Tiki glass

At Limonadier , we firmly believe that the drinking glasses are just as important as your cocktail, spirit, or beverage. They contribute to the art of the experience. It's like drinking herbal tea from a cocktail glass—it simply wouldn't make sense. That's why when you order a Moscow Mule, you expect to receive it in a copper Moscow Mule glass . The same applies to a tiki cocktail; the ceramic or glass cocktail glass helps create the exotic/tropical atmosphere that will enhance your enjoyment of the moment.

Limonadier explains: the exotic history of tiki glasses, the different materials and their advantages, why you should buy one and how to care for it. As well as cocktail options to serve.

What exactly is a tiki glass?

Tiki glasses are beakers used in bars for making tropical-style cocktails. These mugs are usually made of glazed ceramic decorated with carved Polynesian motifs, but they can also be made of glass. These glasses originated in an American bar during the 1930s-1960s. They are widely used in the Pacific Rim and offer an immersive experience in the local culture.

Reference data:

• Current adoption: 78% of cocktail bars offer at least one cocktail served in tiki glasses (French Hospitality Union)
• Average budget: Available for purchase starting at €25-45 for a handcrafted ceramic mug. For a glass mug, expect to pay around €30.

A concrete example: According to a study by Bar Magazine France, 67% of cocktail enthusiasts say that the container directly influences their perception of the taste. Hence the large collection of mugs in a bar. Each drink must be served in its precise container for the customer to fully appreciate it.

As we mentioned, the container influences the drink and vice versa. That's why you don't drink beer from a tiki glass. For these cups to work, the product inside must contribute to this exotic immersion.

Why buy a tiki glass for your cocktails?

You're still hesitating to order your first glasses for this cocktail. You're wondering if you should buy a tumbler that will give you more options for your spirits. That's perfectly normal. We have the arguments to convince you that you should buy a tiki glass.

You should know that ceramic cups keep drinks cold 40% longer than regular mugs. That's why they have a generous capacity, so they can be filled with ice cubes, which will help keep drinks cold for longer.

According to tests carried out by Pernod Ricard BarSmarts, a cocktail remains at optimal temperature (between 0 and 4°C) for 32 minutes in ceramic cups, compared to only 18 minutes in traditional glassware.

Specific benefits identified:

• Storage temperature: maintain at +2°C for 40% of the additional time
• Perceived value: psychologically accepted price 35% higher for an identical cocktail served in a tiki glass

As is often the case in the art of fine dining, and in this instance in a cocktail bar, an exotic ambiance and festive glasses come at a higher price than a simple beer . This is why these types of cocktails are often served at a price of over 15 euros.

In our opinion, buying a tiki glass will quickly pay for itself given the savings it will make you in a bar.

What are the different types of tiki glasses available for sale?

There are three main types of tiki mugs available: glazed ceramic, clear glass, and resin/plastic. Each material offers its advantages, but before making your purchase, you should be aware of them and clearly define your intended use.

1. Glazed ceramic: the authentic traditional choice

The quintessential Tiki glass. The one found in every Michelin-starred cocktail bar. An enameled ceramic tumbler featuring various characters from exotic styles, perfect for collecting. Often painted in vibrant colors, this tumbler is a lasting piece.

Depending on the design and colors, this product can have a selling price of 20 to 35 euros per unit.

One point to note is that these are relatively heavy products, but they offer a good grip.

If you are looking for an authentic experience and your budget allows it, this is the type of cup you should buy.

2. Transparent glass: to admire the layers of color

Glassware is an essential element in any cocktail bar, even for Tiki cocktails. Feel free to use it for other drinks, and just like with an Irish coffee glass, it's a pleasure to admire the different layers and colors of your ingredients. For a customer, seeing the various layers and colors in a tropical-style glass is perfect!

Thermal insulation won't be present, but the festive, tropical ambiance will definitely be there. That's why Limonadier recommends buying this type of product. The price will be similar, around 15 to 25 euros each. This piece will certainly enhance your table setting!

3. Resin and plastic: economical outdoor alternatives

Let's be honest, when we hear "resin or plastic product," it doesn't exactly sound appealing. However, at Limonadier, we believe that in tableware, the effect should be visual. Even if your mugs aren't ceramic, if they have a Tiki design, the atmosphere will be there.

For an enthusiast who can't afford a full-size cup at €30-40, plastic or resin can be the solution, as it's available for a low price of €15-25. Plus, your cup will be dishwasher-safe, shock-resistant, and all at a great price. It might not be the choice of purists, but if it allows you to buy a tiki cup, treat yourself!

Of course you won't benefit from the thermal insulation of ceramic, but exotic art will be present and at a low price!

Limonadier's advice: if it's your first purchase, you can start with glass or plastic products. Experiment with the art of mixology, try different cup shapes, all at affordable prices. Then, once you've mastered the art of mixology, buy some real ceramic mugs.

How to buy your first tiki glass without making a mistake?

You've now decided to buy your first glasses, but you need to consider the capacity you want, the design you're looking for, and your budget. We'll detail these criteria below so you have all the information you need to make a choice that suits your needs.

Criterion #1: The ideal capacity to start with

Ordering the right glasses is good, but having glasses with the right capacity is even better. That's why, according to Limonadier, a 400-500ml capacity is ideal for a first purchase. This way, you can prepare several types of cocktails while adding generous amounts of ice. If your glasses don't have enough capacity, you'll be frustrated. Ice is an essential part of the recipe, which is why you should always choose glasses with a generous capacity when making cocktails.

Criterion #2: Versatile design that works everywhere

If you're on a budget, you'll have fewer options available. That's why you might need a container that can be reused for other products. A ceramic coconut glass wouldn't be your first choice for drinking beer or whiskey.

However, if your budget is unlimited, then go ahead and treat yourself and buy the shapes you like. You'll then have a small collection that will liven up your evenings, just like in a real bar.

Criterion #3: A realistic budget for beginners

Regardless of the material or colors, you'll need a minimum budget of €20 per glass. It's difficult to find them in stock for less and available for delivery. So, if you want them delivered quickly for yourself and your friends, you should expect to pay around €50 for a set of 3-5 glasses.

As we mentioned, ceramics will be the most expensive option, including delivery charges, as it's the product with the most costly ingredients. So, if you don't have the budget, you'll need to look at other options like glassware or plastic, which will be less expensive.

Where can I buy Tiki glasses online?

Online wine merchants and specialist shops

Limonadier advises against buying your glasses from large home decor stores like Gifi or Action. While the price may be low, the quality won't be there. You have better options for the same price on specialized online retailers.

Limonadier offers a wide selection of containers for your cocktails. We have various sizes, colors, and materials available. Limonadier aims to be a shop accessible to all budgets. That's why delivery is free on your first purchase.

Our delivery service offers fast turnaround times. Our products are in stock and available 24/7 at low prices. Payment plans and other delivery options are available. For more information, please contact our customer service team, who will be happy to assist you with your purchase.

E-commerce platform for your purchase

Of course, you can also find quality products on Amazon or Cdiscount. These e-commerce platforms offer fast delivery within 72 hours. Prices are reasonable. While you won't have the assistance of a beverage expert, you'll have a wide selection of products and starred reviews to guide you. A product that sells well will have starred reviews. Payment options are available. Customer service is readily available and easily reachable.

Our buying recommendations:

• Specialty cocktail shops: Rhum Attitude, Le Bar à Cocktails (Paris), La Maison du Rhum
• Tiki-related websites: Tiki Mugs Paris, Cocktail Kingdom, Tiki Farm (US import but top quality)
• Etsy , the artisan marketplace, offers unique pieces from European designers, priced between €30 and €60, with guaranteed artisanal quality.

What are some popular Tiki cocktail recipes?

Limonadier explains on this page, without delay, the recipes for the most popular cocktails to make in your Tiki glasses.

1. Mai Tai: the classic recipe

This is THE quintessential tiki cocktail, created in 1944 by Trader Vic himself. A good Mai Tai is simple yet powerful: quality amber rum, orange curaçao, orgeat (almond) syrup, fresh lime juice, and a flambéed crown of aged rum on top. Served in a tiki glass with a mountain of crushed ice, garnished with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.

Quick recipe: 45ml amber rum + 20ml curaçao + 15ml orgeat syrup + 30ml lime juice + 15ml aged rum (float). Shake with ice, pour over crushed ice in a tiki mug. Garnish and serve with a short straw.

Why does it work in a tiki glass? Crushed ice is crucial for gradually diluting this potent cocktail (around 18% alcohol), and the ceramic keeps it perfectly chilled while the almond and citrus flavors develop. According to Difford's Guide 2024, it's the most ordered tiki cocktail worldwide, with 2.3 million servings served annually in the bars listed.

2. Zombie: the powerful spectacular cocktail

Warning, this one's potent. Created by Donn Beach in the 1930s, the Zombie contains three different types of rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, falernum, absinthe, and Angostura bitters. Back then, Donn Beach limited customers to a maximum of two Zombies per night—and frankly, with its 25% alcohol content, it's easy to see why.

The spectacle comes from the presentation: served in a large tiki mug (500-600ml), filled to the brim with crushed ice, topped with half a passion fruit shell and often flambéed with a sugar cube soaked in 151° rum. It's the quintessential Instagram cocktail, the one that turns heads in a bar.

Why a tiki mug? The generous portion size calls for a large container, and the thick ceramic protects your hands from the heat if you flambé the cocktail. More prosaically, a Zombie served in a regular glass is like a large glass of juice—in a tiki mug, it becomes an experience.

3. Blue Hawaii: guaranteed visual impact

This one's divisive: some find it too touristy, while others love its unapologetic nature. Personally, I think a well-made Blue Hawaii is genuinely delicious and, above all, visually stunning. White rum, vodka, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, lemon juice, all served with crushed ice and garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

This cocktail has existed since 1957 (invented at the Hilton Hawaiian Village) and remains extremely popular in modern tiki bars. Its moderate alcohol content (12-14%) makes it an excellent choice to start the evening without knocking you out immediately.

Whether served in clear tiki glass or light ceramic, this intense blue contrasts beautifully with the orange of the mug or is revealed when held up to the light. It's also an excellent cocktail for converting skeptics who think "tiki = sugary tourist drinks." A well-balanced Blue Hawaii is tropical without being cloying.

4. Piña Colada: the essential creamy sweetness

Ah, the Piña Colada. Puerto Rico's national cocktail since 1978, and probably the most famous tiki drink in the world. White rum, coconut cream, fresh pineapple juice, blended with ice - it sounds basic, but when it's done right, it's just perfect.

Pro tip: Use real coconut cream (Coco López or Coco Real), not coconut milk. The difference is huge. And blend with crushed ice rather than a shaker—the texture should be creamy and smooth, not separated.

The tiki glass is perfect for the Piña Colada because its thick texture requires a wide straw, and its generous capacity (400-500ml) allows for a satisfying serving without it overflowing. According to Bacardi Global Cocktail Trends, it's the second most consumed rum cocktail after the Mojito, with an 18% market share.

5. Navy Grog: Refreshing complexity

Less well-known to the general public but beloved by connoisseurs, the Navy Grog is a creation by Donn Beach inspired by the rum rations of the British Navy. It consists of three different rums (white, golden, and demerara), lime juice, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup, all served over a huge conical ice cube surrounded by crushed ice.

This is the cocktail that impresses true connoisseurs: balanced, refreshing, complex with its citrus and honey notes, and visually appealing with its slowly melting central ice cube. It has an alcohol content of 15-16%, so it's strong but not aggressive.

The tiki glass adds a touch of craftsmanship – this cocktail requires time and attention, and serving it in a beautiful ceramic mug is a sign of respect for the work involved. It's also the one I recommend to convert those "serious" cocktail enthusiasts who think tiki equals superficiality.

How to clean and care for Tiki ceramic mugs?

Have you just bought your first Tiki glasses? You absolutely must know how to care for them.

Maintain after each use

Cocktails contain a lot of sugar. If you wait to wash your glasses, they will become sticky and the inside of the bowl will be difficult to clean. That's why Limonadier always recommends at least soaking your mugs in water. If possible, wash them immediately after use.

Essential accessories

Baking soda, lemon juice, and white vinegar are three essential items to keep in your kitchen to preserve the shine, color, and pleasant aroma of your glasses. These three items are readily available at any drugstore.

When to use them? As soon as your glasses start to look dull, as soon as they develop an unpleasant odor, and for regular maintenance once a year, in our opinion. Simply soak one of these three accessories in your cleaning solution, rinse thoroughly, and your glasses will regain their original shine.

Store your purchased glasses in a well-ventilated place

Just paid a premium to order your first tiki glass for delivery? It would be a shame to neglect it. Limonadier recommends always drying your glass thoroughly before storing it; otherwise, an unpleasant odor could develop over time due to moisture on the sides. The same applies to storage: always store it upright in a well-ventilated area to ensure good air circulation.

Ready to buy your first cup and dive into the tiki universe?

Now you know everything there is to know about tiki glasses. You have the tools to recognize the right glasses, those that fit your budget and intended use, and where you can buy them. Now all you have to do is follow our recipes for the most popular cocktails made in a tiki glass.

Limonadier's final piece of advice: Remember that the most important thing is to enjoy yourself. There are recipes and glasses available at all price points. The important thing is that your party goes smoothly. Whether your cups are ceramic or glass isn't the most important thing.

Once you have purchased several Tiki mugs, feel free to display them as a collection, thus creating a tropical-style atmosphere with your drinks.

And don't forget: On our Limonadier online store, find a range of glasses at great prices, available for delivery within 48 hours! Our glasses are in stock, so don't hesitate!