Whether you plan to sit around the fire with an Irish coffee, host an epic meal or simply sip pinor noir solo on the deck, there’s a drinkware option that would likely elevate your experience. We chatted with Mackenzie Putici, a Toronto-based certified sommelier, mixologist, and founder of New World Wine Tours to get a better idea of the drinkware you need for inspired cottage sipping.
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Irish coffee mug
“This type of glass is perfect for hot toddies, Irish coffees and hot chocolates, since it insulates the drink,” says Putici. “Plus, it looks sharp.”
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Stemless wine glass
“For great outdoor wine glasses, look for a wide-based stemless wine glass with some weight to it,” says Putici. “They are stable on uneven surfaces and, with a low center of gravity, are not prone to falling or blowing over. These can be glass or plastic or acrylic.” He recommends these Govino ones because: “They are lightweight, durable, and reusable. Plus, they’re crystal clear so that can see the vibrancy of the wine as you sip.”
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Insulated tumbler
“I always advocate for drinking your beer from a glass so that you get the full impact of the beer’s aromatics,” says Putici. Since glassware isn’t ideal on the dock or boat, he recommends this insulated wine tumbler for your brew (or vino).
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Rocks glass
“A versatile glass for mixing highballs, sipping whisky or tequila,” says Putici. “It’s also the preferred glass for a number of cocktails—like an Old Fashioned or Negroni.”
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Collins glass
“They work for beer, soda, cocktails, slushy drinks, and, of course, a tall drink of water to keep you hydrated.”
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Stemmed wine glass
“While not necessary for every cottage, serving wine is an enjoyable affair, and having proper stemware can truly enhance the experience and presentation,” says Putici. He explains that stemware also has the bonus of keeping your wine colder while drinking because you tend to avoid touching the liquid in the bell of the glass which warms to more quickly. If you choose a more neutral shape, that works for almost all wines. “If you like to dabble in Burgundian varietals like Pinot Nour and Chardonnays, you could opt for the wider belled glass.”
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Insulated beer sleeve
If glass is a no-go, another option Putici recommends is an insulated beer sleeve to keep cans cold.
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Pint glass
As Putici said, he always recommends sipping your beer from a glass, so you can enjoy the aromatics. “There are a variety of shapes and sizes among glassware for beer,” says Putici. “If you are just looking for a nice glass to fit any beer I suggest a wide-mouth pint.”
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Stemmed whiskey snifter or copita
“For those cottage goers who enjoy a digestif after dinner, these glasses with a smaller volume allow for the appreciation of fine whisky, port, liqueurs and bitters without getting lost in the glass,” explains Putici. “This can also be used for Japanese sake if not using a traditional choko or white wine glass.”
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Coupe glasses
“I love the look of a coupe, and drinking out of one makes me feel like I’m enjoying a Great Gatsby moment,” says Putici.
He explains that they’re a versatile glass for inside the cottage. “Use them to serve sparkling wine or for shaken cocktails like a gimlet, martini, or, my personal favourite, the ‘Corpse Revier #2’.” Modern styles are available, says Putici, “but cut crystal and vintage finds can be showstoppers while hosting.”
$49.37
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Scotch glass
“If you are a true whisky connoisseur, I would suggest going with the Glencairn original tasting glasses,” says Putici. “They have a great look to them and a nice weight in the hand.”
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Shot glass
“These may not be essential for every cottage,” says Putici. “But if you like to party, or need a handy way to measure out your spirits, it could be worth picking up a set.”
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