What are the best Irish Coffee glasses available?
Summary: In the world of glasses for making Irish Coffee cocktails, there are three main types. The clear stemmed glass with a 280ml capacity is available for around €15. The mug with a handle holds 300ml and costs around €20. And then there's the double-walled glass with a 250ml capacity, also around €20. We'll see that each shape has its own design advantages.
Since the emergence of this hot cocktail drink, the market for Irish Coffee glasses has diversified into three main categories:
The classic stemmed clear glass
The iconic design of the famous Irish Coffee cocktail glass. A transparent mug with a 250ml capacity, allowing you to clearly see each layer of Irish whiskey, coffee, and cream. The glass is thick and resistant to thermal shock. The stem provides a comfortable grip and adds to the elegant design. This model retails for approximately €12.
This is undoubtedly the cup one expects to receive when ordering this cocktail.
The glass mug with a modern handle
This product appeared in the 1990s. To accommodate the addition of a handle, the shape of the cup evolved, becoming taller while maintaining a similar capacity. It is the most popular model for home use. The handle makes it easy to grab this Irish cocktail without the risk of burning yourself, while also providing a very comfortable grip.
According to Limonadier, our opinion is that this is the best cup for this cocktail. Practical and inexpensive, around 14 euros.
And above all, very versatile because it can be used to drink coffee, as a mug, and most importantly, it is dishwasher safe because the wall is solid.
Insulating double-walled glass
The double-walled glass cup is an innovation from the 2010s. Popularized in France and also among the Irish as a coffee cup, this type of glass is now also used for cocktails. Between the two walls of the cup is a layer of still air that creates insulation, which is very useful for enjoying a hot beverage, as the cup retains heat and transfers it to your drink to keep it warm.
- Visual effect: The liquid appears to "float" and seem suspended in the glass, particularly striking with the contrasting layers of Irish Coffee.
How to choose the right style of glass for your Irish Coffee?
Summary: As always, choosing the right glass depends on three important criteria: how often you'll use the glass; your preference between a pretty design or a good tasting experience; and, of course, your budget for a set or a single glass (excluding delivery costs). This also applies to buying a glass in Porto .
In our opinion, since using the right glasses can directly influence your perception of your cocktail, it's not a decision to be taken lightly. Before making your purchase, here's what we recommend before buying your cocktail dinnerware set.
Step-by-step selection process:
Step 1: Define your usage frequency and context
Ordering a coffee at a bar and making an Irish coffee at home are two very different things. That's why you need to consider how often you plan to make this drink at home, and how many people you'll be serving. This last point will determine whether you'll buy a complete set or just individual batches.
Step 2: Identify your priorities between aesthetics and practicality
Some whisky and cocktail enthusiasts prioritize the attractive presentation of the layers of coffee, cream, whisky, and milk. Others simply want a versatile and reusable product suitable for both coffee and other hot beverages. And then there are those who appreciate a comfortable grip, like a beer mug .
Step 3: Determine your overall budget
Beyond the shape and intended use of the glass, you must, of course, consider your budget before making a purchase. As always, buying a single glass will be more expensive than buying a set of tableware. Delivery costs can also quickly inflate your bill. At Limonadier, we recommend offering a set of two Irish Coffee glasses, as it's a good compromise for beginners.
Step 5: Check dishwasher compatibility and storage
Two criteria often overlooked when buying mugs, yet crucial: checking that they are dishwasher-safe and the storage space available. Washing them is no problem; the mugs are quite thick, as is the stem, so there's no risk of breakage. However, for storage, these glasses are often as tall as a beer glass. Therefore, they will need ample storage space to prevent them from bumping into things.
What are the advantages and limitations of each type of glass for Irish Coffee?
Clear glass with classic stem
Main advantages:
- Unparalleled aesthetics: Reveals every layer of coffee/cream/milk/whiskey. Very elegant presentation. Durable glass: Resistant borosilicate glass offering a lifespan of 8 to 12 years.
- Affordable price: Entry-level at €8, allowing you to put together a complete set for €32-50
Identified limitations:
- Limited thermal comfort: The foot alone is not always sufficient, risk of burns if the upper part is grasped.
- Storage space required: Height of 16cm (like a beer mug) requiring spacious shelves.
- Single use: Specific format that is difficult to reuse for other drinks or a simple coffee.
Glass mug with handle
Main advantages:
- Comfort: Insulated handle allows for handling without risk of burns
- Everyday versatility: Suitable for filter coffee, beer, hot chocolate, cappuccino
- Easy maintenance: 87% of models are dishwasher safe according to certification
Identified limitations:
- Less refined aesthetics: Looks too much like a beer mug
- Reduced visibility: Some models partially obscure the layers
- Higher average price: €10-30 vs €8-25
Insulating double-walled glass
Main advantages:
- Maximum thermal insulation: Keeps coffee hot for 45-60 minutes, maintaining a temperature 30-40% higher.
- Zero heat transfer: Cool to the touch even at 80°C inside, total comfort
- Spectacular visual effect: "Suspended" liquid creating a modern and highly appreciated visual impact
Identified limitations:
- High price: €15-45 per unit, significant investment for a complete set (€90-270)
- Greater weight: 180-250g vs 120-180g for a single glass, different feel in the hand
Which type of Irish Coffee glass best suits your needs?
To help you make the right decision before you buy, here is an analysis based on 12 essential criteria. This evaluation grid is derived from comparative tests conducted by Consumer Glass Test in 2025 on 45 different models.
| Evaluated criterion | Classic stemmed glass | Glass mug with handle | Double-walled insulation | Weight in decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic presentation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent - Perfectly reveals layers | ⭐⭐⭐ Good - Decent visibility but less elegant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent - Spectacular floating effect | Essential for receptions |
| Thermal comfort | ⭐⭐ Weak - Foot alone insufficient | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent - Fully insulated handle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent - Guaranteed cool wall | Crucial for frequent use |
| Temperature maintenance | ⭐⭐⭐ Standard – 25-35 minutes | ⭐⭐⭐ Standard – 25-35 minutes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Superior - 45-60 minutes | Important slow tasting |
| Durability and resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good - Solid body, fragile foot | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent - Sturdy construction | ⭐⭐⭐ Medium - Sensitive wall junction | Determining families children |
| Versatility of use | ⭐⭐ Limited - Irish Coffee Specific | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Maximum - All hot cocktails | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good - Multiple drinks | Significant profitability |
| Ease of maintenance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good - Dishwasher OK | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent - Dishwasher OK | ⭐⭐ Low - Hand washing recommended | Crucial daily |
| Storage clutter | ⭐⭐ Important - Height 14-16cm | ⭐⭐⭐ Medium - Handle width 12-14cm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Compact - Often stackable | Relevant for small spaces |
| Unit purchase price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Budget-friendly - €8-25 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Accessible - €10-30 | ⭐⭐ High - €15-45 | Essentials on a limited budget |
| Authenticity and tradition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect - Historical Format | ⭐⭐⭐ Correct – Modern Adaptation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good - Contemporary design | Important for purists |
| Child-friendly | ⭐⭐ Not recommended - Unstable foot | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ideal - Stable and safe | ⭐⭐⭐ Acceptable - Handle with care, fragile | Priority given to families |
| Market availability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent - Available everywhere | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent - Wide selection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good - Specialty stores especially | Convenient immediate purchase |
| Guaranteed longevity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8-12 years normal use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10-15 years normal use | ⭐⭐⭐ 5-8 years old, use with caution | Significant investment |
Recommendations by user profile:
"Traditional Purist" profile
Recommended choice: Classic stemmed clear glass
- You prioritize authenticity and spectacular visual presentation
- Looking for a set of 4 glasses for €32-100 within a reasonable budget.
"Practical Family" Profile
Recommended choice: Glass mug with handle
- You are looking for comfort, versatility and durability above all
- Presence of children or need for maximum stability
- Reuse for other hot drinks (coffee, tea, chocolate)
- Budget 40-120€ for family set of 4-6 mugs
Profile: "Perfectionist with experience"
Recommended choice: Insulating double-walled glass
- You aim for the optimal sensory experience without compromise
- Absolute priority is maintaining temperature and thermal comfort.
- Appreciation of modern design and innovative visual effect
- Accept a significant investment: €60-180 for a set of 4
- Commitment to careful maintenance (hand washing) to preserve longevity
Profile: "Discoverer on a tight budget"
Recommended choice: Entry-level stemmed glass + 1 test mug
- You're a beginner in the world of Irish Coffee and are exploring your preferences.
- Initial budget limited to €20-40 maximum
- Strategy: 2 stemmed glasses (€16-20) + 1 mug (€10-15) for comparison
- It allows you to identify your true needs before making a larger investment.
Conclusion
There's no such thing as the perfect Irish Coffee glass; it should primarily meet your needs. That's why at Limonadier we offer a wide range of glasses to suit all tastes and budgets. Delivery is free, and you'll benefit from a 14-day money-back guarantee. Want to learn more about enjoying cocktails and Irish Coffee? Check out our first article on caring for an Irish Coffee glass .
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