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You don’t have to start researching hops or Trappist monasteries in Belgium to up your beer-drinking experience (though you certainly can if that’s your style). It’s the little things, you know? Like drinking a beer in a chilled mug instead of straight from the bottle. If you happen to be interested in bringing a bit of pub to your own home, we’re recommending the best beer mugs to keep on hand.
The first thing to know is that a beer mug is not the same as a pint glass. The best beer mugs (also called a pub stein in some parts of the world) have a handle, which make them easier to pick up while also preventing your hands from warming the glass. You can also store a thick beer mug in the freezer to keep it chilled. A good beer mug will stay cold for longer too, making it ideal for treats like root beer floats because it won’t melt the ice cream as quickly.
The best beer mugs are a great way to elevate your next party or game night, offering a grown-up alternative to plastic cups or drinking out of a can. They make great display pieces on your bar cart or for your home bar as well.
What Makes a Good Beer Mug?
Thickness and Weight: We like a beer mug with a solid heft to it. A weighty stein is sturdier, and the thickness of the glass will retain coldness better than thinner pint glasses. There’s also something satisfying about holding a big ole beer mug in your hand.
Handle Shape: Is it comfortable to hold? Do your fingers touch the glass when you grasp the handle? Is it an awkward shape? All important considerations. In general, the handle should be comfortable enough to hold for long periods of time, while keeping your fingers and knuckles from touching the glass.
Dishwasher-Safe: Not all glasses are dishwasher-safe and unless you want to add an extra step to your cleanup routine, we recommend a mug that’s easy to wash.
Design: This mostly comes down to personal preference, but we looked at a variety of beer mug styles and designs, from the traditional to the modern. Consider a classic, pebbled design in the German beer stein tradition, or maybe pick up the smooth surface of an English pub glass. We found versatile options that also work for regular everyday drinks too, like teas and sodas.
Capacity: This is the most important consideration. A beer mug should be large enough to contain an entire bottle, so you don’t get an inch or two of leftover beer left to warm on the side. We’ve found beer mugs that hold a minimum of 12 ounces — about the capacity of a regular bottle of beer.
