Tumbler (glass)

An oversized tumbler for serving chilled beverages, while reducing the need to frequently refill the glass

A tumbler is a flat-floored beverage container usually made of plastic, glass or stainless steel.

Types of tumblers include the following:

  • Collins glass, for a tall mixed drink[1]
  • Dizzy Cocktail glass, a glass with a wide, shallow bowl, comparable to a normal cocktail glass but without the stem
  • Highball glass, for mixed drinks[2]
  • Iced tea glass
  • Juice glass, for fruit juices and vegetable juices.
  • Old fashioned glass, traditionally, for a simple cocktail or liquor "on the rocks". Contemporary American "rocks" glasses may be much larger, and used for a variety of beverages over ice
  • Shot glass, a small glass for up to four ounces of liquor. The modern shot glass has a thicker base and sides than the older whiskey glass
  • Table glass, faceted glass, or granyonyi stakan, common in Russia and made of particularly hard and thick glass
  • Water glass
  • Whiskey tumbler, a small, thin-walled glass for a straight shot of liquor

Theories vary as to the etymology of the word tumbler. One such theory is that the glass originally had a pointed or convex base and could not be set down without spilling. Another is that they had weighted bottoms which caused them to right themselves if knocked over.[3]

Originally, the term tumbler referred to a type of drinking glass with a pointed or rounded base, which prevented it from being put down until it was empty, encouraging the drinker to finish their beverage in one go.[citation needed] This design feature was not only a practical solution to the lack of flat surfaces in medieval times but also a novel way to ensure guests consumed their drinks quickly at gatherings. Over time, the design evolved into the flat-bottomed glassware we are familiar with today, which can comfortably sit on tables and counters without tipping over.[citation needed] The modern tumbler comes in various sizes and shapes, designed to accommodate a wide range of beverages from water and juice to sophisticated cocktails, showcasing its evolution from a functional necessity to a staple of everyday life and celebratory occasions alike.[4] Tumblers can also be adorned with decor, such as gemstones and rhinestones.[5]

Look up tumbler in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
  1. ^ Herbst, Sharon; Herbst, Ron (1998). The Ultimate A-to-Z Bar Guide. New York: Broadway Books. p. 8. ISBN 978-0-7679-0197-0.
  2. ^ Rathbun, A. J. (2007). Good Spirits: Recipes, Revelations, Refreshments, and Romance, Shaken and Served with a Twist. Boston, Massachusetts: The Harvard Common Press. p. 13. ISBN 978-1-55832-336-0.
  3. ^ Holloway, James. "Why Are Some Glasses Called Tumblers?". oureverydaylife.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2018. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  4. ^ "Why is a Tumbler Called a Tumbler? 5 Weird & Wonderful Theories". Greens Steel. 2023-05-03. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  5. ^ "Step-By-Step Guide On Creating A Rhinestone Tumbler". Be Createful. 2022-05-27. Retrieved 2024-02-29.