There’s something undeniably special about serving an Irish coffee in its proper vessel. The classic footed glass mug, with its elegant stem and sturdy handle, does more than just hold your drink—it elevates the entire experience. It showcases the beautiful layers of coffee, whiskey, and cream, making your morning brew or evening cocktail feel like an occasion.
But with so many options available, finding the right set for your home can be a challenge. You need mugs that are not only beautiful but also durable, comfortable to hold, and suited to your daily routine. To help you find your perfect match, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best Irish coffee mugs that combine form and function.
Our Top Picks for Irish Coffee Mugs
- Libbey Irish Coffee Glasses, Elegant Raised Rim Set of 4
- Anchor Hocking 8-oz Irish Coffee Mugs, Set of 12
- Libbey Kona Glass Coffee Mugs Set of 6, Elegant 16 Ounce
- Red Co. Original Footed Clear Glass Irish Coffee Mug, Set of 6
- Crystalia Tall Irish Coffee Mugs with Handle, Large Colombian Glasses Set of 2
- SET of 4, Libbey 6 oz. Georgian Irish Coffee Glass
- Luminarc Irish Coffee Double Old Fashioned Glass Set of 6
- Anchor Hocking 8.5 oz Irish Coffee Mugs Set of 4
Libbey Irish Coffee Glasses, Elegant Raised Rim Set of 4
Enhance your daily coffee ritual with this classic set from Libbey. The four 8.5-ounce mugs feature a timeless design with an elegant, raised rim that adds a sophisticated touch to your tableware. Their thick glass construction and comfortable handle make them a pleasure to use for everything from your morning brew to an evening smoothie.
The generous capacity is perfect for a variety of beverages, and the clear glass beautifully showcases the rich colors of your drinks. Designed to be both stylish and practical, these mugs are also dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple after use.
Anchor Hocking 8-oz Irish Coffee Mugs, Set of 12
Ideal for entertaining or large households, this set from Anchor Hocking provides a dozen classic Irish coffee mugs. With an 8-ounce capacity, they are the perfect size for a traditional Irish coffee or a small serving of your favorite hot beverage. Made in the USA, these mugs are built with durability in mind.
Their straightforward, functional design ensures they fit in with any kitchen aesthetic. The convenience of having twelve matching mugs means you are always prepared for guests, and their dishwasher and microwave-safe properties add to their everyday utility.
Libbey Kona Glass Coffee Mugs Set of 6, Elegant 16 Ounce
For those who prefer a larger mug, the Libbey Kona set offers a substantial 16-ounce capacity. This set of six is perfect for hosting, ensuring you have enough mugs for all your guests. The rounded body is comfortable to hold, and the footed base provides extra stability to help prevent spills.
Crafted from premium clear glass, these mugs beautifully showcase the rich hues of your coffee, tea, or espresso. They blend elegance with everyday functionality, making them a great addition to any coffee lover’s glassware collection.
Red Co. Original Footed Clear Glass Irish Coffee Mug, Set of 6
Bring a taste of authentic Irish style to your home with this set from Red Co. These mugs feature the classic footed design with a substantial stem that supports the generous height of the glass. The 7.75-ounce capacity is ideal for serving traditional Irish coffee.
The clear glass construction allows you to appreciate the layered look of your beverage, from the dark coffee to the floating cream. This set is perfect for serving cocoa, tea, and other hot drinks with a touch of elegance.
Crystalia Tall Irish Coffee Mugs with Handle, Large Colombian Glasses Set of 2
For a modern, European take on the Irish coffee mug, consider this set from Crystalia. These tall, 12-ounce glasses are made from high-quality, lead-free glass, making them a safe and clear choice for your beverages. The funnel shape is ideal for layered drinks and highlights the aroma of your coffee or tea.
The sturdy handle is designed for a comfortable grip, protecting your fingers from heat while keeping your drink at the ideal temperature for longer. This set of two is perfect for home use or as a thoughtful gift for a coffee enthusiast.
SET of 4, Libbey 6 oz. Georgian Irish Coffee Glass
This set from Libbey features a traditional Irish coffee glass design that is both eye-catching and functional. The decorative pedestal foot and elegantly flared bowl create a beautiful presentation for Irish coffees and other dessert drinks. The 6-ounce capacity is perfect for a smaller, more concentrated serving.
Made from durable, crystal-clear glass, these mugs are designed to provide optimum clarity and brilliance, allowing the colors of your beverage to shine through. They are a classic choice for anyone who appreciates timeless glassware design.
Luminarc Irish Coffee Double Old Fashioned Glass Set of 6
The Luminarc set offers a unique hybrid design, combining the form of an Irish coffee mug with the style of a double old fashioned glass. This set of six provides versatility for serving a range of beverages, from coffee to cocktails. The sturdy construction ensures these glasses can handle daily use.
Their clear design makes them suitable for both casual and more formal settings, adapting easily to your existing tableware. This is a great option for those looking for multi-purpose glassware that doesn’t sacrifice style.
Anchor Hocking 8.5 oz Irish Coffee Mugs Set of 4
Another reliable option from Anchor Hocking, this set of four mugs offers a slightly larger 8.5-ounce capacity. These mugs feature the classic footed design that provides stability and an elegant profile on your table. They are designed for everyday use and are built to last.
Whether you’re enjoying a solo coffee break or serving drinks to a small group of friends, this set provides the perfect balance of quantity and quality. The simple, clear design ensures they will never go out of style.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Irish Coffee Mugs with Handles
When I look for the perfect Irish coffee mug, I think about the whole experience. It’s not just a container; it’s a key part of the ritual. The right mug keeps my drink hot, feels comfortable in my hand, and looks great on the table. Since Irish coffee is a special treat, the mug should be, too. Here’s what I always consider before making a purchase.
First and foremost is the material. This is a big one because it directly affects temperature retention and durability. Classic heatproof glass is my top choice for authenticity. I love being able to see the beautiful layers of coffee, whiskey, and cream. It’s part of the charm. However, not all glass is created equal. I look for borosilicate glass because it can handle sudden temperature changes without cracking, which is essential when you pour hot coffee into a room-temperature mug. For something different and incredibly durable, I consider double-walled stainless steel. It’s basically indestructible and keeps the drink hot for a very long time, though you lose the visual appeal. Ceramic is another excellent option, especially if it has a good heft to it and a wide enough opening for the cream to float on top.
Next, I pay close attention to the size and shape. A proper Irish coffee mug is distinct from a standard coffee cup. I aim for a capacity between 8 and 12 ounces. This size is perfect for holding a good measure of coffee and whiskey while leaving the crucial half-inch of space at the top for the floated cream. The shape is just as important. I avoid mugs that taper inward at the top. Instead, I look for a straight-sided or slightly tulip-shaped design. This shape makes it much easier to gently pour the thick cream over the back of a spoon so it rests beautifully on the surface.
Finally, I examine the handle and overall design. The handle is a non-negotiable feature for me. Irish coffee is served hot, and a sturdy, well-designed handle makes the mug easy and safe to hold. I check that it’s large enough to fit my fingers comfortably and that it’s firmly attached. A wobbly handle is a deal-breaker. Beyond function, I consider the aesthetics. Does the mug have a classic, timeless look? Are there any decorative elements, like a Celtic knot or a shamrock, that add to the character? I want my set of Irish coffee mugs with handles to be something I’m proud to bring out for guests and enjoy for years to come. By focusing on material, size, shape, and handle design, I can find mugs that are both beautiful and perfectly functional for this iconic drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard size for an Irish coffee mug?
The standard size for a traditional Irish coffee mug is typically between 8 and 12 ounces. This capacity is important because it provides enough room for the coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and still leaves that vital half-inch to one-inch of space at the top for the layer of lightly whipped cream. Using a mug that is too small means you can’t properly float the cream, and one that is too large can throw off the balance of the drink’s ingredients. When I shop for them, I find that most dedicated Irish coffee glasses and mugs fall squarely within this range.
Why are Irish coffee mugs often made of glass?
Irish coffee mugs are often made of heatproof glass, specifically borosilicate glass, for two main reasons: tradition and presentation. The classic Irish coffee served at Shannon Airport, which popularized the drink, was presented in a glass mug. This tradition stuck because it allows you to see the distinct layers of the drink—the dark coffee at the bottom, and the pure white cream resting on top. The visual is a huge part of the appeal. Furthermore, high-quality borosilicate glass is resistant to thermal shock, so it won’t crack from the heat of the coffee.
Can I use a regular coffee mug for Irish coffee?
You absolutely can use a regular coffee mug in a pinch, but the experience won’t be quite the same. A standard ceramic coffee mug often has a tapered shape, which makes it very difficult to properly float the cream on top without it mixing into the coffee. The whole point of a well-made Irish coffee is to sip the hot coffee and whiskey through the cool cream. A dedicated Irish coffee mug with a straight or flared rim makes this technique much easier to achieve. So, while a regular mug works for the liquid, it doesn’t work as well for the full, traditional effect.
How do I clean and care for my glass Irish coffee mugs?
To keep your glass Irish coffee mugs looking clear and new, handwashing is my strong recommendation. While many are dishwasher safe, the harsh detergents and high heat can eventually cause cloudiness or minor etching over time. For stubborn coffee stains, I let the mug soak in warm water with a little baking soda. I also avoid using abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the glass. If the mugs have a metallic or painted design, handwashing is even more critical to preserve the decoration.
What is the difference between an Irish coffee mug and a regular mug?
The main differences are the shape, size, and sometimes the material. An Irish coffee mug is designed specifically for the drink. It usually has a straight or outward-curving sides to facilitate floating the cream, a sturdy handle for the hot beverage, and a capacity tailored to the classic recipe. A regular coffee mug is more of a generalist; it can be any shape or size and is often ceramic. The design of a proper Irish coffee mug is all about function and tradition, ensuring you can build the drink correctly.
Are there Irish coffee mugs that are both stylish and durable?
Yes, definitely. The market has expanded a lot. While classic borosilicate glass is always a stylish and durable choice, you can also find beautiful double-walled stainless steel mugs that are virtually unbreakable and excellent at heat retention. Some companies make ceramic mugs with the ideal Irish coffee shape and Celtic-inspired designs that are both oven and dishwasher-safe for easy care. When I look for the best Irish coffee mugs with handles, I find that I don’t have to sacrifice style for durability; there are many options that offer both.