The proper and most elegant way to hold a champagne glass is by the stem. Pinch the stem gently between your thumb and forefinger about half an inch below where the stem meets the bowl, allowing your other fingers to rest lightly on the stem or base for stability. This grip prevents warming the champagne with your hand, which helps maintain its ideal temperature and preserves the bubbles and delicate aromas
. Key points for holding a champagne glass properly:
- Hold by the stem: This is the preferred method for flutes, tulip, and coupe glasses. It avoids warming the champagne and prevents smudging the bowl with fingerprints
- Avoid holding by the bowl: Holding the bowl transfers heat to the champagne, speeding up carbonation loss and altering flavor
- Holding by the rim or base: Holding by the rim is possible but not ideal as it can smudge the glass and block sipping; holding by the base is stable but less practical for putting the glass down and less suitable for coupe glasses
- Glass angle when drinking: Tilt the glass about 45 degrees to sip elegantly and avoid splashes
- Finger positioning: Do not lift your little finger; keep a natural and relaxed grip for elegance
In summary, the best etiquette and technique is to hold the champagne glass by the stem with a light but secure grip, ensuring the drink stays cool and the glass remains clear and elegant
