Beer Glasses Guide

Get hip to these popular cups

What do you think of when you think of beer glasses? From pints and steins to pilsners and snifters, the world of beer glasses is as varied as ever, but a few common styles prevail.

Styles common around the world

Most beer glasses in the United States are 16-ounce pints, often seen with brand logos printed or etched on the side. These simple tapered glasses can be used to serve porters, stouts and ales; they can also double as shakers for mixed drinks (after a good washing, of course!). Pubs in the United Kingdom serve up 20-ounce Imperial pint glasses, which feature a curved lip to allow for a headier foam top. Germany's most famous contribution to beer glasses comes in the form of steins, lidded and open-mouthed. Traditional steins are often crafted from stoneware and accented with pewter lids, while standard mugs are made of clear, heavyset glass. Both styles feature a sturdy handle, perfect for making toasts with friends new and old, and wide mouths encourage hearty gulps. On the other end of the spectrum, snifters help you enjoy subtle scents and flavors in specialty brews, perfect for savoring the "nose" of aromatic Belgian ales. Weizen beer glasses have a unique hourglass shape designed specifically to serve wheat beer, which is available in light, dark, and high-alcohol varieties, and pilsner glasses are just that -- ideal for light "table" beers like their namesake, showcasing color and carbonation with delicate, fluted style.

With classic forms and designs that have endured the years, these popular beer glasses are here to stay.