This Italian Crystal Rocks Glass Has Become My Home Bar Go-To

The rocks glass is a necessary addition to any home bar. I find it to be one of the most used glasses in my arsenal of glassware. Also known as the tumbler or old-fashioned glass, it’s most commonly used for serving cocktails that sit on a single, large piece of ice—like the old-fashioned. And these Italian-made Luigi Bormioli glasses are the perfect size and shape to hold a large cube or sphere of ice and a few ounces of liquid.

My go-to when I’m mixing a negroni or really any cocktail with a similar construction is always the rocks glass. I also regularly reach for this glass when mixing a margarita served on the rocks, or for cocktails that require pebble ice, like the bramble or mai tai.

The rocks glass can be a classy way to enjoy a bit of whiskey. For a neat pour of an ounce or two, I usually reach for my Glencairn glass first, but if I had a long day and feel like a double pour, the crystal rocks glass is the way to go. And on the rare occasion I’m enjoying a pour over ice, the only option I consider is my Bormioli rocks glass.

It’s hard to find any single kitchen or bar tool that’s well-made, aesthetically pleasing and affordable. Which is why I’m so pleased with these Luigi Bormioli glasses. I’ve already raved about how beautiful they are, but even the way they feel in the hand is worth noting. They’re simultaneously hefty and delicate with just enough weight at the base so it’s not easily tipped over. The walls of the glass showcase the perfect clarity of the crystal and the expertly carved designs that adorn the sides. These minimal, classic designs give a glass that could be as simple as a clear, short cylinder an elevated look. It just exudes style and class in a way that over delivers on its modest price tag.

If you care about the presentation of your drinks as much as I do, a set of crystal glassware is the perfect way to improve the look of every drink you mix. Beyond adding some extra flair to your drink, these Luigi Bormioli rocks glasses have a myriad of uses and can last a lifetime if cared for properly. For about $50 for a set of four, it’s a small investment that will pay dividends for any serious home mixologist. 

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Dylan Ettinger is a Los Angeles-based writer who specializes in spirits, cocktails, and coffee with hands-on experience visiting distilleries and bars all through the US, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. He is also a long-time hospitality professional with experience tending bar, opening cafes, and working in specialty coffee.