World of Cocktails
Cocktail Glasses Explained: Form Meets Function
From elegant classics to bold modern mixes, cocktails deserve more than a one-glass-fits-all approach. That’s why in 2018, RIEDEL introduced its Drink Specific Glassware collection. Developed with spirits specialist Zane Harris, this range is built on the same principles as RIEDEL’s wine glasses: that shape matters. Each glass is engineered for a specific cocktail style, ensuring both performance and presentation. Here’s everything you need to know about cocktail glasses—and why your bar deserves the right ones.
What is RIEDEL Drink Specific Glassware?
RIEDEL Drink Specific Glassware is a groundbreaking collection of cocktail glasses created by RIEDEL in partnership with acclaimed North American bartender and spirits consultant Zane Harris. Inspired by the precision and purpose behind wine glass design, Zane approached Georg Riedel with the idea that cocktails deserved the same treatment. Together, they developed a full suite of glasses tailored to specific cocktail categories.
From size to shape, every detail was considered: Does the drink include ice? Is it shaken or stirred? How is it built, served, and sipped? The result is a collection of seven expertly crafted glasses, each designed to enhance the structure and perception of the drink it holds.
Which Cocktail Glasses Are Most Common?
The Neat Glass: Designed for neat pours or spirits served straight, this glass fits comfortably in the hand and appears full even with a standard 60 ml / 2 oz pour.
The Rocks Glass: Ideal for short mixed drinks or spirit-forward cocktails like the Old Fashioned. Engineered to perfectly fit one large-format ice cube.
The Double Rocks Glass: For those cocktails that need more volume and more room for ice—like a Jungle Bird or Mai Tai—this is your go-to.
The Highball Glass: Perfect for tall, refreshing drinks like Mojitos and Tom Collins. Its height and internal dimensions support long-format ice and remove the need for straws.
The Fizz Glass: With perfectly straight sides, this glass is made for cocktails like Gin Fizz or a Sour with egg white. It encourages the signature foamy head and showcases it beautifully.
The Nick and Nora Glass: Named after the iconic film duo, this is the elegant choice for cocktails like the Martini or Manhattan. Its narrow opening enhances aroma while maintaining style.
The Sour Glass: With a gracefully flared lip, this glass delivers a smooth mouthfeel and broadens aromatic expression, perfect for Whiskey or Amaretto Sours.
The All Purpose Glass: Designed to accommodate a wide variety of classic cocktails, this versatile glass is ideal for everything from Daiquiris to Sidecars. Its elegant curvature enhances aroma while maintaining a balanced mouthfeel.
The Mixing Glass: A bar essential for stirred cocktails, the Mixing Glass is perfectly weighted for balance and precision. Pair with a bar spoon and strainer to complete your cocktail toolkit.
RIEDEL is the Answer to all of Your Cocktail Glassware Questions
Cocktail culture is built on precision and passion. The right glass isn’t just tradition—it’s transformation. Whether you’re equipping a professional bar or elevating your home setup, the RIEDEL Drink Specific Glassware collection offers the most thoughtful designs in the world of cocktail glasses.
Explore now and raise your standard—one serve at a time.
The neat glass
Designed for straight spirits or neat drinks, this glass is the perfect size to be cradled comfortably in any customer's hand. Proportionally smaller than the Rocks glass, the Neat glass is perceived as generous when served with neat spirits and cocktails, and includes a 60ml / 2 fl. oz. pour line as part of its intelligent design.
- Height: 77 mm / 3 inch
- Diameter: 70 mm / 2-3/4 inch
- Capacity: 174 ml / 6-1/8 fl. oz.
The rocks glass
A favourite product for any bar, the Rocks Glass is ideal for spirit-focused or short-mixed cocktails. This glass has been designed to accommodate one large-format ice block to ensure your cocktail is always the hero. It includes a 60ml / 2 fl. oz. pour line as part of its intelligent design.
- Height: 83 mm / 3-1/4 inch
- Diameter: 82 mm / 3-1/4 inch
- Capacity: 283 ml / 9-7/8 fl. oz
The highball glass
The Highball Glass has considered both volume and height to deliver a versatile and practical product for your bar. Its design accommodates both standard and large format ice and delivers the drink seamlessly without the need for a straw. It includes a 60ml / 2 fl. oz. pour line as part of its intelligent design.
- Height: 154 mm / 6 inch
- Diameter: 65 mm / 2-1/2 inch
- Capacity: 310 ml / 10-7/8 fl. oz
The fizz glass
What sets the Fizz Glass apart from the Highball? Its perfectly parallel and proportioned sides. When mixing a traditional Gin Sour, with the addition of egg whites and soda water but no ice, this product captures the perfect frothy and pillowy "push-pop" head of foam. It includes a 60ml / 2 fl. oz. pour line as part of its intelligent design.
- Height: 163 mm / 6-3/8 inch
- Diameter: 60 mm / 2-3/8 inch
- Capacity: 265 ml / 9-3/8 fl. oz
The nick & nora glass
One of the most iconic glasses from the collection, the Nick & Nora Glass allows for the correct delivery of a high-alcohol cocktail like a Manhattan or Martini. Its perfect curved shape ensures an effortless and chic sip, delivering the drink without forcing the tilt of the head, unlikely its previous stand-in, the champagne coupe.
- Height: 153 mm / 6 inch
- Diameter: 77 mm / 3 inch
- Capacity: 140 ml / 4-7/9 fl. oz
The sour glass
With its beautifully outward flared lip, the Sour Glass delivers a silky-smooth experience. It offers an enjoyable experience with heightened aromatics by directing the intense flavour profile of the traditional Sour to your entire palate.
- Height: 158 mm / 6-1/4 inch
- Diameter: 97 mm / 3-7/8 inch
- Capacity: 217 ml / 7-5/8 fl. oz
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