Anthropologie's viral Icon Juice Glasses are the $16 little luxury we can't stop talking about

CNN

2 days ago

If you're an avid viewer of coffee-making videos or shopping hauls on Instagram and TikTok like I am, you've also likely seen Anthropologie's viral Icon Juice Glasses that content creators say make their morning brew even more of a treat. But are they worth it? I've been using these viral sensations for about a year and have some strong opinions about them.
Anthropologie Icon Juice Glass
These whimsical 17-ounce Icon Juice Glasses are made using hand-pressed glass beads and handblown glass, resulting in 28 unique designs (and counting) from tennis balls to bow-tie pasta. Because they're handmade, you'll notice that no two are alike in size. Anthropologie also releases limited-edition versions for the holidays that tend to sell out faster than you can click "Add to cart," so you won't want to sleep on them when they drop. There are also other styles in the Icon Glass collection, from a confetti version to a chic martini glass begging to sit on top of your bar cart to a cute double-walled version. While I first heard about these glasses a few years ago when a co-worker kept pitching stories about them, I didn't get bit by the so-called 'Icon' bug until last summer. On a summer weekend when I had nothing to do and had a strong case of what I call 'the shoppies,' I decided it was time to rip the bandage off and pick up one of these adorable glasses. My hope was that it would make me look forward to making coffee at home so I could cut my habit of buying $10 lattes multiple times a week.
I thought getting this glass was the perfect little splurge that wouldn't break the bank. Plus, it doubles as a piece of home decor, so you can even keep it out on your counter or use it to store little items in the kitchen like sugar packets.
These days, little affordable luxuries are trending since a lot of us are tightening our belts in these uncertain times. And it's easy to see why these handblown glasses are taking over kitchens around the country. I mean, look at the irresistible little croissant-adorned version! These glasses make an at-home beverage feel fancier and make you feel like you're at a trendy restaurant patio sipping on a bubbly beverage instead of at your desk working away.
In addition to my morning iced coffee, I've also been using the Icon Juice Glass for my daily electrolyte drink and greens drink. My favorite unique way to use them? For snacking! They're the perfect vessel for cherries, nuts or other charcuterie-style snacks.
It's not a new trend to collect kitchen items (vintage Pyrex, anyone?) so this product definitely fulfills that desire, and for under $20 to boot. Personally, I can say that I'm less tempted to go out of my way to buy an overpriced latte a few blocks away, thanks to these elevated glasses.
You can't beat the price for the instant happiness one of these glasses provides. I can proudly say I've also gotten a couple of our editors hooked on these cute glasses, and they echo my feelings about them. 'There's no other way to say it — the Icon Juice Glasses just make me want to have my family and friends over and host — and spend all my money collecting every single design,' said Stephanie Griffin, our director of social. Though there are a couple negatives we'll break down below, in my opinion, they're not deal breakers and still make these glasses worth the hype.
The main thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn't use these for hot beverages, as Griffin learned the hard way. 'They're extremely heat sensitive, so avoid hot liquids at all costs! I, unfortunately, made this mistake and my all-time favorite glass — the croissant — quite literally shattered in my hands,' she said.
They're also hand-wash only, which is a major con for Griffin. However, because I don't have a dishwasher (New York City problems) and I have to hand-wash all my dishes already, that wasn't an issue for me.
If you don't love open-top glasses, I've also got my eyes on the tumbler version that comes with a lid and a straw. I have two cats and they always like to stick their noses in my beverages, so I might need to snag one of these soon. Pro tip: Griffin also pointed out that these glasses are compatible with Yeti lids, so if you already have one of those at home, you can DIY it.
Let's just say, I'm going to need to clear out a shelf in my kitchen cabinets to accommodate my growing Icon Juice Glass collection. There's no doubt this glass is downright adorable and is sure to brighten up your at-home coffee routine. If you're looking for something to put hot coffee in though, you'll want to opt for a different mug that's heat-resistant.
After using these glasses almost every day for a year, they still look good as new and don't show any signs of cracking or wear and tear (though I've basically treated them like my first-born children). They also make for the perfect gift, whether you need a hostess gift or something to gift your bridesmaids!
Are the Anthropologie Icon Juice Glasses dishwasher-safe?
Are the Anthropologie Icon Juice Glasses dishwasher-safe?
According to Anthropologie's website, you should hand-wash these glasses because of their delicate nature. They're also not suitable for hot beverages and could potentially break if the liquid is too hot.
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus tested the Anthropologie Icon Juice Glass for a year. Our director of social, Stephanie Griffin, also recently tested a handful of styles to see what all the hype was about.