The 10 Best Drinking Horns
Special Honors
Drinking Horn of Cu Chulainn Hand-sculpted in Germany from durable stoneware, this drinking horn sports intricate raised-relief decoration that celebrates the mythological Irish demigod Cu Chulainn. It comes with a strap for carrying or hanging and an attractive antler-style stand, is over a foot tall, and holds half a liter of liquid. medievalcollectibles.com
Grimfrost The Guzzler 5XL Made from cattle horn and perfect for reenactments, shows, and display, this overlarge option is carefully polished and features unique variations in color. It holds around 160 liters and can accommodate wine, mead, and beer. Be aware that heat can reshape the horn and it should not be used with strong liquors or soda. There are multiple extra-large sizes available. grimfrost.com
Drinking Horn Stands at Etsy If you're looking for a decorative stand or holder for your horn, there are plenty to pick from at Etsy, with some ornate items specially made for Viking-themed weddings. Choose from materials like wood, leather, and iron, with models that can be personalized with initials, dates, and symbols. etsy.com
Editor's Notes
August 12, 2020:
We had a mind to strike a better balance between natural and synthetic options and pointed and flat-bottomed versions when updating this list, and so we added the Goat Story Brown for those who love Viking culture but aren't interested in drinking an alcoholic beverage from an animal horn. This plastic mug is ideal for hot liquids like coffee or tea, something many natural horns cannot accommodate, as heat can warp or damage them. It comes with two straps for commuting and is offered in several designs and colors.
We also brought on the AleHorn 5XL when the AleHorn XXL became unavailable. Like the old model, this one can hold a generous five liters of liquid, but comes as a flat-bottomed style with a sturdy handle, making it easier to hold, carry, and drink from. We also added the AleHorn The Original Burn to provide another attractive reproduction in the tankard style.
Finally, we added the Meanmuggin Medieval, a budget-friendly option with attractive detailing and a sturdy metal display stand. This one is a bit slimmer and more elongated than others, which adds to its aesthetic appeal but detracts from its functionality. It's ideal for drinking from at home, where you can set it down when not in use. It's possible to buy a strap to take it to fairs and festivals, but its long body means it won't be very stable.
If you're looking for a similar budget option, the Mythrojan Viking is worth considering, and for a twist on a traditional pint glass, the Valhalla Vineyards Glass is a great choice.
July 26, 2019:
Drinking horns come in two main styles: flat-bottomed and pointed. Naturally, you'll have a little harder time setting down the pointed variety, but most come with either a stand or a holster and frog for attachment to your belt. Norse Tradesman and AleHorn are the two most popular manufacturers, and they both do a great job using natural ox horns, food-safe resin, and varying sizes and finishes. Some horns can hold multiple liters, and others are offered with attractive or even customized engravings. Once you receive your new drinking horn, make sure to inspect it for bare spots and leaks, as these things do happen with natural materials, and most companies are more than happy to fix the problem right away.
There are also some options that aren't entirely natural, and some people may prefer these. The plastic Das Horn isn't particularly classy, but it's almost inarguably the most resilient out of them all. On the other hand, the Valhalla Vineyards is somewhat fragile, but not as much so as the average glass mug thanks to its triple-blown construction, and because it's glass, it's ensured to not leak or impart odd flavors or aromas to your beverage. And if you want to strike a balance between elegance and durability, the Mythrojan Viking is definitely worth a look, as the metal fittings minimize its chances of splitting or chipping, while adding to its already attractive natural finish.