Champagne Etiquette 101: The Do’s and Don’ts of Drinking and Serving Champagne Like a Pro 🥂

Champagne is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, hosting an elegant dinner party, or simply indulging in a glass of bubbly, knowing the proper etiquette can elevate the experience for yourself and those around you. From selecting the right bottle to pouring and drinking with finesse, mastering the art of champagne etiquette will ensure that you enjoy every sip as it was intended. This guide covers the essential do’s and don’ts of drinking and serving champagne like a true connoisseur. This is champagne etiquette 101!

Selecting the Right Champagne 🍾

The first step in proper champagne etiquette begins with selecting the right bottle for the occasion. There are many types of champagne, from Brut (dry) to Doux (sweet) and Blanc de Blancs (made from Chardonnay) to Blanc de Noirs (made from Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier). The occasion and the food pairings should influence your choice.

✅ Do:

• Choose quality over quantity – While you don’t have to splurge on the most expensive bottle, avoid overly cheap options as they may lack depth and refinement.
• Consider the occasion – Opt for a vintage champagne for special celebrations, while a non-vintage (NV) champagne is suitable for casual gatherings.
• Pair appropriately – Match champagne with foods that complement its flavors, such as seafood 🦐, cheeses 🧀, and light appetizers.

❌ Don’t:

• Assume all sparkling wine is champagne – Only sparkling wines from the Champagne region of France can legally be called “champagne.”
• Ignore the label – Check for terms like “Brut,” “Extra Dry,” or “Demi-Sec” to ensure the sweetness level aligns with your preference.

Storing and Chilling Champagne ❄️

Proper storage and serving temperature significantly impact the flavor and experience of drinking champagne.

✅ Do:

• Store bottles horizontally – This keeps the cork moist and prevents oxidation.
• Keep it cool and dark – Champagne should be stored in a cool, dark place at about 50-55°F (10-13°C).
• Chill before serving – The ideal serving temperature is 45-50°F (7-10°C), which can be achieved by placing the bottle in an ice bucket 🧊 for 20-30 minutes or refrigerating it for a few hours before serving.

❌ Don’t:

• Freeze champagne – Freezing alters the texture and may cause the bottle to explode 💥.
• Store bottles in the fridge for too long – Prolonged refrigeration dries out the cork, which can lead to oxidation and flavor deterioration.

Opening a Bottle the Right Way 🍾

Popping the cork with a loud bang might seem fun, but it’s not considered proper etiquette. The right way to open champagne preserves its elegance and prevents unnecessary spillage.

✅ Do:

• Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle – This helps control the pressure inside.
• Twist the bottle, not the cork – Keep a firm grip on the cork and gently twist the bottle to slowly release the pressure.
• Cover the cork with a napkin or towel – This ensures a controlled, quiet release.

❌ Don’t:

• Shake the bottle – Unless you’re celebrating a Formula 1 victory 🏁, shaking the bottle leads to excessive fizz and waste.
• Point the bottle at someone – The cork can shoot out with force, causing injury ⚠️.

Pouring Champagne Correctly 🍷

Proper pouring technique preserves the bubbles and enhances the experience.

✅ Do:

• Use the right glass – A flute or tulip-shaped glass is best for preserving bubbles and capturing aromas.
• Tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle – This prevents excessive foam and allows for a steady pour.
• Pour slowly in two stages – Fill halfway, let the bubbles settle, then top up to about two-thirds full.

❌ Don’t:

• Use a coupe glass – While stylish, coupe glasses cause bubbles to dissipate quickly.
• Overfill the glass – Champagne should be sipped, not gulped; an overfilled glass makes it difficult to appreciate the aroma.

Drinking Champagne with Elegance ✨

How you drink champagne can impact your enjoyment and the experience of those around you.

✅ Do:

• Hold the glass by the stem – This prevents the heat from your hands from warming the champagne.
• Sip slowly – Appreciate the flavors and effervescence rather than gulping it down.
• Make a toast with grace – Maintain eye contact 👀 and clink glasses gently to avoid spills or breakage.

❌ Don’t:

• Swirl the glass like wine – Champagne’s bubbles should remain intact; swirling releases them too quickly.
• Drink straight from the bottle – While it might seem playful, it’s considered improper in formal settings.

Handling Leftover Champagne 🍾

Preserving leftover champagne correctly ensures it remains enjoyable for as long as possible.

✅ Do:

• Use a champagne stopper – This helps maintain carbonation for up to 24-48 hours.
• Refrigerate promptly – Keep the bottle cold to slow down the loss of bubbles.

❌ Don’t:

• Use a spoon trick – The myth that hanging a spoon in the bottle preserves bubbles has been debunked.
• Let it sit out uncovered – Champagne quickly loses its fizz and flavor when exposed to air.

Conclusion on Champagne Etiquette

Champagne etiquette is all about respecting the craftsmanship behind the bottle and enhancing the overall drinking experience. By selecting the right champagne, storing it properly, serving it with care, and drinking it with sophistication, you can enjoy this celebratory beverage like a true connoisseur. Whether at a formal event or a casual gathering, following these do’s and don’ts will ensure that you appreciate every bubble to its fullest. For more make sure to Follow Us! Cheers! 🥂