The Tavern: Tankards & Goblets

What belongs in a tavern collection

A tavern collection is drinkware chosen for character as much as for use. A tankard is a sturdy mug with a handle, made to hold a generous pour of beer or ale and to survive a loud toast. A goblet is a footed cup with a stem, meant for wine, mead or whatever you like to raise.

Shot glasses, decanters and flasks round out the set. Most pieces here lean gothic, Norse or knightly in style, so they work as props on a shelf and as real cups at dinner.

Five shelves to browse

Start with Tankards & Beer Mugs, where the Viking and knight themed mugs live, such as the Medieval Knight Beer Tankard and the Odin Norse Stainless Tankard. The Medieval Goblets shelf is the largest, with skull, jeweled and silver styles like the Silver Rose Stemmed Goblet.

For smaller pours, Shot Glasses & Barware holds pieces such as the Gothic Shot Glass and a whiskey decanter set. Absinthe fans can open Absinthe Spoons & Glasses, and anyone who wants a pocket pour can visit the Coffin Hip Flask page.

Choosing a cup that fits your hand and your habits

Think about how you will actually drink from it. A mug in stainless steel is easy to rinse and feels at home at a backyard table, while a jeweled goblet with fine engraving suits a display shelf or an occasional toast. Weight matters too, because a full metal tankard is heavier than a glass of the same size.

Material changes the mood. Pewter and brass look warm and old, glass and crystal look bright and modern, and bare metal can take on a flavor with acidic drinks, so check each product page for details about linings before you pour.

Budget is easy to read here. Playful skull cups such as the Skull Cup – Small sit near the bottom of the range, mid-priced goblets cluster around $109.97, and statement pieces climb toward $553.97.

Keeping metal, glass and gems looking right

Wash each piece by hand with mild soap and warm water, then dry it right away so spots do not set. Dishwashers are hard on plated finishes, glued gems and painted details. A soft cloth brings back shine on pewter and brass, and a dry spot away from damp air keeps the metal from dulling between parties.

Gifts for the host who has everything

Drinkware makes an easy gift because almost everyone raises a glass sometime. A pair of goblets suits a wedding or an anniversary, a tankard suits a birthday, and an absinthe set suits the friend who likes a ritual. Pick the shelf that matches the person and the pour, and the rest follows.