What Are Bougie Glasses? A Guide to Drinking in Style | Elegant Glassware

What Are Bougie Glasses?

Bougie glasses have become a popular drinkware choice in recent years. The term "bougie" is slang meaning fancy, high-class, or bourgeois. So bougie glasses are elegant stemmed glasses that create a sophisticated drinking experience.

Bougie glasses stem from the French word "bourgeois" meaning middle/upper middle class. They're associated with refined tastes and upscale lifestyles. Using a bougie glass elevates any beverage, transforming an everyday drink into something chic and indulgent.

Types of Bougie Glasses

There are a few common types of bougie glasses:

• Wine glasses - These have a tall, curved bowl shape on a slender stem. They showcase wine and allow it to breathe.
• Champagne flutes - Tall and narrow to preserve carbonation in sparkling wines/champagne.
• Martini glasses - Iconic conical bowl on a stem, ideal for serving cocktails.
• Glencairn glasses - Short-stemmed glasses with a tulip bowl, used for serving whisky.
• Brandy snifters - Globular bowl on a short stem to warm brandy in the hand and release aromas.

High-quality crystal or glass is preferred for bougie drinkware. The clear material shows off the drink's color and carbonation.

Benefits of Bougie Glasses

Why use bougie glasses instead of regular tumblers or plastic cups? There are a few advantages:

• Enhanced taste - The shape directs wine/spirits to key areas of the mouth and maximizes flavor
• Aroma - Curved rims collect aromatics for you to smell and taste
• Temperature control - Stems prevent hand warmth from heating drinks
• Elegance - Refined, sleek look elevates any occasion
• Presentation - Visual appeal makes drinks more appetizing

The sensory experience of a bougie glass makes every sip a luxurious one. It's an affordable way to indulge yourself at home.

How to Drink from Bougie Glasses

It's easy to look and feel fancy using bougie glasses - just follow proper etiquette.

Holding the Glass

• Grip the stem, not the bowl. This prevents heat transfer from your hand.
• Don't swirl the glass haphazardly. Make controlled circles to aerate wine.
• Keep your pinky down, not sticking out. Extended pinkies look pretentious.
• Hold the glass stem between thumb and index/middle fingers. All other fingers curl gently beneath.

Drinking from the Glass

• No gulping - sip gently. Bougie glasses are for slow, civilized enjoyment.
• Pour no more than a 5oz serving of wine or spirit.
• For red wine, tip the glass slightly to wet the front of your mouth. Tilt back for full flavor.
• Press your lips to the rim without smearing lipstick. Leave a light lip-mark.
• Never reach your tongue into the glass to lick last drops.

If Doing a Taste Test:

• Pour a small sample, about 1-2oz, into each glass.
• Compare color, swirl, smell, taste side-by-side.
• Dump remains into a spit bucket after tasting - don't swallow every sample.

Cocktail Ideas for Bougie Glasses

Make your drinks extra boujee by serving them in proper glassware. Some cocktail recipes to try:

Champagne Cocktail

• Sugar cube soaked in Angostura bitters
• Chilled brut champagne
• Lemon twist garnish

Build in a flute and top with bubbly!

French 75

• 1 oz gin
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 3 oz champagne
• Lemon twist garnish

Shake gin, lemon juice, syrup with ice. Strain into a flute, top with champagne.

Bloody Mary

• 1 oz vodka
• 3 oz tomato juice
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• Tabasco/celery salt/pepper to taste

Build ingredients over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with olives, celery, and lime.

Boulevardier

• 1 oz bourbon
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange peel garnish

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

How to Care for Bougie Glasses

Bougie glassware requires some TLC to maintain its beauty:

• Wash gently by hand using mild detergent and a soft sponge.
• Do not put stemware in the dishwasher - heat and harsh detergents will cloud the glass.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly after washing to prevent spots.
• Polish with a microfiber cloth to keep glasses shining.
• Store glasses stem-up in a cabinet, not stacked tightly touching.

With proper care, your elegant bougie glasses will maintain their sophistication for many years of stylish sipping!

FAQs

What's the difference between regular and bougie glasses?

Bougie glasses have elegant, delicate shapes like wine glasses and champagne flutes. They're designed to enhance the drinking experience. Regular glasses are basic tumblers, highball glasses, or plastic cups.

Do bougie glasses make drinks taste better?

Yes, the shape directs wine or cocktails to key areas of the mouth to maximize flavor. Curved rims also collect aromatics. So bougie glasses do enhance taste and smell.

Is it necessary to hold a bougie glass by the stem?

Yes, holding the bowl warms the drink. The stem keeps your hand heat away to preserve the proper temperature.

Can I put bougie glasses in the dishwasher?

No, the heat and harsh detergents will damage or cloud delicate bougie glassware. Always hand wash gently and polish with a soft cloth.

How much liquid should I pour in a bougie glass?

About 5 ounces of wine, champagne, spirit, or cocktail. More than that is too much for the glass to properly contain.