Sip and Shake in Style with Vintage Barware
Do you find yourself regularly hosting friends and family for drinks? Have you been especially interested in learning how to whip up your favorite cocktails from the comfort of your own home? If so, it may be time to upgrade your home bar setup with fashionable, fun vintage barware. Lucky for you, with the help of your local antique mall and a bit of research, it’ll be an easy sipper.
What is Barware?
Unless you’re an experienced mixologist, you might not be familiar with the term “barware.” The word is used to describe the specialized accessories, tools, and glassware one may use to mix up, serve, and enjoy delicious alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Some barware items, like a vintage shaker or muddler, are used solely behind the counter for preparation, while others, particularly the specially shaped retro cocktail glasses, are known for their specific role in serving.
The Most Popular Barware Tools:
Shakers: A sealable container, often made from metal or glass, in which ingredients are vigorously mixed together with ice to chill and dilute the finished product.
Jiggers: A two-sided, hourglass-shaped metal tool used to measure exact amounts of alcohol and additives for cocktails (typically 1.5 ounces and 1 ounce, depending on the side).
Strainers: A flat or spoon-shaped metal accessory that helps a host separate ice, pulp, or herbs when transitioning the cocktail from a shaker to their favorite retro cocktail glass.
Bottle openers: A tool used to pop off metal caps from glass bottles—can be professional bar blades or be decorated with kitschy, collectible handles.
Corkscrews: An accessory that winds into the sealed cork of a bottle and is rotated in reverse to lever the cork out.
Ice buckets: A special, insulated container designed to keep drinks cold at a drink station or home bar before serving begins.
Muddlers: A slender tool used to crush, twist, or mash herbs, sugar, and fresh fruits for fresh aromatics, similar to a pestle.
Does it Matter What Kind of Glass You Use for a Drink?
Believe it or not, the type of retro cocktail glass you use to serve a beverage makes a world of difference in the sipping experience. Stems and glass thickness affect temperature control, the rims and bowl shape allow for different levels of aroma release, and shape can prevent carbonation from going flat. If you serve your drink in the wrong kind of glass, it might still be tasty, but it’s not going to reach its full potential.
Any host who’s worth their salt will have a variety of glasses at their disposal to ensure every drink is served in the correct way. As you build your barware and glassware collection, make sure to have a good variety on hand. Your guests will appreciate the attentiveness!
Types of Vintage Glassware to Buy:
Martini glass: with a shallow V-shaped bowl and long stem, designed to be chilled before serving and prevents the drinker from warming the beverage with their hand
Wine glasses: with a bowl (varying in size depending on the type of wine served), thin stem, and flat base, shaped to aerate the wine and release the unique notes
Lowball glasses: with a short height, wide brim, and thick bottom, best for serving smaller, spirit-forward drinks on the rocks
Highball glasses: with a taller height and straight sides, often preferred for serving drinks that require lots of ice and mixers.
Champagne flutes: with a long stem, slender bowl, and tapered rim, used to preserve the bubbles and unleash the aromas for each sip
Stein glasses: with a hefty side, comfortable handle, and sometimes a hinged lid, depending on the material of the glass, used for large pours of your favorite ale or cider
Margarita glasses: with a wide top, low bowl, and a long stem, can be used for margaritas on the rocks or frozen
Moscow mule mugs: with a side handle and cylindrical shape, these copper mugs are used to keep the ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka cocktail ice cold until the very last sip
What Are the Most Popular Styles of Vintage Barware?
When it comes to choosing which vintage martini glasses and vintage shakers to bring home, you’ll want to consider your overall sense of style. Afterall, unless you’re into the eclectic vibes of maximalism, mixing and matching different aesthetics might not be for you. With a bit of research into the most commonly found design eras for retro cocktail glasses and barware accessories, bringing your vision to life is easy.
Commonly Found Eras of Vintage Barware:
Victorian
Why is Art Deco Barware So Popular?
The Art Deco period was one of decadence and grandeur—and the vintage barware from the time is no different. From ice buckets to olive skewers to vintage cocktail glasses, many of the items produced during this time were inspired by the fact that, thanks to Prohibition, people had to entertain at home. Suddenly, everyone and their mothers wanted fashionable barware to make sipping their illegal hooch as luxurious as they could.
Designed to be both décor and functional pieces, Art Deco barware is easily identifiable. If you come across any vertical vintage cocktail shakers with symmetrically etched designs or vintage martini glasses made from colored glass, chrome-plated metals, or cut crystal, there’s a good chance it’s from this era. If you’re really lucky, you’ll find a whole matching set, complete with shaker, glasses, and all!
What Was Barware in the Victorian Era Like?
In the late 19th century, now known as the Victorian Era, industrial growth was crucial—something especially evident in their vintage barware. With the recent ability to machine-cut, mold, and press glassware and accessories, mass production was possible. Between customized engraved glass decanters for wine, tumblers with floral etchings, collectible shaped jugs, and elegant glassware for all kinds of spirits, wines, and more, each item manufactured in this time period sports intricate and dainty details perfect for people who love shopping at antique malls.
Why Do People Love Mid-Century Modern Barware?
Whether you grew up seeing your grandfather mix up drinks in a vintage cocktail shaker or fell in love with the aesthetic after watching “Mad Men,” one thing is clear: mid-century modern barware is never going out of style. Produced between the 1950s and 1970s, countless iconic designs were released in this era—and they’re only growing more valuable with time.
When you’re walking around in the Highland antique mall, keep your eyes peeled for vintage martini glasses and shakers with atomic motifs, such as starburst patterns and flying saucers, as many of the decorations of this time were inspired by the Space Age. Vintage barware from this time will also likely feature metallic embellishments, bold colors, and fantastical illustrations.
Is Buying Vintage Barware Budget-Friendly?
If you’re outfitting your bar cart on a budget, we’ve got good news for you: in cases like barware and glassware, buying secondhand is often more affordable than buying new! While there will always be exceptions, like a complete 12-piece set of vintage martini glasses in perfect condition that sells for hundreds of dollars, most vintage glasses, tools, and bar accessories can be found at budget-friendly prices—especially if you’re okay with only grabbing a few pieces at a time.
Where’s the Best Place to Buy Vintage Barware?
Feeling inspired to buy vintage barware of your very own? Well, you’ve got to learn where to shop! While plenty of retro cocktail glass collectors find success hunting through yard sales and scouring online auction sites in their free time, there’s no better way to curate the barware selection of your dreams than taking to the aisles of your local Melbourne antique mall.
Having access to hundreds of unique collections all under one roof makes shopping for vintage martini shakers and antique wine glasses easy, accessible, and, most importantly, fun. As you walk through the Phoenix antique mall, make sure to look through every single booth and showcase to see as many collectible designs as possible.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure if your favorite Streetsboro antique mall has any vintage glassware or barware in stock, don’t be afraid to call ahead and ask! The helpful staff (and vendors, if they’re onsite) are always willing to help a curious customer.
3 Tips for Buying Vintage Barware:
Tip 1: Authenticate
Tip 2: Research
Tip 3: Inspection
Tip 1: Make Sure All Vintage Barware is Authentic
There’s nothing worse than thinking you’ve hit the jackpot with a set of vintage martini glasses, only to realize they’re fakes! To avoid getting the wool pulled over your eyes by a sale, we recommend finding trustworthy and transparent vendors in Kentucky. People who are passionate about selling the real deal will never try to lead you astray for a quick buck!
But what happens when a piece of vintage barware you want to buy doesn’t come with documentation or proof of its age? If you come across a vintage cocktail shaker in the wild that you suspect may be a valuable design, but have no way of knowing for sure, investigate the base or sides for maker’s marks, such as an etched signature, brand logo, or production backstamp. If it has any of those identifiers, you might be able to trace its history online.
Tip 2: Do Research On Potential Barware Brands Beforehand
There’s nothing wrong with going in blind and shopping at an Algonquin antique mall on a whim, but if you’re looking to make the most of your time, effort, and money, then doing a bit of research on vintage barware before you shop is a great idea. Look into different design eras and brands to get a good idea of your desired style and how much you should expect to spend when you do find a retro cocktail glass you love.
Tip 3: Inspect Each Piece of Barware For Damage
While a little wear and tear, such as a peeling decal or gentle scratch, can be expected, too much damage can affect the structural integrity and function of a barware tool or glass. Before you fall in love with a vintage martini shaker or set of cups, make sure you carefully inspect the surface and crevices for any cracks and chips. If you find any, we recommend putting it down and walking away (or finding a unique way to repurpose it at home).
What’s the Best Way to Clean Vintage Barware?
After you take your vintage barware finds home with you, we recommend handwashing them completely with a mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft sponge. Stay away from dishwashers and harsh abrasives to protect the fragile elements and painted-on details from damage. If it’s a metallic material, buff it out—otherwise, dry it completely before storing it away for its first use.
Pro tip: Always use warm water, rather than extremely cold or hot water, to avoid thermal shock. The last thing you’d want to do is break your new favorite vintage cocktail glasses as soon as you buy them!
How to Check Vintage Barware for Lead
Unfortunately, not all vintage martini glasses can be automatically trusted to be safe for your next girls’ night. Plenty of products from decades past contain trace amounts of lead that can be incredibly harmful if ingested.
To prevent lead poisoning, grab a few lead test swabs and rub them against the surface, rim, and embellished designs of your thrifted pieces. If the swab changes color, then lead is present, and the piece should not be considered safe for use.
If you don’t have a lead test on hand during your Louisville antique mall shopping trip, you can perform the “Clink Test” for any glass or crystal designs. Just tap the glass with a metal utensil or fingernail. If a long, high-pitched ringing sound occurs, the glassware likely has a lead content; if the sound is short and dull, it’s more likely to be safe.
Whether you’re looking to serve up your world-famous Old Fashioned or dreaming of enjoying extra-dirty martinis with your friends, the secret to sipping in style remains the same. Before you invite your loved ones over for happy hour, make sure your at-home bar is stocked with all the retro cocktail glasses and antique accessories you need. Stop by America’s Antique Mall to shop today.
