Cheers to haptic sensations and alcohol consumption: How glassware weight impacts perceived intoxication and positive emotions

People often consume alcohol as a means of emotional control. More specifically, people frequently consume alcohol to enhance positive feelings (e.g., happiness) and reduce negative feelings (e.g., stress, tension). The results of two field studies and one laboratory study showed that holding the volume of alcohol consumed constant and varying the haptic (i.e., weight) sensations individuals experience during consumption can influence these emotional responses and also perceived intoxication. Specifically, we manipulated haptic weight sensations by varying the weight of the cup/container (e.g., champagne flute) alcohol was consumed from and showed that consuming champagne from lighter (vs. heavier) flutes leads to enhanced positive feelings, reduced negative feelings, and increased perceived intoxication.