Over a decade ago, Riedel made us believers in the power of quality glassware to enhance our wine drinking experience. We should have expected nothing less from a centuries-old Austrian crystal maker whose motto is “The Wine Glass Company.” Fast forward to the present, when Riedel is applying its glassmaking expertise to a new line of drink-specific bar glasses.

Designed in partnership with spirits specialist and bartender Zane Harris, this new glass line boasts seven different styles, most in a classic, fluted motif (and all dishwasher safe). Each glass has been crafted with a uniquely holistic approach, taking into consideration size, shape, volume, and perhaps most uniquely, ice type and capacity. Our thoughts on each follow.

Riedel Neat Glass – Slightly smaller than a single Old Fashioned glass and designed to be cradled in the hand for “ultimate comfort.” According to Riedel, the ideal amount of spirit or cocktail will make this glass appear full, which is an important attribute for bartenders who, in my experience, don’t want to look stingy. While I’m not sure I’d want a cocktail in this glass, it’s a nice alternative to a Glencairn, heavy enough to feel substantial and wide enough for proper nosing. There’s even room for a rock or two. $40 for a set of 2 [BUY IT NOW AT AMAZON]

Riedel Rocks Glass – Slightly taller than the Neat Glass but significantly wider, this is an ideal Old Fashioned glass. It is specifically designed for large format ice which has become a mainstay of respectable cocktail bars, but the reduced stature makes it lighter in the hand and, once again, helps to ensure the glass looks sufficiently full. $22 [BUY IT NOW AT AMAZON]

Riedel Double Rocks Glass – Introduced to the collection in 2022, this glass is the most straightforward in the lineup and similar to dozens of others on the market. One assumes stuck-in-their-ways bartenders must have convinced the Riedel folks to give them something foolproof. It’s taller than the rocks glass and a touch wider; a hefty glass with plenty of space above the cocktail line for elaborate garnishes. $40 for a set of 2 [BUY IT NOW AT AMAZON]

Riedel Highball Glass – Well-sized and striking with the line’s deep cut, fluted motif, this is another classic offering. It has been designed for both standard ice cubes and larger format ice (including the tall ice that has become fashionable in highballs). $50 for a set of 2 [BUY IT NOW AT AMAZON]

Riedel Fizz Glass – A fun and, to my knowledge, pretty unique glass offering. This one is designed with straight, parallel sides to enhance the head of foam in a classic sour or fizz cocktail and maintain the perfect “push pop” appearance (which I, for one, am not skilled enough to pull off). A little taller than the Highball Glass but narrower, allowing for the absence of ice. $80 for a set of 2 [BUY IT NOW AT AMAZON]

Riedel Nick & Nora Glass – A glass that has become particularly trendy with the craft cocktail set, this Nick & Nora example has been designed to deliver a drink without forcing a tilt of the head, or so says Riedel. It’s ideal for any shaken or stirred drink served up and available in both 7 oz. and 5 oz. sizes. Most Nick & Nora designs that I’ve encountered have been either clean and boring or too embellished with etching. Riedel has struck an appealing balance in both versions with a modern curvature on the smaller glass and an eye-catching, ribbed design for the larger glass. $40 [BUY IT NOW AT AMAZON]

Riedel Sour Glass – This glass may have the most taste-specific design of the whole lineup with an outward flared lip that, according to Riedel, directs the strong flavor profile of a classic sour cocktail to the tip of the tongue for optimal enjoyment. I don’t consider myself an expert in drinking science, but I think that checks out. At a little over 7.5 oz., it’s a large cocktail glass more than capable of accommodating the pillowy head on even the most vigorously shaken sours. $32 [BUY IT NOW AT AMAZON]

Riedel Mixing Glass – There are plenty of mixing glasses out there, almost all of them some variation on the modern Japanese style popularized decades ago. Riedel changes things up with a slightly narrower and taller design. Riedel doesn’t suggest this in their description, but I assume the narrower vessel reduces ice dissolution during mixing since things are a little more compact. It also makes for a tighter seal on a cocktail strainer (almost too tight, depending on the strainer you’re using). $55 [BUY IT NOW AT AMAZON]

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