Drinkware is one of the most popular categories in the promotional products industry, and it’s not hard to see why. People use cups, bottles, and tumblers every single day. A branded tumbler sitting on someone’s desk delivers impressions for months or years, not hours.
But “custom drinkware” covers a lot of ground. Ceramic mugs and stainless steel tumblers require completely different decoration methods. Costs vary wildly depending on the material and technique. And there are legal considerations if you want to print on name-brand items.
We’ve been producing custom drinkware at our San Marcos, TX facility for over four decades. Here’s what you need to know before you order.
Types of custom drinkware
Tumblers
Tumblers are the most requested drinkware item we produce, by a wide margin. The insulated stainless steel tumbler has become a daily-carry item for millions of people, and putting your logo on one creates a walking billboard.
Common tumbler styles: – 20oz skinny tumblers (popular for personal use and gifts) – 30oz wide-mouth tumblers (the “big gulp” crowd) – 12oz lowball tumblers (cocktails, whiskey, desk use) – Travel tumblers with lids and straws
Stainless steel tumblers can be decorated with laser engraving, pad printing, screen printing, or full-color sublimation wraps depending on the finish and coating of the tumbler.
Water bottles
Reusable water bottles are everywhere: gyms, offices, schools, hiking trails. They’re practical, visible, and align well with health and sustainability messaging.
Popular water bottle styles: – Stainless steel insulated bottles (keeps drinks cold 24+ hours) – BPA-free plastic sport bottles (budget-friendly, available in many colors) – Aluminum bottles (lightweight, recyclable) – Infuser bottles with fruit baskets
Plastic bottles are the most affordable option and work well for events where you’re ordering large quantities. Stainless steel bottles cost more per unit but feel premium and last longer.
Coffee mugs
The classic. Ceramic coffee mugs are one of the oldest promo items in existence, and they still work. Most offices have a cabinet full of branded mugs, and people use their favorites daily.
Mug options include: – Standard 11oz ceramic mugs (the workhorse) – 15oz oversized mugs – Campfire/speckled enamel mugs (trendy, great for outdoor brands) – Travel mugs with lids
Ceramic mugs are typically decorated with sublimation (full-color, wraps around the entire mug) or pad printing (1-2 colors on one side). Sublimation creates a much more vivid, full-coverage result.
Pint glasses and barware
Pint glasses, wine glasses, shot glasses, and beer steins work well for breweries, restaurants, event commemoratives, and employee appreciation gifts.
Glass items are usually decorated by screen printing (fired-on ink that won’t wash off) or laser etching for a frosted look. Laser-etched glassware has a high-end feel that works well for corporate gifts.
Koozies
Technically not drinkware, but they always fall into this category. Foam and neoprene koozies are some of the cheapest branded items you can order, and they’re popular at outdoor events, weddings, tailgates, and festivals.
Most koozies are screen printed with 1-2 colors. Full-color printing is available on certain styles using sublimation.
Decoration methods by material
This is where things get technical, and it matters because choosing the wrong method for the wrong material gives you a bad result.
Stainless steel
- Laser engraving: Removes the outer coating to reveal bare metal underneath. Clean, permanent, professional. Works on powder-coated tumblers. No color, just the natural steel tone.
- Pad printing: Transfers ink from a silicone pad onto the surface. Good for 1-3 color logos on curved surfaces. Durable but can wear over time with heavy use.
- Screen printing: Similar to pad printing but uses a stencil. Works on flat or slightly curved areas.
- Full-color sublimation wraps: A printed film is applied and heat-bonded to the tumbler surface. Allows full-color, edge-to-edge graphics. Only works on white or light-colored coatings.
- UV printing: Direct digital printing onto the surface. Good for full-color on darker tumblers where sublimation won’t work. Relatively newer technology.
Ceramic
- Sublimation: Best for full-color, photographic, or complex designs. Produces vivid, permanent results. Requires white or light-colored mugs.
- Pad printing: Good for simple 1-2 color logos. The industry standard for basic branded mugs.
- Screen printing: Similar to pad printing, used for larger print areas.
Plastic
- Screen printing: The most common method for plastic water bottles and tumblers. Works with 1-4 colors.
- Pad printing: Good for curved plastic surfaces and small logos.
- Full-color digital printing: Available on some bottle styles for photographic or complex artwork.
Glass
- Screen printing (fired-on): Ink is printed and then fired in a kiln. The result is permanent and dishwasher-safe.
- Laser etching: Creates a frosted appearance on clear glass. Feels upscale.
- Decals: Applied transfers that are less durable but allow full color.
Can you print on Yeti, RTIC, or other name brands?
This question comes up constantly. The short answer: it depends on the brand’s trademark policy and how you’re using the finished product.
Some brands allow custom decoration on their products when purchased through authorized channels. Others don’t. There are also legal distinctions between decorating items for personal use, internal company use, and resale.
We’ve written a detailed post about printing on branded tumblers and drinkware that covers the specifics. The quick version: if you want the look and quality of a name-brand tumbler with your logo, there are plenty of comparable unbranded options that give you the same insulation, durability, and feel without the trademark complications.
Our team can source comparable stainless steel tumblers from trusted manufacturers that accept custom branding without any legal gray areas.
Popular styles and current trends
Drinkware trends shift, and what’s popular now isn’t what was popular five years ago. Here’s what we’re seeing in 2026:
Matte and soft-touch finishes on tumblers are outselling glossy. They feel better in hand and photograph well for social media.
Oversized tumblers (40oz and larger) have gone mainstream thanks to social media. They work as promo items but keep in mind the per-unit cost is higher.
Matching lid and straw colors let you coordinate drinkware with brand colors for a polished look.
Campfire and enamel mugs continue to trend for outdoor, rustic, or adventure brands.
Color-changing tumblers that shift color with cold liquid are a novelty item that draws attention at events.
Pricing overview
Drinkware costs vary based on the item, quantity, and decoration method. Here are rough ranges to help with budgeting:
- Koozies: $0.75-$2.00 each (foam/neoprene, screen printed, 100+ units)
- Plastic water bottles: $1.50-$4.00 each (screen printed, 100+ units)
- Ceramic mugs (11oz): $3.00-$6.00 each (sublimated or pad printed, 72+ units)
- Stainless steel tumblers (20oz): $6.00-$15.00 each depending on brand and decoration
- Pint glasses: $3.00-$7.00 each (screen printed or etched, 72+ units)
- Premium insulated bottles: $10.00-$25.00 each depending on size and brand
Costs drop at higher quantities. Most items have breaks at 72, 144, 250, 500, and 1,000 units. Setup fees (for screens or digital files) are usually a one-time charge of $25-$75.
Best uses for custom drinkware
Employee gifts and onboarding kits. A branded tumbler in a new hire’s welcome kit gets used daily. It’s practical and builds team identity.
Corporate events and conferences. Drinkware performs well as event giveaways because attendees use them during the event itself.
Client appreciation. A quality insulated tumbler with a subtle logo feels like a gift, not marketing material.
Retail and merch sales. Coffee shops, breweries, gyms, and local businesses sell branded drinkware as merchandise. We work with plenty of businesses that sell their own branded mugs and tumblers through their storefronts.
Fundraisers and schools. Custom drinkware is a popular fundraising item because the perceived value is high relative to the cost.
Minimum quantities
Most drinkware items have minimum order quantities (MOQs) starting at 24-72 units depending on the product and decoration method. Laser engraving often has lower minimums (as few as 12 pieces) because there’s no screen setup. Sublimation wraps may require 48-72 piece minimums due to setup time.
If you need a small quantity (under 24), we can sometimes accommodate that depending on the item. Reach out for a quote and we’ll let you know what’s possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most popular custom drinkware item?
Stainless steel tumblers are the most requested item, particularly 20oz skinny tumblers with laser engraving or sublimation wraps. They offer daily utility, excellent brand visibility, and work for both personal use and corporate gifts.
Can you print on name-brand drinkware like Yeti or Hydro Flask?
It depends on the brand’s trademark policies and how you plan to use the finished products. Many comparable unbranded options offer the same quality and insulation performance without trademark restrictions. RiverCity can source high-quality alternatives that accept custom branding legally.
What decoration method lasts longest on drinkware?
Laser engraving offers the most permanent decoration – it removes coating to reveal bare metal and cannot wear off. For color options, fired-on screen printing on glass and properly cured sublimation on ceramic provide excellent durability through repeated washing and daily use.
What’s the minimum order for custom drinkware?
Most items start at 24-72 pieces depending on the product and decoration method. Laser-engraved items often have lower minimums (12+ pieces) since there’s no screen setup required. Sublimation and full-color items may require 48-72 piece minimums.
How long does production take for custom drinkware orders?
Standard production time is 7-10 business days after artwork approval for most drinkware items. Complex decoration methods like sublimation wraps or laser engraving may add 1-2 days. Rush production is available for urgent orders but includes premium charges.
Order your custom drinkware
Custom drinkware can serve multiple purposes: daily-use promotional items, employee appreciation gifts, retail merchandise, or event giveaways. Our team handles everything from artwork to shipping. RiverCity Screenprinting & Embroidery has been producing branded merchandise from our San Marcos facility since 1978, with in-house design support and nationwide delivery.
Request a free quote to get started, or explore our full promotional products catalog to see everything we offer.