lol, you beat me to the punch on offering alternate options.
Have been pondering a solution that would eliminate all the problems with the current approaches -- fixed location (regardless of where), drinks on table, less table surface real estate, limited view of cards/chips of other players, twisting around to access drinks, minimal floor space for drink carts, etc.
I am now firmly convinced I have finally figured it out, at least for tables that are located in a 'permanent' location. Inspired by the pics posted by
@abby99 , the solution is to have drink holders located overhead.
Combined with an overhead lighting fixture, a low drink "rail" that follows the circumference of the table (but about 6 inches smaller diameter and roughly 20-24 inches above the table surface) would allow drinks to be placed within easy reach.
No interference with anything -- inboard enough to avoid headroom issues when standing up, and high enough to avoid any sight issues across the table during play. Nothing on the table which avoids those related issues, no fixed positions so drink placement can acommodate leftys or rightys, and no need to turn around to access your drink.
Visualize a craps table drink ring, only elevated instead of under the table.
Coming soon from a Chanman near you.....
@T_Chan