Mixing glass are both beautiful and frustrating. In San Francisco near where I live, you can’t have a craft cocktail bar without a Yarai Mixing glass. But glass means risk of breakage – so today I’m going to look a few different types and I’ll give my recommendation for the one I liked to use behind the bar.

Mixing Glass Review:

Mixing Glasses Mentioned in the Video:

Here are the mixing glasses I mentioned in the video.  You should know – some of the links below are affiliate links and clicking on them supports our site.  Thank you for your support!

Availability Update (2015)

Since this video was filmed, availability of the Mixing Glasses I discussed has changed quite a bit. I have updated my recommendations below to reflect what is available (as of August 2015) which may not be the exact same pieces I referenced in the video.

Yarai Mixing Glass

“Yarai” is not actually a brand, it’s a reference to the diamond-cut shape within the glass. These mixing glasses are a great presentation piece. In 2012-2013 I had a lot of issues with breakage with this type of mixing glass, but in 2015 I’m finding it’s not as much of a concern. They are still glass, so you should be cautious about extreme temperature changes (like taking it right out of the hot dishwasher and filling with ice.) But if you are careful you shouldn’t have to deal with too much breakage.

Takuro Yarai Mixing Glass

Takuro is another brand that offers Mixing glasses in a variety of styles.  In 2013, it was the brand that I suggested – but unless you live in Australia, I can no longer find this item available for purchase. On the other hand, the durability of Yarai mixing glasses has improved across the board so I don’t think it’s vital that you search out this particular brand anymore.

Extra Large Mixing Glass

If you are in a high volume bar and need the extra mixing space, this is a great option. At 950mL, it’s substantially bigger than all of the other mixing glasses here. Be aware that standard Julep Strainers will not fit in this mixing glass. Also, because of the size, I have a hard time getting a good grip on the mixing glass when I am pouring.

Stemmed Mixing Glass

Another mixing glass from Cocktail Kingdom, this is another great choice if the design works for your bar. The base is a great way to secure the mixing glass during stirring, but can be cumbersome to pour from. I also found this as durable as the Takuro line.

Update: This Mixing Glass is no longer available. I will keep my eye out for another!

Do you have any other mixing glasses that you use? Tell us in the comments!

CLASSIC MIXING GLASS

It’s the perfect size for one or two drinks. It’s comfortable in your hand. It has a heavy base so it won’t slide around. And it’s available in three swanky styles! What more could you want from a mixing glass? We worked with our factory to make these the best dang mixing glasses you could buy – I think you’ll agree, they’re pretty great!

MODERN MIXING GLASS

It’s the perfect size for one or two drinks. It’s comfortable in your hand. It has a heavy base so it won’t slide around. And it’s available in three swanky styles! What more could you want from a mixing glass? We worked with our factory to make these the best dang mixing glasses you could buy – I think you’ll agree, they’re pretty great!

YARAI MIXING GLASS

It’s the perfect size for one or two drinks. It’s comfortable in your hand. It has a heavy base so it won’t slide around. And it’s available in three swanky styles! What more could you want from a mixing glass? We worked with our factory to make these the best dang mixing glasses you could buy – I think you’ll agree, they’re pretty great!

Chris Tunstall

Co-Founder of A Bar Above and career bartender and mixologist. I love experimenting, creating cocktails, and drinking Green Chartreuse.