Top-Selling Drinkware for Cafes, Restaurants, and Retailers

Running a café, restaurant, or retail store means paying attention to even the smallest details that shape a customer’s experience — and one of those key details is drinkware. Whether it’s the coffee mug that greets a sleepy customer in the morning or the elegant wine glass that completes a dinner service, the right drinkware can make a big impact. Beyond aesthetics, it plays a huge role in functionality, durability, and brand perception.

If you’re planning to upgrade your inventory or start sourcing from a drinkware wholesale distributor, this guide will walk you through the top-selling drinkware types that are in demand across hospitality and retail sectors.

1. Glass Tumblers – A Timeless Classic

No café or restaurant is complete without glass tumblers. They’re versatile, durable, and fit for everything from juices to cocktails. Tumblers come in various designs — tall, short, ribbed, frosted, or clear — making them perfect for both casual and upscale settings.

Their popularity stems from their practicality. They stack easily, resist thermal shock when properly tempered, and present drinks beautifully. For retailers, tumblers remain a best-seller year-round because they cater to both households and businesses.

Pro tip: Offer sets of six or twelve for better retail turnover, and consider stocking both clear and tinted options to appeal to diverse buyers.

2. Coffee Mugs – The Daily Essential

It’s almost impossible to walk into a café without seeing rows of ceramic or glass coffee mugs. They’re not just drinkware; they’re part of the café’s brand identity. The size, handle shape, and color of a mug can subtly influence how a customer feels about their coffee experience.

For restaurants and retailers, custom-branded mugs are hot sellers. Many customers love buying mugs with logos, inspirational quotes, or seasonal prints. Eco-friendly bamboo fiber mugs and double-wall insulated glass mugs are also gaining traction as consumers lean toward sustainable and stylish options.

Best for: Coffee shops, offices, gift stores, and souvenir retailers.

3. Wine Glasses – Elegance in Every Sip

When it comes to fine dining and upscale bars, wine glasses are a non-negotiable must-have. The right glass enhances the aroma, texture, and overall experience of the wine. Restaurants usually invest in different types of wine glasses — red, white, and sparkling — each designed for a specific purpose.

Retailers also find strong sales in wine glass sets, especially during the festive season. Modern designs with thin rims and crystal-clear finishes are trending, while stemless wine glasses have become popular for casual and outdoor settings.

Pro tip: Offer both crystal and durable glass options to cater to a broader customer base.

4. Beer Glasses and Mugs – A Staple for Bars and Breweries

Beer glassware is another top-selling segment, especially for restaurants, pubs, and craft breweries. Each beer type — from pilsner to stout — shines best in its respective glass. The right shape maintains carbonation, highlights the color, and enhances flavor.

Beer mugs, steins, and pint glasses are the most common choices. Retailers also see steady demand for personalized beer mugs, especially for gifts. Frosted glass and engraved options make great additions to any product lineup.

Trend alert: Thick, durable glass mugs with minimalistic designs are dominating 2025 barware trends.

5. Water Bottles – Function Meets Sustainability

Reusable water bottles have become more than just drinkware — they’re a lifestyle choice. Cafés and restaurants that focus on sustainability often sell or promote reusable glass and stainless-steel bottles as part of their eco-conscious image.

Retailers love them because they appeal to a wide audience — students, office-goers, and fitness enthusiasts. Designs with silicone sleeves, leak-proof lids, and built-in infusers are currently leading the market.

Best materials: Stainless steel, borosilicate glass, and BPA-free plastic.

6. Mason Jars and Drinking Jars – Rustic and Instagram-Ready

Mason jars are no longer limited to food storage; they’ve become a trendy way to serve beverages. From cold brew coffee to fruit-infused water, these jars add a rustic, Instagram-worthy vibe that customers adore.

Restaurants and cafés use them to create unique presentations, while retailers benefit from their versatility. They’re often sold in multi-piece sets or bundled with straws and lids for added value.

Pro tip: Offer customization options for cafes that want to print their logos or branding on jars.

7. Cocktail Glasses – For Stylish Mixology

Cocktail glasses, like martini, margarita, and highball glasses, are essential for bars and fine-dining establishments. Their aesthetic appeal and function make them favorites among mixologists and home bar enthusiasts alike.

Retailers find strong sales during festive seasons when people love upgrading their home drinkware collections. Adding creative sets with cocktail recipes or accessories (like stirrers and coasters) can boost sales even more.

Hot sellers: Coupe glasses and vintage-cut crystal designs that add a touch of sophistication.

8. Teacups and Saucers – Classic Charm That Never Fades

For tea-focused cafés, elegant teacups and saucers are an absolute must. Porcelain and bone china varieties remain timeless choices, while glass teacups with infusers cater to modern minimalist aesthetics.

Retailers can take advantage of themed collections — floral prints, oriental patterns, or transparent glass sets — that cater to both tea lovers and collectors.

Trend insight: Transparent glass teacups are trending due to the rise in herbal and blooming teas that showcase color and presentation.

9. Travel Mugs – On-the-Go Convenience

The demand for travel mugs has skyrocketed as consumers look for spill-proof, reusable solutions for their daily coffee runs. Cafés often sell branded travel mugs to promote sustainability and encourage repeat business.

For retailers, stainless-steel vacuum-insulated travel mugs with ergonomic lids are the biggest sellers. They combine style, function, and durability — three things modern customers love.

Pro tip: Focus on easy-to-clean designs and attractive colors to drive higher conversions.

10. Shot Glasses – Small but Profitable

They might be small, but shot glasses are a big hit with bars, souvenir shops, and event planners. Their compact size makes them inexpensive yet collectible. Retailers often see strong sales when offering customized or themed designs.

Shot glasses also make excellent promotional items for cafes and restaurants that want to enhance their brand presence.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to stocking the best-selling drinkware, variety and quality are key. Cafes, restaurants, and retailers thrive by offering options that blend style, functionality, and durability. Whether it’s timeless glass tumblers or trendy mason jars, the right mix of products can elevate customer satisfaction and boost profits.

If you’re planning to expand your collection, partnering with a trusted drinkware wholesale distributor can help you access a wide range of high-quality, customizable products at competitive prices. With the right sourcing strategy, your business can stay ahead of trends and serve customers with drinkware that’s as beautiful as it is practical.