How to Hold a Mug with a Handle

When you reach for your first cup of coffee in the morning, you're probably still groggy and not focused on much other than getting your caffeine fix. However, in professional settings or social interactions, it’s a good idea to follow some basic etiquette when holding your mug. Don't worry, it’s not difficult. Keep reading for some helpful tips below!

Hold the mug handle with your index finger in formal settings. Loop your index finger through the mug handle and grip firmly, curling the other three fingers into your palm to stabilize the mug. Place your thumb on top of the handle to maintain balance.

• According to etiquette, this is the appropriate way to hold a coffee mug. So, if you want to impress someone with your finesse or simply prefer a more refined approach, this is the way to go.

Slip 2-4 fingers into the handle if you find it more comfortable. While holding the mug by the index finger is considered polite, feel free to adjust your grip if it feels a bit awkward. Coffee mugs usually have large, sturdy handles, so you can try holding the mug with 2, 3, or even 4 fingers, depending on what feels most natural for you.

• Generally, coffee is a casual beverage, so there's no need to always appear overly formal when holding a coffee mug.

Wrap both hands around the warm mug on a cold day. There's nothing quite like the feeling of holding a warm mug with both hands on a chilly winter morning. This grip also brings back memories of enjoying a hot chocolate on a cold, rainy day. Sometimes, you can completely forget about social etiquette, especially when you're cozy at home. Just go ahead! Enjoy the warmth of your mug in your hands.

• Make sure the mug isn't too hot to avoid discomfort or dropping it.

Hold the rim of the mug while moving. Nothing is worse than spilling hot coffee on your shirt when walking from the break room to your desk. To carry the mug safely, use a pinch grip with your hand around the rim and hold the mug firmly with your fingers. Experts say this is the most stable way to transport your coffee.

• This grip will help you avoid burns compared to holding the mug with your palm.
• However, if the drink is extremely hot, steam may still burn your palm with this grip.

Hold a cold drink with the mug's handle. If you're holding a cold drink in a mug with a handle, like a Moscow mule cocktail, don’t grip the mug with your palm. The heat from your hand will warm the drink and melt the ice. Instead, hold the handle to keep your drink cold and preserve its flavor.

• Try using the friendly social grip here – loop your index finger through the handle and curl the other 3 fingers into your palm.

Position the mug handle at 3 o'clock. Make sure to place the mug in this position while drinking and when setting it down. This method ensures you'll drink from the same spot. If you wear lipstick, this helps prevent leaving a lipstick stain around the mug's rim.

• Even if you don’t wear lipstick, drinking from the same spot on the mug is considered polite.
• If you're left-handed, hold the mug at 9 o'clock instead.

Let your pinky finger point down. You may have seen people 'stylishly' holding their tea cups with their pinky finger extended. Well, that doesn't apply to mugs with handles. While it might seem elegant, experts don’t agree that it's appropriate in this case.

Turn the decorative side of the mug outward. The general rule is that others will admire your mug, so if it has witty quotes or beautiful designs, let others enjoy it too. When sitting with others, hold the mug so the decoration faces outward.

• Most mugs with handles are designed for right-handed people, so it may be tricky for left-handed individuals. If you're left-handed, you could try holding the mug with your right hand (it may feel a little awkward) or buy mugs that you can personalize. There are plenty of options available online!

Stir coffee in a straight line. Whether you're holding the mug or setting it down to stir, etiquette suggests stirring coffee with milk or sugar in a straight line down the center of the cup. Imagine your mug is a clock, start stirring at 12 o'clock and pull the spoon down to 6 o'clock.

• This stirring technique minimizes splashing and helps the sugar dissolve more quickly.
• Be sure not to let the spoon scrape the sides of the mug with a loud clink, especially in social situations. This is considered rude.

Serve coffee by placing the mug on a saucer. Don't hand the mug directly to your guest — the mug's handle can make this a bit tricky. Instead, place a saucer on the table and set the mug on it.

• If you're serving in a café, place the mug on the counter for customers to pick up instead of handing it to them directly.