Zane Harris & Riedel: Elevate Your Summer Cocktails with Expert Pairings and Exclusive Playlists
Summer is undeniably here, bringing with it the perfect opportunity to shed those heavy winter flavors and embrace the vibrant, refreshing notes of the season. For many, this means a delightful shift from warm, comforting beverages to crisp, cool cocktails designed to beat the heat and invigorate the senses. “Summer drinks come in all shapes, sizes, and forms,” explains Zane Harris, the acclaimed NYC-based mixologist, spirits specialist, and innovative bar glassware designer. Harris recently collaborated with the globally renowned company Riedel to introduce its groundbreaking Drink Specific Glassware Set, which includes the elegant Nick & Nora Glass – a versatile choice ideal for everything from classic martinis to any concoction you desire to savor as the summer sun sets. This collaboration underscores the importance of proper glassware in enhancing the cocktail experience, a philosophy Zane passionately champions.
When asked about the definitive “drink of the summer” and popular bar orders for the season, Zane shared his valuable insights with HollywoodLife. “One thing I can assure is that frozen drinks will always be in vogue,” he states, highlighting their enduring appeal during warmer months. “For those leaning towards a blended, frozen delight, my top recommendation is a Strawberry Negroni, offering a refreshing twist on a timeless classic.” However, if you’re seeking a beverage with a lower alcohol content that’s perfect for leisurely afternoons and daytime enjoyment, “a refreshing Spritz is always an excellent choice,” he advises. These versatile suggestions cater to a wide range of tastes and occasions, ensuring everyone can find their ideal summer sip.
The Secret to Superior Summer Cocktails: Fresh Ingredients and Perfect Glassware
Beyond choosing the right type of drink, Zane offers a crucial piece of advice for anyone mixing cocktails at home: prioritize fresh ingredients. “Just about the biggest factor that can tank any summer cocktail is to not use fresh fruit,” he passionately tells HollywoodLife. “It makes an astounding difference in a cocktail, elevating the flavor profile from good to truly exceptional.” While squeezing grapefruits and limes might require a little extra effort and time, the unparalleled taste and vibrant aroma it imparts to your margaritas, palomas, and other citrus-forward drinks is undeniably worth it. Forget bottled juices, which often contain artificial flavors and preservatives; embracing fresh, hand-squeezed fruit is the cornerstone of a truly outstanding and authentic cocktail experience, allowing the natural brightness of the fruit to shine through.
But the ingredients are only half the battle. According to Zane, the vessel itself plays a pivotal role in the overall enjoyment of a drink. “Also, the glass matters – not just for presentation, but for flavor!” he emphasizes. This profound conviction led him to develop the Riedel Drink Specific Glassware collection. Each glass in the line is meticulously designed with specific cocktail types in mind, engineered to optimize the aromatic experience, maintain the ideal temperature, and enhance the overall textural and visual appeal of your beverage. This thoughtful design ensures that “any cocktail always tastes and looks the very best!” It’s a testament to the belief that the right glass is not merely a container, but an essential tool that elevates the craft of mixology and the pleasure of every sip, proving that form and function are equally important in the world of fine spirits.
Riedel’s Drink Specific Glassware Collection: Designed for Every Sip and Style
The comprehensive Riedel Drink Specific Glassware line goes far beyond just the newly introduced Nick & Nora Glass. It thoughtfully includes a range of specialized vessels, each engineered for optimal spirit and cocktail enjoyment. These include the elegant Neat Glass for appreciating spirits on their own, the versatile Rocks Glass for short drinks over ice, the generous Double Rocks Glass for larger servings or more intricate preparations, the refined Sour Glass for balanced, foamy creations, the classic Highball Glass for tall, refreshing concoctions, the bubbly Fizz Glass for effervescent delights, an All-Purpose Glass for general use, and a functional Mixing Glass for preparing stirred cocktails. Each glass is a result of extensive research and development, designed to enhance the specific characteristics of the drink it holds.
To further enhance your drinking experience and help you explore the innovative potential of this collection, Zane Harris has exclusively shared with HollywoodLife a unique “mixtape” – a curated selection of songs perfectly paired with a specific drink and its corresponding Riedel glass. This novel approach merges the sensory pleasures of taste and sound, guiding enthusiasts through a holistic and immersive cocktail journey. It’s an invitation to experience cocktails not just as drinks, but as moments, each amplified by a complementary soundtrack.
Crafting the “Zane Harris” Cocktail: A Nod to Agave and Rich Mexican Tradition
While Zane Harris has yet to officially name a cocktail after himself, he openly shares his current inspirations and a deeply cherished personal combination. “It hasn’t ever occurred to me to name a cocktail after myself,” he humbly admits to HL. “However, recently, I’ve been experimenting extensively with agave in cocktails, delving into the nuanced flavors of Mezcal and Tequila. Given this fascination, I might just go with one of them for my namesake drink.” His current personal go-to is a sophisticated and authentic pairing: a neat pour of high-quality Mezcal or Tequila, served meticulously alongside a traditional Mexican beverage known as Sangrita. Sangrita, a vibrant and non-alcoholic drink, is characteristically presented in a separate glass, specifically designed to be sipped alternately with tequila blanco, creating a dynamic, flavorful, and deeply layered tasting experience that’s both cultural and profoundly satisfying.
The ritual of enjoying Mezcal or Tequila with Sangrita is truly special, transforming a simple drink into an engaging sensory journey. “The ritual is to alternate sips of the tequila and the spicy and citrusy chaser,” Zane explains, detailing the delicate dance between the spirit and its accompaniment. This flavorful chaser is typically crafted from a lively mix of fresh orange juice, zesty lime juice, a hint of chili sauce, and an array of other carefully selected ingredients that contribute to its complexity. Zane notes the delightful regional variations he’s encountered, enriching the tradition: “I’ve encountered sangritas made of tomato juice, grapefruit, and even pomegranate juice, each offering a unique character.” For those intrigued by history and cultural origins, the roots of this invigorating drink can be traced back to the 1920s in Jalisco, Mexico, a region synonymous with tequila production. Zane confidently declares its superiority, stating, “It’s the best combo ever!” – a powerful testament to the perfect balance of robust spirits and refreshing, spicy, and tangy notes that make this pairing an unforgettable experience for the palate.
Zane Harris’s Exclusive Cocktail & Music Mixtape: A Journey Through Taste and Sound
Here, Zane Harris presents his meticulously curated pairings, each designed to enhance both your auditory and gustatory senses. Every combination features a specific Riedel glass, chosen for its ability to elevate the drink; a carefully selected song, intended to set the mood; and a perfectly matched cocktail, offering a holistic and deeply personal drinking experience.
Glass: Riedel’s Drink Specific Glassware Neat Glass
Song: Talking Heads, “Girlfriend Is Better” (from Stop Making Sense (Live from 1984))
Cocktail: Neat Bourbon
“I love the entire Stop Making Sense album by Talking Heads with an almost nostalgic reverence. This iconic live album actually coincided with the first concert I ever went to, when I was around 1 or 2 years old! This is the music that truly defined my formative years, always blaring in the house while breakfast was being made, filling our home with its vibrant energy. When I want to revisit those cherished childhood memories and immerse myself in the profound nostalgia this album brings, I don’t reach for a complex, multi-ingredient cocktail; I yearn for the simple purity and unadulterated essence of a neat spirit. Opting for a neat bourbon, served in Riedel’s exquisitely designed Neat Glass, makes perfect sense, especially considering bourbon was a well-known favorite drink of David Byrne, the Talking Heads’ iconic lead singer. The specific design of the Neat Glass, with its perfectly proportioned bowl, concentrates the spirit’s delicate aromas, allowing for a deeper appreciation of its character and making each contemplative sip a reflective journey back in time, truly enhancing the connection between music, memory, and taste.”
Glass: Riedel’s Drink Specific Glassware Rocks Glass
Song: MF Doom, “Doomsday”
Cocktail: Mezcal Spicy Paloma
“Crafting drinks with a bold combination of invigorating spice and vibrant, fresh juice, such as a Mezcal Spicy Paloma, definitely requires a bit more energy and a certain spirited edge in your preparation. A powerful and rhythmically complex track like MF Doom’s “Doomsday” provides exactly that – more than enough raw energy, lyrical ‘spice,’ and intricate flow to perfectly complement this bold and dynamic cocktail! The smoky, earthy notes of mezcal, harmoniously combined with the refreshing tartness of grapefruit, and an invigorating kick of chili spice, are beautifully reflected in the intricate, often gritty, and always engaging rhymes and beats of MF Doom. I distinctly remember the very first time I tried Mezcal – it was an adventure, poured directly from a plastic bottle that a friend ingeniously smuggled back from Mexico, shared amidst the electric atmosphere of an unforgettable MF Doom concert. The robust Riedel Rocks Glass is absolutely ideal for this particular drink, allowing ample space for a generous amount of ice, and ensuring you can fully appreciate its complex layers of flavor and aroma from start to finish.”
Glass: Riedel’s Drink Specific Glassware Double Rocks Glass
Song: Fela Kuti, “Zombie”
Cocktail: Zombie Cocktail
“Fela Kuti was an artist whose revolutionary records were constantly spinning, filling the air with their potent rhythms, at my first bar in Seattle. That vibrant atmosphere deeply drew me into the intricate, exotic world of Tiki drinks and the infectious, politically charged rhythms of Afro Funk and Jazz. There’s a profound, almost mystical, connection between the intricate, layered intensity of a classic Zombie Cocktail and the powerful, enduring political and musical statement embodied in Fela Kuti’s iconic track ‘Zombie.’ Both are complex, incredibly potent, and demand your full, undivided attention to fully appreciate their depth. The Riedel Double Rocks Glass is perfectly suited for this visually stunning and flavor-packed Tiki masterpiece, providing more than enough volume for its generous, often rum-heavy ingredients and ample crushed ice, allowing its vibrant colors and alluring aromas to shine through beautifully. A Zombie cocktail paired with Fela Kuti’s ‘Zombie’? Absolutely – it’s a match made in sonic and mixological heaven, a truly immersive experience that celebrates both culture and craft.”
Glass: Riedel’s Drink Specific Glassware Nick & Nora
Song: Incubus, “Aqueous Transmission”
Cocktail: 50/50 Martini
“I vividly recall an unforgettable Incubus concert at The Gorge in Washington state, an absolutely breathtaking venue renowned for its natural beauty and incredible acoustics. During that truly memorable evening, I had a flask filled with a perfectly balanced and impeccably chilled 50/50 Martini – a drink that embodies both sophistication and simplicity. The tranquil, almost ethereal and introspective sounds of Incubus’s ‘Aqueous Transmission’ perfectly complemented the serene and sophisticated experience of sipping this classic cocktail under the vast sky. I’ll never forget the powerful and picturesque image of Incubus jamming out on stage as the sun gracefully set behind the dramatic, towering cliffs of The Gorge, overlooking the majestic Columbia River. The elegant Nick & Nora glass, with its delicate stature, refined bowl, and classic silhouette, is the quintessential vessel for any martini. Its design enhances the cocktail’s clean lines and smooth texture, ensuring an optimal temperature and presentation, making it the ideal choice for such a contemplative and profoundly memorable pairing of music, nature, and mixology.”
Glass: Riedel’s Drink Specific Glassware Highball Glass
Song: Destroyer, “Kaputt”
Cocktail: Americano Cocktail
“For me, an Americano Cocktail is the ultimate ‘pre-funk’ drink – that perfect low-ABV, delightfully bitter, and effervescent opener that impeccably sets the mood for an evening out, without overwhelming the palate or senses too early. Destroyer was one of the artists whose sophisticated, smooth, and often subtly melancholic music was a constant fixture on my personal ‘bar setup’ playlist back when I was living and working as a mixologist in Seattle. Both the sophisticated simplicity and the refreshing effervescence of the Americano, with its iconic blend of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda, and the smooth, jazzy, yet subtly melancholic vibe of the song ‘Kaputt’ by Destroyer, create a truly fantastic and harmonious atmosphere. They share a similar understated elegance and a captivating, laid-back energy, making them a superb combination to gently kick off the night and ease into a more vibrant, social scene. The Riedel Highball Glass, with its tall and slender profile, is perfectly designed to present the Americano, preserving its bubbles and showcasing its vibrant color, enhancing the entire ‘pre-funk’ experience.”
Glass: Riedel’s Drink Specific Glassware Sour Glass
Songs: Jiro Inagaki & Soul Media, “Funky Stuff”
Cocktail: Pisco Sour Cocktail
“The Pisco Sour Cocktail is another one of my cherished ‘pre-funk’ drinks, a delightful Peruvian concoction known for its exquisite balance of vibrant tartness, subtle sweetness, and a signature silky, frothy texture derived from the egg white. The upbeat, infectious, and undeniably groovy rhythm of Jiro Inagaki & Soul Media’s ‘Funky Stuff’ was also a steadfast staple on my ‘bar setup’ playlist, creating an energetic yet effortlessly smooth backdrop as I meticulously prepared for the evening’s service. This particular cocktail and song combo delivers an exceptional, vibrant vibe, absolutely perfect for getting the night started with a sophisticated, yet lively, bounce. Discovering the captivating world of Japanese Jazz from the seventies, particularly groundbreaking artists like Jiro Inagaki and his Soul Media, remarkably coincided with my deep dive into learning and appreciating the nuances of the Pisco Sour. Both represent influential, yet often surprisingly overlooked, elements in the broader landscapes of contemporary music and mixology that we all know and enjoy today. It’s high time we bring them into the well-deserved spotlight and truly appreciate their enduring, understated cool and innovative contributions!”
Glass: Riedel’s Drink Specific Glassware Fizz Glass
Song: Francis & The Lights ft. Bon Iver, “Friends”
Cocktail: Electric Current Fizz
“My very first bartending experience in the vibrant heart of New York City was at an incredible, influential spot called Dutch Kills, a true pioneer in the craft cocktail scene. That formative period of my life, filled with learning and creative exploration, was inextricably soundtracked by the distinctive, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant music of Francis & The Lights. Their collaboration with Bon Iver on the track ‘Friends’ became a kind of personal theme music for me, perfectly capturing the era’s mood. The drink of that era, the one that perfectly encapsulated the vibrant energy and creative spirit of Dutch Kills, was undoubtedly the Electric Current Fizz. This effervescent and invigorating cocktail, often characterized by its bright, zesty flavors and lively, refreshing bubbles, perfectly mirrored the unique electronic-pop soundscape and collaborative spirit of Francis & The Lights. I simply cannot enjoy an Electric Current Fizz without being instantly transported back to those formative days behind the bar and the unmistakable, uplifting harmonies of that song. The Riedel Fizz Glass, designed specifically with a taller, narrower bowl to enhance and preserve the effervescence of drinks, truly allows the bubbles and delicate aromas of the Electric Current Fizz to shine, perfectly completing and enhancing this nostalgic and emotionally charged pairing.”