Behind Orrefors x Björn Frantzén Bar

The bar glasses added to the Orrefors x Björn Frantzén collection have quickly found their place. The collection was expanded with five bar glasses, designed to complement the existing range of wine glasses. With clean lines, balanced proportions and a distinct Scandinavian design language, the collection brings together function and design.

Ahead of the launch, Orrefors met with Arild Averin, Bar Manager at Brasserie Astoria in Stockholm, to talk about the design behind the collection, the function of the glasses and how they are used across Frantzén Group's restaurants around the world.

Why were these five glasses chosen for the Orrefors x Björn Frantzén Bar collection?

Behind every bar, a carefully considered selection of glassware is essential, as different cocktails are best suited to different shapes. The design of a glass influences not only how a drink is presented, but also how its aromas are experienced, how well it retains temperature and how the balance of the drink comes through. 

That is why these five glasses make up the Orrefors x Björn Frantzén Bar collection. Together, they cover the most important styles of modern cocktail service – from elegant, spirit-forward cocktails to fresh and more voluminous drinks. Each glass has a distinct purpose and is designed to bring out the character of the drink in the best possible way. The result is a carefully considered and complete collection where aesthetics and function work together. These five glasses provide the right conditions for serving every cocktail in a glass that truly does it justice.

Can you tell us more about the design behind the bar glasses?

For me, the design behind the bar glasses created through the collaboration between Orrefors and Björn Frantzén is very much about the feeling of a cohesive whole. They are glasses that don't call attention to themselves, but simply feel right. They have a timeless design with clean, soft lines and well-balanced proportions. They are elegant without feeling delicate, and they feel just as relevant yesterday, today and tomorrow. This is the kind of design that doesn't follow trends – it stands strong regardless of the setting.

At the same time, they are durable and made for use in dynamic restaurant environments. They can withstand everyday use behind the bar while still retaining that light, sophisticated feeling when you hold them in your hand. What really ties the collection together, in my opinion, is the common thread running through all the glasses. Although each shape has its own distinct purpose, it's clear that they belong together. When placed together, they create a harmonious and elegant whole. It's that balance between function, elegance and cohesion that makes the design so well considered.

How can the wine glass and bar glass collections be combined?

The wine and bar glasses complement each other naturally. Their elegant and understated design allows them to sit naturally alongside one another. Even before the bar collection was introduced, we used some of the wine and champagne glasses from the collection for cocktails in our bars. The champagne glass is an excellent complement to the coupe for serving sparkling cocktails.

The glasses create a seamless transition from pre-dinner drinks to wine served with a meal, allowing guests to enjoy great drinks in glassware of the same exceptional quality throughout the entire dining experience.

What is the ultimate cocktail to serve in each bar glass?

I appreciate the classics, so there's no other choice than a Dry Martini in the Martini glass, preferably made with gin and lemon zest. With the other glasses, you can be a little more creative. For me, though, the obvious choice for the Lowball glass is a spirit-forward cocktail served over ice, such as a Negroni.

The Nick and Nora glass is suitable for everything from spirit-forward cocktails to more citrus-driven drinks. For me, the ultimate cocktail in that glass is a classic Manhattan. The Highball glass is at its best with a long piece of ice and a sparkling cocktail. A Tom Collins or a Paloma are perfect choices. The Coupe is versatile and there are many cocktails that work well in it, but the ones that stand out a little extra are an Espresso Martini and a Southside.

How will the bar glasses be used across Frantzén Group's restaurants?

The bar glasses will equip all of our bars across the group, a total of nine restaurants around the world, three of which have been awarded three Michelin stars. They will be used for every cocktail we serve in our restaurants.

What makes these bar glasses particularly suitable for a restaurant environment, both from a service and handling perspective?

As mentioned earlier, the glasses have a timeless design that makes them well suited to many different types of bars. They are elegant and thin, yet durable enough to withstand the pace of a busy restaurant environment. Being able to wash the glasses in a dishwasher without worrying about chipped rims or other damage is essential in a professional setting, but it's also a practical advantage for serving drinks at home.