Best Highball Glasses
High quality glassware can make a difference in the quality of the experience of enjoying a beverage. Whether enjoying an alcoholic beverage or a drink like water, juice, soda or iced tea, a highball glass is a great choice for glassware to highlight.
A highball glass is a tall, cylindrical piece of glassware that typically holds between eight to twenty ounces. In bars, highball glasses are used for tall mixed drinks (built in the glass) with ice. Some cocktails that are typically served in highball glasses include: Cosmopolitan, Brandy Alexander, Kamikaze. Drinks with a shot of liquor with a non-alcoholic mixer like soda are also commonly served in highball glasses.
If you are considering the purchase of a set of highball glasses, you have come to the right place. Our experts have sifted through countless options that are available on the market that all have subtle differences in design, function, and quantity. We have scoured through the product information and details to share our recommendations on five different highly rated highball glasses sets.
Our picks highlight notable product features along with pros and cons that will help you make your product comparisons. This article also includes additional resources, such as, frequently asked questions and important things to consider that will help you get the information you need to make a smart choice when purchasing a great set of highball glasses for your home bar or kitchen cabinets. This article will help you get the information you need to make a good decision for purchasing a great highball glass set to enjoy your drinks in style. Continue reading to learn more!
Best Overall Set of Four – Red Rocks Highball Glasses [Set of 4] + 4 Stainless Steel Straws
The Red Rocks brand set of four highball glasses is a good pick for a quality set. This set is constructed from lead-free crystal clear glass and has a capacity of 16 fluid ounces. These glasses are designed with a thick, heavy square base that provides stability. The glasses are six inches tall and have a circular brim that has a three inch diameter. These glasses are great for both everyday use and entertaining. They’re easy to clean and come with a bonus set of stainless steel straws.
PROS:
- Stable design
- Unique, attractive look
- Comfortable feel
- Dishwasher Safe
- Come with a set of 4 stainless steel straws
CONS:
- Can break easier than more expensive glassware
Best Overall Set of Six -Paksh Novelty Italian Highball Glasses [Set of 6]
Paksh Novelty Italian Highball Glasses are our top pick for a set of six durable, fashionable, and functional highball glasses. These 13-ounce (385 ml) glasses are made from lead-free glass and have a contemporary look that is perfect for entertaining or everyday use. These glasses have a cylindrical shape that is easy to grasp with a thick base and lightweight construction. These glasses are also dishwasher safe.
PROS:
- Sleek and easy to handle
- Stylish
- Clear
- Dishwasher safe
CONS:
- Although they are dishwasher safe, reviewers have reported that they have had best results hand washing
Best Overall Set of 2 – Sun’s Tea 20oz Ultra Clear Strong Double Wall Insulated Thermo Highball Glass
The Sun Tea company makes a great set of 20 ounce capacity ultra clear highball glasses. These glasses have a unique double walled, wave design that offers a good grip and an insulation factor, which keeps cold drinks cold longer. These highball glasses are sturdy and durable, dishwasher and microwave safe.
PROS:
- Sturdy and durable
- Can be used for both cold and hot liquids
- Dishwasher safe
- High capacity
CONS:
- Expensive
Best Overall Set of 12 – Le’raze Highball Glasses [Set of 12]
If you are in the market for a high quality set of 12 highball glasses, the Le’raze brand set of 12 is a great choice.. With a capacity of 16 ounces, this set is a great size and versatile, great for anyone’s favorite drink. These glasses have good clarity, a heavy base, and are dishwasher safe. These are a great pick at a great price for a set of twelve tumblers.
PROS:
- Attractive design, square base with a round top
- Solid base
- Good value
- Perfect for entertaining or everyday use
CONS:
- Not the best packaging, there have been reports of some glasses cracking during shipment
Best Overall Gift Set – INCANA Highball Glasses Set of 4
If you are looking to purchase a gift set of high quality highball glasses, the INCANA brand offers this great set of four crystal cut glasses in attractive packaging. These glasses are of a good weight and have a capacity of just under 12 fluid ounces. They are made from 100% lead free high clarity glass and have a look inspired by the Gatsby era of the 1920’s.l This attractive set would be a wonderful addition to any bar and/or make a great gift.
PROS:
- High quality
- Stylish and elegant
- Great value
- Attractive, gift-ready packaging
CONS:
- Cannot purchase additional matching glasses individually
Frequently Asked Questions
How did a highball glass get its name?
According to the Difford’s Guide for Discerning Drinkers, the highball drink developed in the late 1800’s. The earliest records of Highball cocktail recipes have been found in 1895 in The Mixicologist by Chris Lawyer and Harry Johnson’s The Bartender’s Manual from 1900. The drink name had roots in early England and also ties to some old railroad terms. The glassware has been named after the drink where liquor was mixed with ice and a non-alcoholic seltzer-like mixer.
What can highball glasses be used for?
You can use highball glasses for any cold beverage including juice, sodas, iced tea, and alcoholic beverages. One set of highball glasses featured in this article is designed for both hot and cold beverages. Highball glasses are versatile and can be used for everyday use or for entertaining.
What are the benefits of using highball glasses?
The glassware you drink your beverages from matters. Highball glasses typically have a weighted base and are made from clear glass to highlight and accentuate the aesthetics of your beverage. Highball glasses are tall, narrow and are designed to accommodate ice cubes. So, a specifically designed highball is the perfect size and weight for a mixed drink or cocktail. Highball glasses also are great for non-alcoholic iced beverages over ice.
What is the capacity of a typical highball glass?
The highball glasses featured in this article feature glasses with capacities ranging from 12 to 20 ounces. These glasses offer space for ice for a typical mixed drink or cocktails and offer versatility for other drink use.
What is the difference between a highball glass and other glasses that you would have in a bar?
There are all different kinds of glasses that are standard in a bar and they each offer specific benefits. Some common bar glassware includes: rocks glasses (short with thick bases, wide rims and medium capacity, champagne glasses (thin, stemmed and fluted); martini, wine and margarita glasses (wide, stemmed and fluted); shot glasses (short, thick, low capacity). Highball glasses are tall and high capacity.
What to Look for When Purchasing Highball Glasses
Now that you have seen our top picks of highball glasses on the market today, here are some things to consider when you decide which set will work best for you based on your needs and preferences.
Material Type
Drinkware can be made from glass, plastic/plastic blends, wood, metal or ceramic materials. Although glass is a highly popular material because of its look, function, durability and ease for cleaning. Crystal is a type of glass that is not only beautiful, but flexible and durable enough to accommodate structural patterns and twists, while keeping its strength. Some crystal glassware can be made with lead-oxide, which can pose health risks and leach unwanted flavors, so seeking out lead-free versions is most desirable. All of the highball glasses featured in this article are lead-free.
Design
Highball glasses with thicker walls and bases will offer better durability and stability. Highball glasses should have a wide enough top to accommodate ice cubes and a thick enough base to offer for stability and a comfortable grip and feel. Highball glasses constructed of thin glass are more prone to breakage like chipping, shattering or cracking. If desired, look for products that are dishwasher safe for ease of cleaning.
Size
When considering your purchase, think about the capacity of the drinking glass you most desire based on the type of drinks you will be using them for most frequently. Smaller capacity highball glasses (closer to 12 ounces) are best for alcoholic beverages, whereas larger capacity glasses (up to 20 ounces) are more desirable for non-alcoholic beverages like water, juice, sodas or iced tea. But, your choice ultimately comes down to your individual preferences.
Quantity
Think about the quality of glasses that are in a set when making your purchase. The sets featured in this article come in sets of two, four, six, and twelve. If you want matching glasses and want easy options for expanding your glassware or replacing a broken item, think about how many glasses you will get with each individual purchase.
Accessories
There are a lot of accessories you may be interested in considering when outfitting your home bar. You may want to consider purchasing accessories, such as: tongs, shakers, strainers and mixers. Other accessories like cleaning tools and coasters help extend the life of your drinkware.
Cost
Just like with any purchase, some highball glasses cost more than others. Higher quality crystal and thicker glasses typically cost more. Higher price points often correlate with the quality and durability of materials as well as function and design. When you are making a purchase the price point will also often correlate with the durability and feel. You can also look at offerings, such as warranties, and satisfaction guarantees to help you be confident in your purchase as well.
Conclusion
Purchasing a good set of highball glasses is a good investment for a home bar or for a versatile set of glassware for everyday use. Having the knowledge of what to look for to make a smart choice can help you be confident with your purchase, especially with all of the choices that are available on the market today. Each and every one of the highlighted highball glass sets highlighted in this article are highly recommended. Consider all of the information provided and your individual preferences in terms of materials, size, design when making your choice on which set of highball glasses will work best for you.