Toasting Etiquette: What to Say and How to Raise Your Glass

A toast is a ritual of goodwill, honour, or celebration, expressed with a raised glass and a few well-chosen words. Proper toasting etiquette involves the host offering the first toast, making eye contact while clinking, and using appropriate wording for the occasion. Guests respond by raising their glasses and taking a sip, but never drink to themselves. The key is sincerity and inclusivity, including alcohol-free options.

What Is the Proper Toasting Etiquette?

Proper toasting etiquette includes several key rules: the host initiates the first toast, everyone participates with a beverage (alcoholic or not), glasses are raised but not necessarily clinked, eye contact is made during the toast and clink, and the honoree does not drink to themselves. Toasts should be brief, sincere, and appropriate to the occasion. The traditional order is that the host toasts the guest of honour, and then others may offer toasts.

Host and Guest Responsibilities

The host should prepare a short toast in advance and ensure all glasses are filled before beginning. Guests should stop conversations, face the speaker, and hold their glasses ready. If you are the honoree, you do not drink to yourself; you simply smile, nod, and thank the toaster after. If you are toasted, you may respond with a brief thank-you toast later.

How to Raise Your Glass

Raise your glass to about chest or shoulder height, not above your head. Hold it by the stem or base if it is a wine glass, or by the body for a tumbler. Keep your arm relaxed. Do not wave the glass or use it to point. If you are seated, you may remain seated, but standing is more formal and shows respect.

Toasting Etiquette Clinking Glasses

Clinking is a tradition but not always required. In formal settings or large groups, simply raising your glass is acceptable. If you do clink, do it gently, edge to edge, never rim to rim (which can chip glass). Look at the person you are clinking with. In some cultures, clinking is avoided; follow the host's lead. If using plastic cups, a light touch or no clink is fine.

Toasting Etiquette Eye Contact

Eye contact during a toast conveys sincerity and connection. When giving a toast, look at the honoree or scan the group. When clinking, make eye contact with each person you clink. When drinking after the toast, maintain brief eye contact with the host or honoree if appropriate. In some European traditions, breaking eye contact during a toast is considered bad luck, but this is not universal.

What to Say When Toasting Someone

The wording of your toast should be short, warm, and tailored to the occasion. For a formal event, use a structured format: address the group, express the sentiment, and end with an invitation to drink. Examples:

Wedding: "To the health and happiness of [names], may your love grow stronger every day. Cheers!"
Birthday: "To [name] on their special day—may the coming year bring joy and success. Cheers!"
Business: "To our partnership and continued success. Cheers!"
Informal: "Here's to good friends and good times. Cheers!"

Avoid long stories, embarrassing anecdotes, or inside jokes that exclude others. Keep it under a minute.

Responding to a Toast

If you are the honoree, do not raise your glass or drink during the toast. Nod, smile, and thank the toaster. After everyone drinks, you may offer a brief response: "Thank you all for your kind words. I'm truly touched." You may then propose a return toast to the host or the group.

Choosing the Right Drink for the Occasion

The drink you choose for a toast can enhance the moment. Traditional choices include Champagne, sparkling wine, or a signature cocktail. However, any beverage works, including non-alcoholic options, as the sentiment matters more than the contents.

Alcohol-Free Alternatives

For guests who do not drink alcohol, offer a non-alcoholic sparkling cider, non-alcoholic wine, or a festive mocktail. Ensure the glass looks similar to others' if possible, so no one feels singled out. A simple sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a cranberry spritzer is elegant and inclusive.

Flavour Comparisons and Pairings

Consider the following table for common toast drinks and their characteristics:

Drink	Flavour Profile	Best For	Food Pairing
Champagne	Dry, crisp, yeasty, citrus	Formal celebrations	Oysters, fried appetizers, salty snacks
Prosecco	Light, fruity, floral	Casual parties	Fresh fruit, mild cheeses
Sparkling water with lemon	Clean, refreshing, citrus	Non-alcoholic option	Light appetizers
Classic Margarita	Tart, sweet, salty	Casual, festive	Mexican cuisine, chips and salsa
Non-alcoholic sparkling cider	Sweet, apple, bubbly	Family gatherings	Cheese platter, desserts

When hosting, offer a variety to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs. Consider the season: a light white wine or rosé in summer, a full-bodied red or spiced cocktail in winter.

Step-by-Step: Giving a Toast

Ensure all glasses are filled. If you are the host, pour or ask staff to top up guests, including non-alcoholic options.
Stand and gently tap your glass with a utensil or clear your throat to get attention.
Make eye contact with the honoree or group, raise your glass to chest height.
Speak clearly and slowly, using your prepared words. Keep it under one minute.
End with a clear call to drink, such as "Cheers!" or "To [name]!"
Take a sip. Do not empty the glass entirely unless it is a very small amount.
If you are the honoree, do not drink; thank the toaster after.

Common Questions About Toasting Etiquette

Do I have to drink alcohol for a toast?

No, it is perfectly acceptable to toast with water, juice, soda, or any non-alcoholic beverage. The gesture is what matters. If you have an alcoholic drink but do not wish to drink, you may simply raise the glass and not sip, or take a tiny sip.

What if I am the honoree and someone toasts me?

Do not drink to yourself. Smile, acknowledge the toast, and after everyone has sipped, you may offer a brief thank-you or a return toast to the host.

When should the host give the first toast?

Typically after the first course is served or once everyone has a drink. For informal gatherings, it can be at any natural pause. The host should not wait until the end of the meal.

Is clinking glasses always required?

No. In large groups, simply raising your glass is sufficient and avoids awkward stretching. In some cultures, clinking is not customary. Follow the host's lead.

How do I handle a toast in a business setting?

Keep it professional and brief. Use the occasion, such as a project completion or a colleague's promotion. Avoid overly personal remarks. If you are the junior person, wait for a senior leader to initiate the toast.

Conclusion

Mastering toasting etiquette enhances any gathering. By knowing what to say, how to raise your glass, and when to clink and make eye contact, you show respect and create memorable moments. Choose drinks thoughtfully, offer alcohol-free alternatives, and keep toasts sincere and inclusive. Whether you are hosting or a guest, these guidelines ensure everyone enjoys the ritual of raising a glass together.