The Right Way to Hold Every Type of Drink
If you’re hesitant to order a Martini because you’re worried about spilling it, don’t just label yourself as a “clumsy drinker.” The issue might be with your glass-holding technique. Just as the right type of cocktail glass can enhance the flavor of your drink, holding your cocktail correctly can also improve the taste.
Here’s a guide on how to properly hold different types of drinks you might order at a bar.
Martini Glass
Martini glasses may be notoriously inconvenient to carry around the bar (which is why coupes are a better option), but there’s a purpose behind their awkward design. The wide mouth increases the cocktail’s surface area, allowing it to aerate and release its aromas directly to your nose.
Instead of cupping the bowl with your hands, grip the stem of the glass and, for extra security, support the base with your other hand.
Wine Glass
Wine enthusiasts know that red wine is ideally served at around 60 to 65 degrees, just slightly below room temperature, while white wine is best at about 50 to 55 degrees. This is why traditional wine glasses have long stems—to keep the warmth of your hand from raising the wine’s temperature beyond its ideal. So, when holding a wine glass, make sure to grip the stem rather than the bowl.
Brandy Snifter
Not all drinks are affected by the warmth of your hands. The brandy snifter, perfect for enjoying Cognac, actually has a short stem to encourage holding the bowl of the glass. Warming the glass helps to release the rich aromas of dark spirits like brandy and bourbon, and the rounded shape allows you to savor those aromas with every sip—hence the name “snifter.”
Slip the stem between your fingers, tilt the snifter as you sip, and let the science enhance your experience.
Champagne Flute
Nothing ruins Champagne-like warmth. Just as you wouldn’t drink a warm beer or soda, Champagne is best enjoyed chilled. Like a wine glass, the flute’s long stem helps maintain its refreshing coolness. So, when giving that best man or maid of honor speech, make sure to hold the stem (and only the stem) before taking a sip of those sparkling bubbles.
Beer Bottle
When you grab an IPA, you might not realize the science behind the beer bottle’s design—everything from the brown glass to its elongated neck serves a purpose. Beer’s biggest foes are light, oxygen, and heat, all of which can cause it to go stale or develop a “skunky” flavor. Thankfully, most beer bottles are brown to block out UV rays, made of glass to keep oxygen at bay (though not as effectively as cans) and feature a long neck to minimize the heat transferred from your hand to the beer. So, remember, that bottleneck has a purpose—use it wisely!
Recent Blogs
