Tiki glasses - a story from time immemorial

Glasses depicting funny gods have long been part of the bar industry. These tiki glasses are a cute element of Hawaiian culture that are treasured by cocktail lovers around the world. Colorful tableware is used to serve tropical drinks, decorate bars, and create an ethnic interior style.

The History of Tiki Glasses

The idea of exotic glasses belongs to the American V. J. Bergeron, who was nicknamed Trader Vic. In 1940, he opened a Polynesian bar, which became the basis of an entire restaurant chain. The business needed a memorable image.

Inspired by the legends of the Pacific peoples, Bergeron came up with a glass sculpted in the shape of a "tik" - a Polynesian idol. Trader Vic commissioned colorful stucco mugs. A whole tiki culture was born, attracting lovers of exoticism and serene relaxation.

A little later, Bob Bryan, a former bartender at Trader Vic's, opened his own establishment in San Francisco. He used tiki glasses in a variety of shapes—coconuts, bamboo stems, volcanoes.

In the 60s of the twentieth century, funny glasses began to be produced using the factory method. In addition to the images of Polynesian idols, any “tropical” symbols were used - parrots, skulls, mermaids. Unusual tableware was actively popularized by Hollywood.

Now there is a new wave of popularity of tiki. Original glasses are collected, used to decorate bars, and used to serve cocktails. Tableware designers are inspired not only by Hawaiian themes - pirate, Scandinavian, and Slavic motifs are popular.

What is special about tiki glasses?

No matter how varied the design, all exotic glasses have similar features:

• large size – the average height of the product is 15 cm, volume – 400 ml;
• relief surface - the mug looks like a miniature sculpture. Many items are covered with carvings;
• bright colors - the creators of the glasses stick to a tropical palette;
• attention to detail - the dishes have a complex design and are decorated with intricate patterns.

The tiki style is immediately recognizable - cheerful colors, funny images, subtle finishing. Unusual mugs create an atmosphere of happy holidays and romantic dreams.

Types of tiki glasses

The classic type of tableware is considered to be elongated ceramic glasses depicting Polynesian gods. The most popular were the images of Easter Island idols.

Now there are four more types of tiki glasses:

• simple - performed without intricate relief. Depict coconuts, rum barrels, pumpkins;
• sculptural - look like figurines representing people, animals, fairy-tale creatures;
• thematic – designed to serve certain cocktails;
• doubles - designed for two people to drink drinks through straws. This category includes mugs with lids that have holes for two straws.

The tiki style also includes various containers used for Hawaiian cocktails. An interesting example is the “Burning Volcano” bowl, equipped with a crater. Strong rum is poured there, which is set on fire before serving. A type of tiki vessel is considered to be large containers in the shape of seashells, designed for several people.

Manufacturing materials

Most tiki glasses are made from ceramic. After painting, the products are covered with glaze and then fired. This treatment gives the dishes high strength. The most valuable ceramic glasses are made by hand.

A less popular material is wood. The mug is decorated with intricate carvings, painted, and coated with durable varnish.

There are modern models of tiki - porcelain glasses, crystal wine glasses, shot glasses. They repeat the more intricate designs of classic clay glasses, but do not convey the brightness of the colors.

Options for serving in tiki glasses

Many Hawaiian cocktails are traditionally served only in themed glassware. This is how the famous “Mai Tai” is served - a spicy mixture of rum, curacao, sugar syrup, and lime juice. The drink's inventor, Trader Vic, served it in a tiki mug, garnished with lime peel and mint leaves.

Another cocktail legend, Manhattan, has long been served in crystal glasses. But if you want to create the atmosphere of a real Hawaiian bar, pour the Manhattan into a ceramic glass depicting a fruit or bamboo shoot. Garnish the drink with orange zest, a couple of cherries, and cool.

Trader Vic also came up with the exotic cocktail “Fog Cutter” - a sour-bitter mixture of citrus juices, rum, brandy, and sherry. Hawaiian bartenders used bright molded glasses to serve drinks.

Nowadays, tiki glasses are used by bars with pirate, marine, and tropical themes. At home, you can decorate a Hawaiian party with bright dishes. It goes well with any rum-based cocktails, wine, non-alcoholic fruit drinks.octails.

The most popular manufacturers

Finding exotic glassware is not so easy - many stores offer souvenir items that are not suitable for serving drinks. If you are interested in authentic tiki glasses, check out the following manufacturers:

Probar is a Komplex-Bar brand that produces bar equipment and glassware for serving drinks. The design of the products faithfully reproduces the classic "Polynesian idol" style. Tall glasses can be used when serving alcoholic cocktails, juices, and soft drinks. There are no special care requirements, the dishes are easy to wash by hand and are dishwasher safe.

Mornsun is a Chinese manufacturer that produces over 60 types of tiki glass. The models reflect different styles - Polynesian, Asian, pirate. The models depict characters from ancient legends and myths. The main manufacturing material is colored ceramics coated with heat-resistant glaze.

The products of these manufacturers can be used as tableware for themed parties or interior decor. Color photos will help you choose products that suit your style.