Exploring the differences between a Flute and a Coupe…How do you drink yours?

A question we get asked a lot at our workshops – what is the difference between a champagne flute and a champagne coupe and which one should you drink what from?

Well we thought we would explain further in this blog!

The short answer is - it is all down to personal preference.

Going back to the 1800’s, Champagne was always served in a coupe, perfect for creating a breathtaking champagne tower, wide rimmed to be able to fill the glass with more of your chosen tipple and very elegant. Given  the wide bowl of a coupe, the bubbles in your champagne dissipate quicker due to more oxygen getting into the glass but enhance the aromas and flavour of the drink.  

Over time, sparkling wine became more available to others outside the upper classes, the flute was introduced. A flute does not have the same capacity as a coupe but the elegant tall stems become favoured amongst society. The narrow shape of the flute also helps to preserve the wines carbonation and flavour for a longer time, while the small dent at the base of the glass allows the bubbles to congregate and fizz in the neat line to the top of the glass.

Fast forward to the modern day, coupes don a more retro feel, often with elegant etched patterns and a touch of gold (que our best selling Bridgerton Gold Rimmed Saucers). Whilst they look the picture perfect bubbling with champagne, they are also the ideal glass for a cocktail, making them (in our opinion at least) more versatile than the flute.

 Some like the traditional feel of the narrow long flute, from a practical point of view, you can carry more on a tray and they don’t require as much champagne to be full! While the stemless flute is also a popular fashion choice now, from a practical point, a flute and coupe are designed to be held by the stem to ensure your fizz does not get too warm.

The glasses material can also impact the drinking experience. Crystal is superior to glass in terms of transparency so you can enjoy the colour of the fizz to the full. Crystal glasses can also be extremely thin while also being incredibly durable. Our crystal Gatsby and Clarissa glasses are ideal for an elegant drinks party.

However you choose to drink your sparkling, cheers to you and gorgeous glassware!