The Best Beer Mugs

Buying Guide for Beer Mugs

Why buy a beer mug?

Assuming you’re a beer drinker, owning a beer mug allows you to imbibe whenever you want to from the comfort of your home. If you’re a regular bar-goer, you may save money if you stay home to drink instead. Maybe you could invite some friends for a beer, snacks, and a card or pool game and make it a fun, social occasion. If you’re a collector, you may want to start a beer mug collection or add to your existing one. And if you’re not a beer fan, you may find that beer mugs work well for root beer floats, cold brew coffee, and more.

What should you look for in a beer mug?

• Style: There are classic, heavy glass steins with thick handles that feel good to grip and unconventional mug styles that make great gifts. For those who like the minimalist look, there are stainless-steel insulated mugs with sleek exteriors.
• Material: Glass is the most common material, but many plastic and stainless steel beer mugs are also used. Which of these speaks to you? Stainless steel is impervious to impact, plastic allows for longevity, and glass is basic but classic.
• Size: The standard size of the beer mugs is 16 ounces, the size of a long-neck beer bottle. Of course, there are larger, 24-ounce options, too. When choosing a size, consider using the mug for other beverages, too.

What else can you use a beer mug for?

Beer mugs make great containers for chilled or warm drinks, especially insulated ones. Aside from beer, you can enjoy a big cup of hot cocoa or apple cider from a beer mug. Some are perfect for homemade cold beverages such as iced tea, lemonade, or ice cream floats. Aside from beverages, you could also use a clear and tall beer mug as a plant pot. Make it a project with your kids. Build a terrarium with a glass beer mug. Plant some seeds and watch them grow roots and sprout.

Our Picks for the Best Beer Mugs

Pros: These 20-ounce lead-free glass dimpled beer mugs look beautiful, whether full of blonde, golden, or amber ale. It’s the reflection and refraction of light as it shines through the depressions in the glass that makes it have a prism-like effect. Another important detail: The wide protruding handle has an elegant look and practical effect. Even as you drink, the mug remains distant from your face and, therefore, cold. 

Cons: Though it’s clear from the product description that while the mugs hold 20 liquid ounces, not counting the foam, customers take issue with the ‘inaccurate capacity’ of these mugs. Some find that these are too heavy as well. 

Bottom Line: If you’re a fan of the aesthetics while enjoying your pour, these glasses will make your amber-colored ale look stunning when light hits the dimples. These by Chefcaptain look the part and hold up as a quality-made glass mug that’s dishwasher-safe.

 

Pros: Sip a cold beer in this stainless-steel insulated beer mug. It’s claimed to be unbreakable, so you can drop or hit it without damage. Its insulated design has yet another advantage: It won’t sweat, even if sitting in the freezer. Just pour your favorite beer for an ice-cold treat and pop on the airtight lid for leakproof and sweat-free enjoyment. It’s quite large, holding up to 16.9 ounces.

Cons: Some say that the mug is smaller than it looks in the product photos.

Bottom Line: This ideal insulated beer mug will also work well for coffee or tea. With its durable build and nonsweat material, you’ll get a lot of use out of this convenient mug.

 

Pros: You saw that right; this drinking horn is made from genuine ox horn. This material comes from ethically sourced byproducts of bovine oxen. Each drinking horn varies in shape and color and is hand-selected, hand-cut, and hand-polished by experienced artisans. Every drinking horn is fortified with a sturdy resin bottom treated with food-safe epoxy for no-slip, no-leak, no-nonsense drinking. The sides are double-reinforced for strength and insulation.

Cons: This drinking horn is made from real oxen and has a distinctive and strong scent.

Bottom Line: This beer mug makes a great gift or prop, yet it’s also functional, so go ahead and pour yourself a brewski. You may want to throw on a cape and a horned helmet to look like you take it seriously.

 

Pros: There’s something rugged about the Stanley Adventure beer stein. Its strong build practically invites you out into the woods. It survives 4,000-foot drops and speeding bullets and keeps your beer perfectly cold with its vacuum-insulated double walls that keep hot drinks hot for an hour and cold drinks cold for five. Though it has an imposing look, the Stanley Adventure mug is great for relaxing at barbecues, beside the pool, or at a party.

Cons: Many wish it came with a lid.

Bottom Line: This BPA-free food-grade stainless-steel beer mug comes in three colors and provides impressive insulation and durability. And while it looks as brawny as it is made, the Stanley also pulls off a retro, hipster look.

 

Pros: You can have a chilly beer or another frozen beverage without the hassle of adding ice. These mugs are double-walled with gel inside. When you place them in the freezer, ideally upside down, for two to four hours, the gel turns into this magic ice-like substance that looks cool and keeps your drink cool, too. The mugs are made of high-quality, BPA-free polystyrene, which adds strength and clarity.

Cons: Unfortunately, these mugs are handwash only, a quality that deters some.

Bottom Line: These double-walled, gelled mugs are just asking to chill your favorite beer. The fun doesn’t stop there; use it to chill daiquiris, nonalcoholic slushies or smoothies, and fizzy sodas.

 

Pros: It’s a great gift, regardless of season or occasion. As long as your buddy likes beer, this custom monogram 16-ounce glass beer mug will put a smile on their face. When you order, you’ll be prompted to fill out a name, initial, and message, which will be laser-etched and look good when it arrives. The quality glass is freezer-safe, and the handle is strong.

Cons: As with some customized gifts, the etching may appear off-centered or not as perfect as it does in photos. 

Bottom Line: This mug certainly holds up as a quality product. The Spotted Dog Company takes pride in its work and comes across clearly in this one-of-a-kind beer mug. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re a beer lover, you need no explanation about the point of a good beer mug. Those we reviewed here are just a peek into this ever-evolving world. If you’re interested in beer mugs, pull up a stool and start browsing.