Cheers! How to Give the Perfect Toast

On the fine art of raising a glass to any occasion

Giving a toast is a valuable social skill. Tim Herlihy (L), U.S. ambassador for Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey, is no stranger to the art. Courtesy of Tullamore D.E.W.

A raised glass. A slur of warm words. The clinking of cups punctuating echoes of exclamations from around the room. So goes the toast, a universal custom of tribute and well-wishing that spans countries and cultures.

“No matter where you go, there is this idea of toasting, there is this idea of cheersing,” says Tim Herlihy, U.S. ambassador for Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey. “It’s all kind of simultaneously happened in isolation—I’m fascinated by the similarities.”