Behind the Bar... The Toast

Ever wonder about toasting? Simply put, a toast is a drink taken as an expression of honor or goodwill. But when do you toast, and how, and do you really have to clink your good crystal? Read on...

• When? If someone else made the toast, watch for them to raise their glass. If you are honoring someone (or something), finish your speech, and then raise your glass.
• How? Raise your glass and drink. Do not put your glass down before the toast is complete, or hold your glass without drinking. Otherwise you signal that you don't agree with the toast, or are impolite. For non-drinkers, it is perfectly acceptable to toast with non-alcoholic beverages or even water...unless you are in the Navy!
• Where? At any gathering, allow the host to toast the guest of honor first!
• Clink? Touching glasses gently after a toast is perfectly acceptable. Gently. Rapping on your wineglass to announce a toast? Considered tacky, even if everybody does it.
• How often? If you think there might be a series of toasts, try to make your wine last.
• Sit or stand? A toast is usually offered while standing, but the honoree should not stand until after the toast, to thank the person who offered the toast.