Navigating Drinkware Etiquette: When to Clink and When to Sip

Nearly everyone does it. When there’s something to celebrate, we raise our glasses with our favorite alcoholic drink (or soda if you prefer) and toast the occasion or celebrated person. It may be a universal custom, but drinkware etiquette varies from country to country, whether a setting is formal or informal, and can even depend on the type of glass. 

It’s not too difficult to fit in with the drinking crowd when you’re in a familiar environment. However, if you want to conform to the country’s customs, follow these guidelines to navigate the changeable rules of when to clink and when to sip. 

To Clink or Not to Clink

In days gone by, people used to clink glasses because they believed they sounded like church bells and would keep evil spirits and demons away. After all, who would want evil spirits around when sharing a few drinks with their friends?

However, in modern times, clinking glasses to toast something or someone can be inappropriate in formal settings. Aside from wanting to appear classy and sophisticated, one of the primary reasons is that the glasses are typically made of delicate materials or fine crystal glass. These glasses can easily crack when clinking. Instead, make eye contact with the person you’re celebrating, raise your glass, and give your toast.

When celebrating in a less formal setting, particularly in America or Britain, clinking glasses may be acceptable, especially with more robust glassware. Pubs and bars typically use thicker glasses with the capacity to go through numerous daily dishwasher cycles, so they’re a lot sturdier than their fine crystal counterparts.

Sipping in Company

Sipping your drink can be more appropriate in many settings, including during speeches requiring toasts, when others are engaged in conversation, and in intimate or quiet settings. A simple nod while raising your glass is sufficient before sipping your drink. 

But, believe it or not, there is also a correct way to do this. You can look to French wine culture for lessons in wine-drinking etiquette. The host or waiter will pour wine for all at the table. Wait until everyone has wine in their glasses before taking a sip.

If someone makes a toast, wait until they’re finished before sipping. If there’s no toast, the French will say “a votre santé” (cheers) before drinking. Sip your wine slowly and enjoy the meal.

In addition to the French traditions, good drinking etiquette requires that you sip from a single spot on the rim of the glass. It enhances the wine’s appearance and scent and leaves the edge of your glass looking cleaner. 

Sipping is also more appropriate when drinking cocktails in a formal setting. Although many cocktails are served with a straw, it’s better etiquette to sip them directly from the glass. Straws are too casual for a formal occasion and have the drawback of making people get drunk faster.

The biology lesson here is that oxygen assists in oxygen dilution. When using a straw, you’re drawing in less oxygen, and that tipsy feeling rushes in much faster!

Where You Are Makes a Difference in How You Celebrate

You might think celebrating in a crowd is straightforward wherever you go, but that is far from the truth. Habits that may be polite in one country may be the epitome of disrespect in another. If the travel bug has bitten, it’s not just your lifestyle preferences you need to consider. You need to learn to toast and drink according to the cultural norms in different countries to avoid faux pas in their drinking etiquette.

India

When drinking in India, there’s no particular custom around toasting. However, if you want to toast to the good life like the locals, raise your glass and say Tulleeho! Otherwise, simply lifting a glass and saying “cheers” suffices. 

Germany

When drinking with German folk, clink glasses with your companions, say “prost,” and make eye contact with all of them. Legend has it that if you break eye contact, you will endure seven years of bad sex! While this sounds unlikely, it’s a common belief in various cultures.

France

French etiquette also demands maintaining eye contact. Drinkers may raise their glasses or clink them. In addition, don’t pour drinks past midway on the glass, and sip your drink slowly – don’t gulp it down.

Czech Republic

Never cross your arms during a toast. This is another country that believes in your sex life going pear-shaped if you break this rule.

Ireland

Buying yourself a drink in Ireland will cost you a round. But the patrons will also take turns buying rounds for everyone, so you won’t miss out. 

Hungary

Never clink glasses when toasting in Hungary. Hungarians swore not to clink glasses for 150 years after the execution of the Martyrs of Arad. Although the 150 years have passed, the tradition remains.

Vanuatu

Custom demands that drinkers honor their ancestors when drinking kava – their preferred stimulant. To do this, drinkers must either spit or pour some of the kava onto the ground before enjoying it themselves. 

Japan

Always allow someone else to pour you a drink and then return the favor. If you’ve had enough, don’t pour for anyone else, or they will feel obliged to give you a refill.

China

The Chinese may toast several times during a meal. The host will toast an honored guest. If you’re that guest, return the compliment. Gently clink the host’s glass out of respect. Always keep your glass lower than the host’s or elders in the group.

Bottoms Up!

Whether you’re drinking fine wine out of crystal glasses or beer out of a novelty mug, knowing when to clink and when to sip ensures that you don’t make an awkward social mistake or insult your host.

A rule of thumb is not to clink glasses in formal, intimate, or quiet settings. Observe the drinking etiquette of the locals and follow suit, always remaining respectful of the people and their traditions. 

Whether in a formal setting, a casual gathering, or an intimate dinner, being attuned to the preferences and culture of those around you will help you make the right choices and enhance the experience for everyone involved.

Ida Ohlsson

Freelance editor, gamer, cat mommy, and self-care advocate, Ida Ohlsson enjoys simple pleasantries in life like an afternoon stroll or sipping morning tea while reading her favorite book. She takes pleasure in reading and writing topics that promote wellness and a healthy lifestyle.