RCR Gipsy

The first choice is whether you want a single colour or a mix of several. The assorted sets give you six different colours in one box, which is practical because everyone at the table recognises their own glass and you don't need glass markers. The tumblers in orange and green are single-coloured per set, so you combine them yourself into the look you want. In terms of capacity this is a range with modest sizes: 30 cl for wine is a glass for crisp white wine and rose, and 21 cl is a generous size for sparkling wine. The 36 cl tumbler is for water, soft drinks and built drinks over ice.

Coloured glass changes how a drink looks, so think about what you pour into it. Clear and light drinks show best; a deep red wine loses its colour in a green glass. In the 36 cl tumbler you build an Aperol Spritz with ice, prosecco and sparkling water, where the orange tint of the glass actually reinforces the drink. A Hugo Spritz with elderflower and mint works well in the green model. Always fill with ice first and pour afterwards.

Gipsy is made from lead-free crystal glass in which the colour is added during production rather than sprayed on afterwards. That means the colour does not wear off in the dishwasher and stays the same even after years of use. The glasses are dishwasher safe; place them apart from each other in the rack, because colour makes a crack harder to spot than on clear glass.

You will find this brand's full range at RCR. Looking for other glasses with character? Have a look at the vintage glasses. You can also choose by shape: all tumblers, white wine glasses and champagne flutes are grouped in their own category. For keeping coloured glass clean, a glass brush is handier than a cloth, because the tint makes it harder to see where residue is left.