Depending on what kind of glass you’re holding, the optimal way to hold it will vary. Keep in mind, the goal is always to keep the alcohol as cool as possible to not disturb the flavour by warming it with the heat of your hand.
Holding a flute (or tulip) glass: Hold it by the stem. Some recommend pinching the top of the stem between your thumb and forefinger. Your little finger should rest just above the base to ensure the flute is steady.
Holding a coupe glass: Coupes are low and wide drinkware. Though not as popular as flutes, they are known for being used to build sparkling wine towers, and one was famously used by Leonardo di Caprio to announce, ‘I’m Gatsby’ in The Great Gatsby. However, when holding one of these glasses, we don’t recommend you hold it the way Gatsby did for more than a photo op. Keep your alcohol chilled by holding your coupe glass with your thumb, and two fingers on opposite sides of the rim. Your ring and little finger should hover by the side.
When holding fancy drinkware, whether they are toasting flutes or Gatsby coupe glasses, as long as you’re not leaning your palm against the bowl, you can’t go wrong.