Acrylic drinking glasses are the way to go for when you want to elevate your outdoor drinking vibes to the next level. Whether you’re shaking up a mai tai for a backyard barbecue or serving a classic margarita at your next pool party, the right glass can make all the difference. Acrylic drinking glasses are a vibe which balances style and durability. Your summer soirées will never be the same!
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Acrylic Drinking Glasses
Can you believe these are all acrylic drinking glasses? I’ve collected quite the assortment at this point. I’m a firm believer in the right aesthetic, as it serves to elevate the drink being served and enjoyed.
The acrylic glasses pictured above, left to right, top to bottom:
- Pop Clear 24-Oz. Acrylic Drink Glass (Crate & Barrel)
- Acrylic 9-Oz. Champagne Glass (Crate & Barrel)
- Schott Zwiesel Tour Outdoor White Wine Glass (Crate & Barrel)
- YARAI ACRYLIC STACKABLE DOUBLE ROCKS GLASS – 10oz (Cocktail Kingdom)
- LEOPOLD ACRYLIC COUPE (Cocktail Kingdom)
Cocktails from left to right, top to bottom:
- Watermelon Lemonade
- Brut Rose Champagne
- Aperol Spritz
- Mai Tai
- Cadillac Margarita
- Midnight Manhattan
What to Look For in Acrylic
There are a couple key attributes in acrylic glassware as you shop for your own home. I’ve bought, tried, and returned quite a few options to find what I have found to work best.
Make sure the lip of the glass isn’t weird. Some glasses have a lip that sticks out and it will hit your teeth or scratch the inside of your lips. The rim and lips should be smooth and uniform with the rest of the glass.
Seams should be near invisible. Big, unsightly seems really take away from the whole point of buying nice acrylic glasses. If seams don’t bother you, just get plastic and save the money. You can still see smaller seams in some of them, as they are hard to get away from completely.
Just the right thickness. A few glasses have been way too thin and flexible, most are on the thicker side and just aren’t pleasing to hold or drink from.
How to Clean Acrylic Glasses
You’ll notice some swirl marks in the empty wine glass. That happened from using too rough of a sponge. You know, the kind that is blue and soft on one side, bristles on the other. Oops. Ruined that one. So don’t do that. Use soft cleaning tools only.
Even if the glasses say they are dishwasher safe, you should still handwash them. The dishwasher will start to slowly warp the acrylic and you’ll lose some of the form.
Plastic vs Acrylic
Acrylic glass has a price premium over plastic, and its well worth it when you prioritize an aesthetic appeal.
Acrylic Drinking Glasses
Durability and Safety Acrylic glasses are highly durable and resistant to breakage. They are ideal for outdoor events, poolside gatherings, and picnics, providing a safer option as they don’t shatter into sharp pieces.
Aesthetic Appeal Acrylic drinking glasses often mimic the look of glass, offering a clear, stylish appearance. They come in a variety of colors and designs, making them suitable for both casual and semi-formal settings.
Scratch Resistance Acrylic is more scratch-resistant than standard plastic, maintaining its clarity and appearance over time. This quality makes acrylic glasses a good choice for frequent use without worrying about them looking worn out quickly.
Temperature Sensitivity While durable, acrylic has limitations with high temperatures. It’s not suitable for hot beverages and should be hand-washed to maintain its quality.
Plastic Drinking Glasses
Affordability Plastic glasses are generally more affordable than acrylic, making them a cost-effective option for large gatherings, parties, and casual use.
Versatility and Convenience Plastic glasses are lightweight and versatile, available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. They are perfect for informal settings, children’s parties, and places where disposability is necessary.
Disposable Options Many plastic glasses are designed to be disposable, offering convenience for events where cleanup needs to be quick and easy. This feature makes them ideal for picnics, barbecues, and other casual gatherings. You can also find compostable plastics.
Environmental Considerations Reusable plastic glasses are more eco-friendly compared to disposable ones. However, they can become cloudy or scratched over time, especially with frequent washing and use.
Applications
Acrylic:
- Outdoor Events: Poolside, picnics, barbecues.
- Family Use: Safe for children, maintaining clarity over time.
- Semi-Formal Settings: Stylish and durable for casual dining.
Plastic:
- Large Gatherings: Affordable and convenient for parties.
- Children’s Use: Lightweight and versatile, ideal for kids.
- Quick Cleanup: Disposable options for easy post-event cleanup.
Acrylic and plastic drinking glasses each have their strengths, making them suitable for different purposes. Acrylic offers a more stylish and durable option for settings where appearance and longevity are important. Plastic provides a budget-friendly and versatile choice, perfect for informal events and situations where convenience is key.
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I strive to paint vivid landscapes with my words, bringing the magic of far-off lands and enchanting aromas to life for my readers. Combine passion for exploration and the art of gastronomy in an unending ode to the senses. When I’m not traversing the globe, I find solace in the earth beneath my fingertips, tending to my garden and working on projects around my verdant oasis. MK Library serves as a beacon, guiding fellow travelers and homebodies alike to embrace sustainability, nurturing both our planet and our souls with purpose. Full Bio.
