Buying guide for Best margarita glasses
It’s one of the simplest and most beloved cocktails, and it carries with it a sense of warmth and festivity. The margarita — tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur — is a classic beverage. It provides a foundation for versatility and creativity, too, but whatever the version, for many, the drink is inseparable from the iconic margarita glass.
An efficient and versatile home bar has not only the right tools for making a variety of drinks but also the right glassware to enhance those creations. When it comes to enjoyment of a cocktail, the shape, size, and material of the glass influence more than just functionality. The glass shows off the personality and appearance of the drink as well.
In this guide, we delve into the details of margarita glasses. We take a close look at the classic margarita glass design, its variants, and why it works so well. With that knowledge, you can investigate your options and find the right margarita glass for every occasion.
Key considerations
Anatomy
The traditional margarita glass comprises a sturdy stem and a wide, curved bowl. It resembles a champagne glass but is slightly deeper to allow more ice. Most bowls feature two distinct tiers and look as if a larger bowl is atop a much smaller one. The glass is designed as such to allow for plenty of ice while still making it easy to hold and sip.
Though the bowl is wide, the glass typically features a wide base so the drink isn’t top-heavy. While most stems are slender, some variations include short, stout stems.
Material
Most margarita glasses are made of standard glass, offering a relatively inexpensive quality vessel from which to sip. Hand-blown glass options are also available. These are more durable and may look nicer, but they also come at a higher price. Another material is crystal glass, which is lighter, more durable, and more expensive than standard glass.
Some inexpensive margarita glasses are made of plastic. These are typically reserved for parties and other occasions where lots of people may be drinking. They are also useful for outside drinking, whether on the patio or at the park or beach, where glass breakage is a concern.
Though less common, some manufacturers produce stainless steel margarita glasses. These are closer in design to coupes and goblets. One benefit of stainless steel is that it provides better insulation, a plus for those who may be sipping slowly on a hot day.
Size
While the typical margarita glass holds 10 to 12 ounces, buyers are likely to find options from as small as 6 ounces to as large as 20 ounces.
When it comes to size, a key consideration is how much ice will be in the drink. For those who enjoy little ice, a smaller glass will suffice. For those who prefer more ice or want to make ice-blended margaritas with a machine, a larger glass is ideal. It’s even possible to find some novelty-sized margarita glasses that hold over 20 ounces.
Did You Know?
Shaking a drink chills the contents faster than stirring and is the preferred way to make a margarita. It also creates the desired cloudy, frothy look.
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Features
Design
Many margarita glasses feature unique designs and styles. The stem in particular may be twisted or otherwise affected. For example, for a southwestern flair, some margarita glass stems look like cacti.
Similarly, you may find glasses that incorporate a hint of color. While plastic glasses may be any number of colors, other glasses feature a hue or even a border to liven up your experience.
Stemless
Some margarita glasses lack a stem and instead feature a wide, deep base. The drink may fill the entire glass, or the base may be closed off so the beverage doesn’t touch the bottom of the glass. The height of the base will vary: in some cases, it is as tall as a standard margarita glass. In other cases, it is much shorter. Stemless glasses are easier to store and provide more stability, but you may find your warm hand heating up your cool drink.
Double-wall insulation
This feature can be found on a variety of glassware meant for iced drinks. The style features two layers of glass so the cold nature of the margarita and the warmer temperature of your hand do not meet.
Extras
A margarita glass set may come with accessories related to making and serving the cocktail. Some sets include a matching pitcher to facilitate making a batch of margaritas for a big group. Another common extra is a salt rimmer to make garnishing the edge of the glass an easy task.
Mark your calendar for February 22: National Margarita Day. With the right set of margarita glasses on hand, you’ll be ready!
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Accessories
Cocktail set: Cresimo Cocktail Shaker Bar Set
To make a proper margarita, you need the right tools. This inexpensive set from Cresimo features all you’ll need to make a variety of tasty cocktails.
Manual citrus juicer: Harold Import Co. Citrus Juicer
Lime juice is a critical part of a margarita, and it’s best to get juice from fresh limes. This manual juicer is a durable glass option from HIC.
Bar cart: eHomeProducts Chrome Metal Bar Cart
A quality bar cart offers a place to store bottles and glassware. This option from eHome Products is durable, mobile, and elegant.
Margarita machine: Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker
If you prefer frozen margaritas, you’ll need an appropriate blender that can crush ice and mix ingredients. This powerful and versatile option by Margaritaville can be used for a variety of beverages and is an impressive addition to any party.
Did You Know?
Most margaritas glasses are sold in sets of two or four. Keep in mind that breakage may occur, so you may want to buy more than you initially need. Also keep in mind that, as margarita glasses are particularly wide, they require plenty of storage space.
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Margarita glasses: prices
Inexpensive: You can find a few traditional sets of margarita glasses for $15 or less. In this price range, expect to see many plastic options as well.
Mid-range: Most sets of margarita glasses cost between $15 and $30 and include two to four glasses.
Expensive: Larger sets, as well as those made of higher-quality glass or stainless steel, cost $30 and over.
Tips
- Ice matters. The quality and shape of your ice cubes determines their effectiveness. Cubes that are cracked or have larger surface areas, like shavings, melt more quickly and dilute your drink.
- Experiment. While there is the classic, three-ingredient margarita, a variety of versions exist, with various orange liqueurs and fruits that can be included. Don't be afraid to tinker and find your favorites.
- Chill the glass. Margaritas are enjoyed cold, and it’s much easier to keep your drink cool if your glass is chilled already. Pop it in the fridge or freezer 10 to 30 minutes before making a drink.
- Avoid low-quality ingredients. There aren’t many components in a margarita, but quality matters. Opt for fresh limes, and shy away from bottom-shelf tequila and liqueur.
FAQ
Q. What other drinks or cocktails can I serve in a margarita glass?
A. While margaritas are the drink of choice for margarita glasses, you can use them for a variety of drinks. Any frozen or crushed-iced drinks would serve up nicely — particularly anything that’s colorful and frothy. Some margarita glasses lend themselves to martinis well.
Because of their eye-catching design, these are the glasses to break out for a festive gathering, whether or not everyone is enjoying a tequila-based drink.
Q. Do I have to drink a margarita out of a margarita glass?
A. While most people enjoy margaritas out of margarita glasses, the main alternative is a simple, versatile rocks glass. The rim of this glass, as well as a highball glass, can easily be salted for the classic margarita. These options aren’t ideal for frozen drinks, however. In a pinch, a martini glass may work as well for either version, though the volume may be limited.
Q. How should I wash my margarita glass?
A. While most glasses are dishwasher safe, the unique size and shape may lead to breakage if they’re not properly secured. What’s more, the glassware may become cloudy over time in a dishwasher. As such, it’s recommended to wash all margarita glasses by hand. The stems may be delicate, but the wide bowls allow for fairly easy cleaning and drying.
