Glassware

Small glasses for vodka and spirits, glasses and cups for tea: decorated glassware for serving the way it is done where these glasses are passed from hand to hand, from the Caucasus to Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

For vodka and spirits
Small in capacity, these glasses are for vodka, fruit brandy or liqueur. Some are straight-sided, like the Russian stopka, others stemmed, like the ryumka. Their decoration sets the table, whether before dinner or at the end of a meal.

For tea
From the Caucasus to Central Asia, tea is often drunk from a glass rather than a cup: you see its colour, and it is served piping hot as the conversation goes on. These glasses also suit herbal infusions and Turkish coffee. Tea is also served in larger cups and mugs, which you can find out on this page as well.

Good to know
Pour hot tea gradually into a glass at room temperature, and avoid taking a glass straight from cold to very hot. 

Care
Hand-wash in lukewarm water, without an abrasive sponge, to protect the decoration. Dry with a soft cloth.