If you want to make stirred cocktails the right way, you will need a mixing glass. The most important factors to consider when looking for the best mixing glass are the durability, weight, capacity, and style. After lots of researching products and reviews, I’ve found the best mixing glasses available, and some of them even come in wonderful sets!
Mixing glasses are staple bar tools. They are generally made of glass, but can occasionally be made of stainless steel. Ideally, mixing glasses have a sturdy base and a pour spout and are wide enough for a comfortable stir. Plus, they look better than a mixing tin.
If you choose to use a mixing glass, you’ll need a cocktail strainer to filter out ice and any solid bits of fruits and herbs. And of course, mixing your drink won’t be complete without a bar spoon. In the top picks below, I have included both mixing glasses and sets with additional tools.
My Top Picks for The Best Cocktail Mixing Glass
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Editor's Choice  |
| Check Price →Read Our Review |
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| Check Price →Read Our Review |
Best Set  |
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| Check Price →Read Our Review |
Best Mixing Glasses
If you’re not sure which mixing glass to get for your home bar, below are more detailed reviews for each of the products listed above.
MOFADO Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass
The MOFADO Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass is the perfect choice if you are looking for the best mixing glass with an elegant design. This mixing glass is crafted using high quality, super transparent lead-free crystal. It also features a thick, weighted base for stability while stirring.
The MOFADO mixing glass has a seamless diamond-cut pattern. It doesn’t have the typical Yarai design, but it’s unique. It’s definitely one of the prettiest I’ve seen. Upon reading online reviews, some inconsistencies were found, but on the other hand, customer service is great. It is a mixing glasses loved by many, and it will look beautiful on your bar.
Pros:
– High quality crystal
– Thick weighted bottom for stability
– Elegant design
– Dishwasher safe
Cons:
– Some inconsistency between products
Modern Mixing Glass
A Bar Above Mixing Glass
Looking for a more clean and simple design with the same high quality? The A Bar Above Mixing Glass is an excellent choice. This mixing vessel is designed with durable hand-blown glass and a weighted flat base for stability. That is an important feature in any mixing glass.
The A Bar Above mixing glass is a versatile vessel that fits industry standard Julep and Hawthorne strainers. It is also the ideal size for a mixing glass with 18 ounces of liquid capacity. This dishwasher-safe mixing glass is created by bartenders, for bartenders.
This product comes in three different styles if you want something more decorative.
Pros:
– Designed by bartenders
– Will fit any style
– Weighted and flat bottom provides stability
– Dishwasher safe
Cons:
– Glassware can be fragile
Best Mixing Glass Set
Regal Trunk & Co. Classic Cocktail Mixing Glass Set
If you need all of the bar tools required for stirred cocktails, the Regal Trunk & Co. Classic Cocktail Mixing Glass Set is the best mixing glass set. It’s a really good value and it looks expensive. You won’t even have to worry about whether or not your hawthorne strainer will fit, as the one included is made specifically for the mixing glass in this set.
The Regal Trunk & Co. mixing glass has a creative version of the classic diamond cut design, which will look really classy for serving drinks. It’s made of mouth-blown crystal and holds up to 19.6 ounces of liquid capacity.
As for the rest of the set, there is a 10.6” twist-handled bar spoon, a hawthorne strainer, a Japanese style jigger (1oz & 2oz capacity), and a polishing cloth to keep it all looking sharp.
Pros:
– Large capacity
– Comes with all the tools you need for stirred cocktails
– Has a creative diamond-cut design
– Packaged well
– Dishwasher safe
Cons
- None found
Stainless Steel Mixing Glass Set
BROBAR Cocktail Mixing Glass
If you’re looking for a truly unique mixing glass, check out the BROBAR Cocktail Mixing Glass. It’s made of stainless steel and comes with a matching Hawthorne strainer. It still has the classic diamond-cut pattern, but with a modern twist.
The BROBAR mixing glass is made of a premium-grade stainless steel, which will not corrode or discolor. Like the others, it has a durable and thick bottom for added stability. It has a double walled design for insulation, which will keep drinks chilled while serving. It holds up to 18 ounces of liquid capacity.
Because this mixing glass is metal, it won’t be susceptible to breaking like glass. It’s easy to wash because it is dishwasher safe.
Pros:
– Durable stainless steel
– Comes with a Hawthorne strainer
– Has a unique design
– Insulated
– Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
– Pricey for a 2-piece set
Traditional Design
Mixologists Cocktail Mixing Glass
Looking for a classic diamond-cut or Yarai mixing glass? The Mixologists Cocktail Mixing Glass is the one to get. This cylindrical mixing glass is the king of bar accessories. It’s designed with lead-free crystal glass and a heavy weighted base, and thick walls. This is a classic bar tool.
With this Mixologists mixing glass, almost any Hawthorne or Julep cocktail strainer will work with its industry standard width. Such a heavy-duty glass can withstand the stress of repeated stirring, whether you’re an enthusiast or a seasoned bartender.
This mixing glass can hold up to 17 ounces of liquid capacity, allowing you to make two servings or cocktails.This cocktail mixing glass will elevate your home bar setup with its timeless design, which is one of the things I’m critical about when it comes to glassware. I know you are too!
Pros:
– Durable and sturdy
– Classic diamond pattern
– Works with nearly any Hawthorne or Julep strainers
– Wide spout offers easy pouring
Cons:
– Inconsistency with the bottom shape among reviews
A Buyer’s Guide for Choosing the Best Cocktail Mixing Glass
When shopping for a cocktail mixing glass, it’s important to look into the product’s capacity and material. You’ll also want to consider the type or design of the glass that you’re going to use for your home bar. Find out everything you need to know about cocktail mixing glasses with the handy buying guide below.
Capacity
If you are a bartender, a good mixing glass size should be large enough to accommodate at least 2 cocktails at a time. This way, you can make more drinks faster.
Cocktail mixing glasses come in various sizes. But a mixing glass with at least 18 ounces should be sufficient. Such a size of mixing glass can make two drinks at a time.
Material
In general, mixing vessels are made of one material, but that material must be durable and weighty. As I’ve mentioned in the beginning, mixing glasses are either made of stainless steel or glass, which are both durable and dishwasher safe.
I personally prefer a glass mixing glass because I like the sound of ice hitting the walls of the glass as I stir it. To me, it sounds festive.
Crystal vs Glass
What is the difference between crystal and glass? It’s sometimes hard to tell the difference when product descriptions are not consistent or when crystal is used to describe a fancy glass, but not one actually made with crystal.
Crystal is a high-quality type of glass made from flint glass, where regular glass is typically made from sand. Crystal is also clearer/more transparent and heavier than standard glass.
Types of Mixing Vessels
How you intend to use a mixing glass determines the type of mixing glass you’re going to get. Unless you operate in a busy cocktail lounge, a metal vessel may be the best choice due to its sturdiness and potential to chill drinks faster. But glass mixing vessels are more traditional, and honestly more appealing to the eye.
They usually have a weighted base for stability. Glass mixing glasses work well in rising cocktail bars, however, the risk of shattering is higher than with a metal mixing glass. And this is true, no matter how thick the glass is. Below are the types of mixing glasses you could choose from.
Pint Glass
Pint glasses are sometimes used by mixologists, despite lacking the scope of a typical mixing glass. Such glasses are sturdy enough to take a beating and are a great budget option. If you use a Boston shaker with a pint glass, you can also use the pint glass half as an alternative to a mixing glass.
Stainless Steel Shaker Tin
If you have a stainless steel Boston shaker tin set, you may also use the larger tin as a mixing glass. However, it doesn’t give you quite enough room for sufficient stirring. This will work in a pinch though.
Stemmed Mixing Glass
Stemmed mixing glasses are pretty, but the stem requires holding the bottom flat on the table with your non-stirring hand. This is just a different way of mixing, and a unique choice for a bartender or cocktail enthusiast look for a unique flair. Here is an example of a stemmed mixing glass.
Traditional Mixing Glass
The traditional mixing glass has to be the most common and workable type of mixing glasses. This type is cylindrical with a pour spout and a weighted bottom. It has pretty much all of the key requirements for making a classic stirred cocktail.
Designs of Mixing Glasses
A lot of cocktail mixing glasses are usually cylindrical. But old-fashioned ones are stemmed with a more rounded bowl. Although the latter is a classy way of serving stirred cocktails, it is fair to assume that the traditional, cylindrical glass is more practical to use. Below are some designs that are often seen in the bar.
Seamless Plain Glass
Seamless plain mixing glasses are one of the most popular ones. They are minimalistic, with no added embellishments. Seamless means there is no glass seam running down the side. For this design, I recommend the A Bar Above Mixing Glass.
Diamond-Cut Glass
Diamond-cut is a favorite among seasoned bartenders due to its iconic cross-hatched pattern. Besides that, the deep diamond cuts make the mixing glass easier to hold, as there is a little texture to grab. The Mixologists Cocktail Mixing Glass is the product of this design that I would recommend.
Modern Pattern
Modern pattern mixing glasses are creative designs that echo the traditional ones. And they are just as elegant as diamond-cut glasses. I would recommend the MOFADO Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass for this design.
Double-Walled Stainless Steel
Doubled-walled stainless steel mixing glasses are excellent for insulation and unique to other designs. This keeps your drinks cold for a longer period. They usually have more heft to them than regular stainless steel shaker tins. For this design, I would recommend the BROBAR Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Price
It’s a well-known fact that mixing glasses cost more than regular drinking glasses. Depending on the material and added components that come with a mixing glass (such as an extra stirring spoon or cocktail strainer), you may find a few ones that are priced even higher.
Always pick one that matches your needs and your budget. But if you’re a bar owner or a professional bartender, a mixing glass with a more professional design will be preferable. You can refer to the types and designs of mixing glasses above to help you decide.
When Do You Need a Mixing Glass?
One of the essential instruments of a professional bartender is a mixing glass. It’s particularly essential for cocktails stirred with a bar spoon, which tend to be spirit heavy, like a Negroni, Manhattan, or Sazerac.
These types of drinks are stirred, not shaken, to avoid the drinks from becoming foamy or cloudy. But you would not make a margarita or a daiquiri in a mixing glass. Drinks that contain lots of citrus or fruit juice should be shaken in a shaker rather than swirled in a mixing glass.
FAQs
How do I choose a mixing glass?
Pick a mixing glass with a heavy and stable base, wide mouth, and good looking design. A spout usually comes standard, but don’t get one without a pour spout.
What is a Yarai mixing glass?
The diamond-cut shape inside the glass is referred to as “Yarai” and is a Japanese term which translates to “night coming.” Seems a fitting name for a cocktail mixing glass pattern. Such mixing glasses are typically thick and sturdy, traditional, and will make a great addition to any bar.
How big of a mixing glass do I need?
The ideal size of a mixing glass will depend on your needs and the bar setting, but 18 ounces of liquid capacity should be sufficient for mixing two cocktails.
Is a mixing glass necessary?
A mixing glass is optional, but you want to get the most efficient bar tools for the job at hand. You could technically use your shaker tin or a pint glass, but those are shaped differently, making mixing a little harder. Professional bartenders use mixing glasses, and I think it’s safe to say that a mixing glass is a great investment if you want to achieve the perfect drink. Plus, they are fun to use.
Conclusion
My favorite is the MOFADO Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass because it’s pretty much everything that you need in a mixing glass. Plus, I love the pattern on it. A close second is the A Bar Above Mixing Glass because it is just as great, but with a clean, modern design.
If you’re looking for a durable and unique stainless steel option, you may check out the BROBAR Cocktail Mixing Glass.
If you need a whole set for stirred drinks, the Regal Trunk & Co. Classic Cocktail Mixing Glass Set would be perfect.
Make sure to check out the latest prices and promos on these amazing bar tools. They are all great options for mixing up some tasty concoctions! Be sure to check out the mocktail collection for inspiration for your next drink.
