Buying Guides
66 Best Drinking Glasses, According To Our Glassware Buyers
Buying the best drinking glasses is easy with our expert guide. From wine stemware to cocktail sets, find the perfect glassware for your wedding registry.
6 Min Read
The best drinking glasses will elevate every sip you take, whether that is of a soft drink during a casual breakfast or a celebratory cocktail during a special dinner. That's why for many people crafting the perfect wedding registry means choosing new glassware. However, with the amount of choice available, that is not an easy task! At The Wedding Shop we stock over 3,000 of the best glasses, so to ensure you find the perfect match, we've written this guide with the help of our in-house experts. It simplifies the selection process by delving into the best glassware brands, and then recommending the best type and shape of glass for your tipple of choice.
About our experts
- Charlotte Ponders is our resident expert buyer. She specialises in tableware and glassware, and has been with The Wedding Shop selecting the very best glasses for our couples for over eight years.
- Liza Baucher is a Gift Guru, The Townhouse manager and experienced host. She's been advising our couples on the finest glassware brands and styles for almost a decade.
- Ronan Carter is one of our most experienced Gift Gurus. He trained in interior design before joining us, and often helps inlfuencers curate their gift registry, including Holly Ramsey's wedding list.
- Tash Margetson is one of our Gift Guru's with an eye for modern design. If you're after contemporary, fresh glassware for your wedding registry, she's definitely your go-to person.
From everyday tumblers to specialised cocktail and wine glasses, they'll help you find wedding registry ideas that reflect your style and enhance your home bar and dining experience. Read the full glassware guide, or use the quick links below to jump straight to their suggestions of the best drinking glasses to make every pour perfect.
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Best glassware brands
Our experts have hand-selected six of the best glassware brands that'll make every toast unforgettable! They've chosen labels that are timeless, elegant, modern and chic. And every one of them crafts their glasses to top-notch quality. So whether you're after a traditional wedding gift like classic crystal, or more contemporary designs, you'll find ideas for your wedding registry here.
Luigi Bormioli
- Prices from: £23+
- Star buy: Bach Set of 4 Hi-ball Glasses
Ready for glassware with serious Italian flair? Luigi Bormioli's high-end collections — from stylish wine glasses to cocktail tumblers and highballs — are all about creative design and absolute elegance. As a true "Made in Italy" gem, you're guaranteed top-notch quality that will elevate any occasion.
What we love about the brand: "What stands out with Luigi Bormioli is their commitment to the creation of beautiful glassware with the highest quality," says Liza, "You end up with glassware pieces that are both stunning and truly exceptional."
La Rochère
- Prices from: £30+
- Star buy: Bee Set of 6 Large Wine Glasses
As the oldest glassworks in Europe, La Rochère has been crafting glassware in France for over 500 years. Expect generously shaped glasses, often adorned with their iconic three-dimensional bee, that effortlessly blend vintage soul with contemporary cool.
What we love about the brand: "La Rochère glassware just makes me think of sunny holidays, eating outside, and those cute little French bistros," says our Gift Guru, Liza Baucher, "Plus, they're dishwasher safe, which is a massive bonus!"
LSA International
- Prices from: £18+
- Star buy: Metropolitan Set of 4 Wine Glasses
Drawing on traditional Polish glassware craft, LSA International brings modern refinement to your table. We adore their handcrafted pieces, which are known for their sleek designs and extraordinary quality. If you're seeking chic, functional glassware to enjoy for years, look no further.
What we love about the brand: "What I love about LSA International is the variety," says Liza. "They've got glasses for everyday drinking, but they still feel sophisticated. And they're not afraid to play with colours, which really livens up a table. They are really good value for money."
Riedel
- Prices from: £30+
- Star buy: Mixing Set of 4 Rose Glasses
Did you know the glass shape matters? Riedel did! Since 1958, they've pioneered grape varietal-specific glassware, a game-changer for wine taste and aroma. Loved by connoisseurs globally, add their innovative glass designs to your registry for a truly enhanced wine experience.
What we love about the brand: "Riedel is THE wine drinker's wine glass, " our Gift Guru Tash Margetson explains. "Trust me — their glasses really do make your wine taste better. If you're serious about wine, this is the brand for you."
Royal Scot Crystal
- Prices from: £35+
- Star buy: London Pair of Whisky Tumblers
For couples seeking timeless beauty and a touch of "wow" for their celebrations, look to Royal Scot Crystal. This family-run business, now in its third generation, pours heart and soul into their simply stunning, hand-cut British crystal tableware. From ornate nouveau glasses to art deco designs, their range reinvents the classics.
What we love about the brand: "Royal Scot Crystal is such a classic and traditional wedding present", Liza shares. 'It's very popular with wedding guests — the matching decanters make it extra special."
The Vintage List
- Prices from: £26+
- Star buy: Lens Set of 6 Champagne Glasses
Fall in love with the charm of the past with The Vintage List. Their range of gorgeous, vintage-inspired crystal glassware brings unique charm to any setting. You can expect characterful pieces that feel like treasured heirlooms, adding a story to every sip.
What we love about the brand: "The Vintage List has the most beautiful vintage-style glasses," Tash says, "And the best part? You can just chuck them in the dishwasher! It's like having proper vintage, but without the fuss."
Best drinking glasses
If you want specific recommendations, our experts have curated the best drinking glass options for every occasion, ensuring your home bar and dining experience are remarkable. Discover the perfect tumblers for daily use, specialised wine glasses to enhance every bouquet, and the best glass for cocktails like Negronis and Martinis. Our comprehensive glassware guide breaks down the best wine glasses, champagne flutes, whiskey tumblers, and more, helping you build a wedding registry that's both beautiful and functional.
BROWSE ALL GLASSWAREBest everyday drinking glasses
Upgrading everyday essentials is one of the most common reasons to have a wedding gift list according to our couples. Goodbye, chipped, inheritated glasses, and hello, grown-up glassware!
For busy households, we recommend the durability of these robust Nkuku tumblers. Want something modern? Issy Granger designs will infuse your table with contemporary flair. Or for couples building their forever home, our Gift Guru Liza recommends Schott Zwiesel's Vina range. "They're registry winners! Pretty, durable, and they just make everything feel a bit more luxe."
From morning juice to evening water, these are the best everyday glasses you'll reach for again and again, making them a perfect addition to your wedding registry:
Best wine glasses for red wine
You know that moment when you pour a glass of red – maybe a rich Cabernet Sauvignon, a smooth Merlot, or a vibrant Pinot Noir – and you just want to relish it? The right red wine glass can make that moment even better, because it unlocks the aromas and flavours. Whether you're looking for everyday styles or the best wedding gifts for wine connoisseurs, here are our top picks for the best wine glasses for red wine, including the expertly designed options from Riedel, stylish choices from Soho Home, and great value finds from LSA International:
Best wine glasses for white wine
Whether you're enjoying a casual glass of Pinot Grigio after work or celebrating with a special bottle of Viognier, choosing the best white wine glasses can make all the difference to the experience. The best wine glasses for white wine aren't simply smaller red wine glasses — their unique shape is specifically designed to showcase the delicate aromas of whites and maintain the cool temperatures. Our buyers particularly love the sleek and slender designs from Schott Zwiesel for crisp whites, the slightly more generous bowls from Riedel for fuller-bodied whites, and the versatile options from Spiegelau.
Best glasses to drink champagne
Want to get the most out of your fizz? The right glass matters! While coupes offer a vintage charm and work for prosecco, flutes are often the best glass to drink champagne as it preserves its delicate bubbles. Prosecco, which tastes great when served a bit cooler, can also benefit from a wider wine glass, like Riedel's Cuvee Prestige Prosecco glass – their unique diamond or egg shape helps maintain the chill. For special occasions, Gift Guru Tash suggests, "Modern flutes, like those from Villeroy & Boch, or classic Waterford Crystal coupes. They truly elevate the experience. Their Mixology ranges also offer uniquely cut glasses, perfect for distinguishing individual drinks or even serving desserts." Get inspired with our glass ideas that will make every sip of fizz feel like a celebration:
Best glass for drinking beer
You wouldn't drink a fine wine from a juice glass, right? The same goes for beer and cider glasses! As Tash points out, "When it comes to the best glass to drink beer, it really depends on what you are sipping. Tall Pilsner glasses are best for more carbonated drinks, like pilsners and lagers, while the best glass to drink IPA in is a bell shaped glass designed to bring out those hops. Generally tulip glasses capture rich aromas, and Stange glasses are perfect for subtle flavours and beers." She adds, "For many beer fans, the german-made Spiegelau sets the benchmark for glassware. But for a classic design to drink your pint in, I also recommend Dartington Crystal; or for something with more character, LSA International." If you're a cider fan, don't forget you want something that is similar in shape to a wine glass. Here's our roundup of the best beer glasses:
Best glass to drink gin
For gin fans – and let's face it, many of us in the UK are – it's about the whole experience, from start to finish. That might include a distillery tour and gin tasting at Sip & Smith (one of our most popular experience gifts with our couples), and definitely includes using the right gin glassware at home. The good news is that there are no rules with gin glasses, "It's really down to personal preference," Tash suggests. "If you prefer a balloon or Copa glass, Dartington Crystal is lovely and often recommended for classic G&Ts. They allow you to fully appreciate the aromatic complexity of the gin. But highball glasses are also a great option for a refreshing, longer serve."
Best glass to drink whiskey
So, you've got your single malt or blended Scotch, you're all settled in and ready to enjoy. Doesn't that deserve something special to savour it from? Figuring out the best glass to drink whiskey in isn't just about the technicalities; it's about making that moment feel right. As our Gift Guru, Ronan Carter, says, "For couples who truly appreciate their Scotch and want to elevate their evening drams, LSA International's whiskey range of glasses and decanters is a perfect choice. They're designed for the connoisseur, enhancing subtle flavours and offering a fantastic look and feel with their solid weight and beautiful, hand-finished detail." For a great value option with a classic design, he also recommends Royal Scot Crystal, as their whiskey glasses come as a pair — great for shared moments. Ultimately, the best glass to drink Scotch or any whiskey is whatever you like the most, but if you're looking for inspiration, here are our top 5 picks:
Best glass to drink cognac
Fans of cognac tend to think of it than more than just a drink; it's an experience to luxuriate in, whether enjoyed slowly or in a lively setting. So, what are the best glasses for drinking cognac? To highlight the rich cognac hues, our glassware buyer Charlotte recommends opting for the beautifully tinted amber glassware from Broste Copenhagen. If you're looking to unlock the full aromatic potential, a tulip-shaped glass, like those offered by Riedel, is often favoured by connoisseurs, as the shape concentrates the aromas for a more nuanced tasting experience. And for those who appreciate timeless elegance, the exquisite crystal pieces from Waterford Crystal offer both beauty and quality.
Best glass to drink rum
Rum offers a diverse range of experiences, from sipping aged varieties to crafting vibrant cocktails. To truly get the most out of each, you need the right glasses for drinking rum. Liza recommends, "For neat sipping, a snifter or rocks glass can work wonders. For those classic rum cocktails, a highball or coupe might be your go-to." Here are our buyers' best glasses for rum lovers:
Best glass to drink liquer
"The best glass to drink liqueur depends on your liqueur preference," explains our glassware buyer, Charlotte. "Specifically, the best glass to drink Bailey's or other rich cream liqueurs is a small snifter or cordial glass, like the vintage-inspired designs from The Vintage List or the timeless Royal Scot Crystal. These concentrate the creamy, sweet scents. But for chilled liqueurs or shots, where you want a quick, intense burst of flavour, a small, straight-sided, often pre-chilled glass is ideal." Discover our top recommendations for liqueur glasses below:
Best glass for a negroni
Three ingredients: gin, Campari, vermouth. Maybe a twist of orange. Simple, right? But the Negroni? It's a whole mood. Like a perfectly tailored suit or a classic car, it's about understated cool. The best glass for a Negroni is typically an old-fashioned tumbler glass. Its wide, short shape allows ample ice, keeping the drink chilled, while the clear walls showcase the Negroni's rich, ruby hue. To elevate your cocktail hour, our Gift Guru Liza recommends playful glass pieces from Late Afternoon or contemporary styles by William Yeoward Crystal.
Best glass for a martini
A martini's elegance is something we can all appreciate, and part of that enjoyment comes from the right glassware. "While the classic V-shape is a popular choice, it's fun to explore other options!" says our glassware buyer, Charlotte. "Rounded Nick & Nora glasses offer a lovely vintage feel, cut crystal adds a touch of sparkle, and vintage coupes bring a charming, old-world vibe," she adds. Ultimately, the best cocktail glass for drinking a martini should feel good in your hand, look beautiful, and make enjoying your drink even more special."
Still not found the best glass for you? Browse our full collection. Every brand and item we offer has been hand-selected by our team of buyers.
BROWSE ALL GLASSWARELooking For More Wedding Registry Ideas?
Try our guides to the best:
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