new and contemporary feel.
Price Varies. Click Here to Purchase.
5. Charleston Highball Glasses
These black and white striped crystal highball glasses from Dibbern beg for contemporary twists on tiki cocktails. Let your imagination run wild…
$150. Click Here to Purchase.
6. Dartington Diamond, Silver, and Crystal Champagne Flutes
A collaboration between Diabloms Fine Jewelry and Dartington Crystal from England, these coupes are made from the trifecta of luxury materials: crystal, sterling silver, and diamonds. At the right angle, the brilliant-cut diamond will take on the color of the champange within the flute.
$7,585. Click Here to Purchase.
7. Alexander Wang Gold Shot Glasses
Alexander Wang has designed a fashionable set of light-gold shot glasses that nest together nicely. The set comes in a black snakeskin zipper pouch for easy transport so you’re always ready to impress your fellow imbibers.
$95. Click Here to Purchase.
8. Lobmeyr Series B Champagne Cups
The Series B line of glassware was originally designed by Josef Hoffmann for the Werkbund Exhibition of 1914 in Cologne, Germany. The exhibition was closed early due to the outbreak of World War I, but thankfully, the entire series has been recreated to its original specifications. The glasses have linear patterns of black etching over matte finish Muslin Glass blown to a maximum thickness of 1.1 mm. These glasses are perfect for someone interested in glassware with a contemporary feel, but with a historical story.
$700 for Two. Click Here to Purchase.
9. Lobmeyr Josephine Personal Decanter
Made from Lobmeyr’s signature and ultra-thin Muslin Glass, this personal decanter and glass set is both stunning in presentation and practical in application. Its seductive feminine lines are an homage to the art of drinking, and the solitary enjoyment of a rare spirit.
$320. Click Here to Purchase.
10. Amour Silver and Gold Cognac Beaker
It is often said that cognac is the most complex spirit ever created, the best of which deserve exotic drinking vessels. The Amour Cognac Beaker, created by Puiforcat of Paris, is made of sterling silver and is lined with Vermeil, a combination of sterling silver, gold, and other precious metals that is designed to enhance the color of the cognac within the vessel. The shape of the beaker preserves and enhances the aromas of the cognac, and the lid of the beaker becomes its pedestal.
$2,250. Click Here to Purchase.
11. Sterling Silver Mint Julep Tumbler
While the origins of the original Julep cocktail are unclear, it is certain that the Julep cup originated in the southern states of the US. These traditional silver and pewter cups were symbols of status and achievement, and have had a prominent presence in weddings, christenings, and the famous horse races that the cocktail is now so strongly affiliated with. The fanciest Julep cup is made by Tiffanys, a 5” sterling silver cup with fine beading that will make Kentucky’s elite envious.
$1,250. Click Here to Purchase.
12. Waterford Elegance Tall Decanter with Round Stopper
There is nothing that makes a spirit feel more spirit feel more special than when it is poured from an exotic crystal decanter. Waterford’s latest collection, the Elegance collection, has a series of gorgeous hand-made crystal decanters that have a curvaceous feminine shape, trimmed in silver at the neck, and are topped with a round stopper.
$195. Click Here to Purchase.
13. Aqua Pilsner Glass
Give your beer a modern yet exotic look with the Aqua Pilsner glass designed by Gabriel Glas made from lead-free crystal.
$120 for Four. Click Here to Purchase.
14. Abysse Baccarat Old Fashioned Glass
Baccarat’s Abysse crystal old fashioned glasses have an architectural masculine look to them, complimented with a distinctive thickness that makes the light refract and illuminate the liquid inside. Designer Thomas Bastide chiseled away the thickness of the glass in the center, creating the unique shape and distinctive facets to the crystal that make this glass a modern classic.
$315. Click Here to Purchase.
15. Smoke Highball
The Smoke Highball glass designed by Joe Colombo in 1963 seem to break all rules of physics and levitate your libation above the table top. The thickness of the crystal gives a vibrant luminosity to the unique presentation.
$344 for Two. Click Here to Purchase.
16. Socks Rolled Down Flute Glass
The Socks Rolled Down Flutes are designed by Anu Penttinen for Marimekko, and are an innovative take on a classic champagne flute. Hand blown from solid soda-lime glass, each flute has its own character, an artful way to toast champagne every day!
$42. Click Here to Purchase.