a Sparkly Wine a bit, Wednesday. N.Y.E. style I was trying to pick the perfect champagne or sparkling wine, for this week's WABW,but there are so many different things everyone will be doing...bar, dinner, party, etc. Here is a drink for, hopefully, every situation! I am going to try to cover them all.... If you're at a bar, order a...
"Sparkler"
This is a blend of Champagne and white tequila with a strawberry floating in the glass. Yes, Champagne and tequila go together, picture a little french man with a sombrero! No? Ok, well it actually does, trust me, especially with a sweet strawberry soaking in the mix! If the bartender does not know how to make it, tell them 1 ounce white tequila, 1 ounce champagne, a splash of simple syrup (sugar and water) and strawberry garnish. Ole!!!
If you're going to a party, bring...
First thing is first, if you are going to a party or someones house, you should bring something, big or small. You do not have to go crazy and bring a bottle of Dom Perignon…($135-150, Champagne, France) oh, you can, of course, but you don't have to. On the flip side, you do not want to bring a bottle of $5 sparkling, either. If only you had some Sparkling Wine etiquette advice...someone that knew the difference between a good bottle and yucky one...someone that could recognize a diamond in the never ending bottles on the liquor store's shelves...oh, hi there, Elle here, nice to meet ya! To help, you can't go wrong with some of my fav recommendations! Here is what to ask for and for visuals, click on the names. Domaine Carneros Brut ($23-27, California, USA-dryer), Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut ($37-45, Champagne, France-dryer), Taittinger Champagne La Francaise ($28-33, Champagne, France-dryer), Domaine St. Michelle Brut ($11-15, Washington State, USA-middle), or go pretty in pink with Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir ($14-17, Calfornia, USA-dryer). For something a little sweeter, a bottle of Domaine St. Michelle Extra Dry ($11-15, Washington State, USA-hint of sweetness). For those with a sweet tooth, that very sweet, pretty in pink Rosa Regale ($15-20, Italy-sweet!) will do just fine! Of course, if you like to impress, you couldn't go wrong with that GA-orgeous hand-painted bottle of Perrier-Jouet Fleur de Champagne ($120-140, Champagne, France) that I have pictured above. This is the bottle you keep when it is done, sneak back home with you, and use as a vase!
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If you're at a fancy dinner, impress by asking for a...
"French 75"
Yep, this time no sombrero. 6 ounces of Champagne, 1 tablespoon of Lemon Juice, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 and half oz Cognac (or gin). Garnish with lemon twists. I can smell the fancy already.
or
If you do not want to mix, tell them you would…. "Prefer a glass of Brut, the Extra Dry is too sweet for you." (Many people think the label of "Extra Dry" means dryer than a "Brut". From driest to sweetest it goes like this: Brut Nature, Brut, Extra Dry, Spumante. You'll impress them by knowing what your talking about, trust me. Grab your glass and walk away..nose. in. air.
If you're hosting a party, what to serve...
"Limoncello Sparkler"
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| www.Epicurious.com , Limoncello Sparkler |
1 ounce Limoncello, 1/2 ounce champagne or sparkling wine, and long lemon peel for a garnish. This is deliciously sweet and a yummy twist on regular Limoncello. Why is Limoncello forgotten about anyway? I love it! Have you seen "Under the Tuscan Sun" with Diane Lane? That is my #1 favorite movie. That will make you want a glass of Limoncello, trust me there!
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If you're hanging out with men too manly for sparkles, what they'll love...
"Black Velvet"
Who hasn't been around that group of men too manly to drink bubbles? I have! Tell them to order, drink, or ask for a Black Velvet. Fill a highball glass half way with Guinness, top it off with Sparkling or Champagne. Finish by telling him how unbelievably masculine he looks, how he is truely a man's man; watch as he makes the "Oh, please, stop...no, go on" face as he tenses his arm muscles while holding the glass. Yes, dear, so masculine.Safe & Happy New Year, Everyone!
