When we think about epic celebrations (think this year’s New Year’s Eve that heralds the end of one decade and beginning of another), opening a bottle of Champagne comes to mind. And yes, I’m raising my glass to that thought! But for many of us, a good bottle of Champagne may not be wallet-friendly or a preferred palate pleaser. The good news? There are plenty of great alternatives to Champagne and I’m here to share a few favorites.
This week, I was featured on “Chicago’s Very Own Channel 9” WGN-TV during their Midday News segment to offer suggestions for New Year’s Eve bubbles that are delicious options to Champagne. As a bonus, I shared ideas for luscious, impressive (and easy to make!) cocktails, each with its own story. Click here to see the full video or see below.
Let’s toast to the following sparkling wines and cocktails (recipes included, of course) that will make this year’s festivities the most memorable of the decade. Pop that cork!
The Wine: Zardetto Prosecco DOC
A lovely way to start the evening (even before the guests arrive!) is to pour a glass of refreshing, bright Zardetto Prosecco DOC ($18.99). As a slightly sweet aperitif to whet the appetite or start the conversation, this wine from the Veneto region is of the Glera grape that offers delightful aromas and flavors of citrus, melon, yellow florals and cream. Produced using the Charmat method (the second fermentation is in the tank), vibrant acidity and fresh fruit notes are predominant. Food friendly, complement bites of sushi, tempura vegetables, salty appetizers or stuffed mushrooms with a glass of Zardetto Prosecco.
The Cocktail: Negroni Sbagliato
When a bartender makes a mistake, you have to hope that it will taste delicious! Cocktail rumor has it that in the late 1980s, owner and head bartender at Bar Basso in Milan made a sbagliato (Italian for “mistake”) when he poured sparkling wine instead of gin as he was making a Negroni. The result was this delicious riff on a classic cocktail that also included vermouth and bitters.
Pour 1 ounce sweet vermouth such as Brovo, 1 ounce bitters such as Nardini and 2 ounces Zardetto Prosecco over ice, in that order. Lightly stir so that the bubbles continue to dance. Garnish with an orange slice or orange peel.
The Wine: Francois Montand Brut Blanc de Blancs NV
Francois Montand Brut Blanc de Blancs NV ($15) is a flavorful crémant of Colombard, Ugni Blanc and Chardonnay cultivated in vineyards from the French regions of the Jura and southwest France. Like Champagne, this dry sparkling is produced using méthode traditionelle whereby the second fermentation occurs in the bottle. Rich and complex, aromas of white flowers and citrus are enticing and lead to flavors of golden apples, Meyer lemons, baked brioche and cream. Think about pairing this Blanc de Blancs throughout any meal that includes seafood, salads and soft cheeses.
The Cocktail: French 75
Concocted in 1915 by barman Harry MacElhone at the New York Bar in Paris, the French 75, also known as 75 Cocktail or Soixante Quinze, is named after the French 75 field gun. Apparently, this wine gives just as much of a kick as the gun used in World War I! Harry MacElhone garnered even more fame with his iconic Parisian watering hole, Harry’s New York Bar.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in 1 ounce gin, ½ ounce fresh lemon juice and ½ ounce simple syrup Shake then strain in a flute and top with the bubbly. Garnish with a lemon twist and a cherry.
The Wine: Martini & Rossi Asti
Of the intensely aromatic Moscato Bianco grape, Martini & Rossi Asti DOCG ($11.99) is sweet and refreshing. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the winery, close to Milan and located in the Asti region of Piemonte. (I highly recommend a tour and tasting if you’re ever in the area. Explore “Casa Martini” where a guided tour of the Mondo Martini Gallery, the Wine History Museum, Botanical Room and Martini Cocktail Experience are waiting to be explored.) Like Prosecco, this wine was produced using the Charmat method to help maintain the Moscato Bianco’s fresh and intense fruit aromas and flavors. On the nose, powerful notes of honeysuckle, acacia, peaches, oranges and stone fruit are dominant. The palate, sweet and clean, boasts bright acidity and delightful notes of stone fruit, pears, florals and herbs.
The Cocktail: Sgroppino Float
The cocktail originated in Venice where Sgroppino was used as a palate cleanser between courses. The word “scroppino” is from the Venetian name for “un-knot” or “loosen” – as in the belt or trouser button after a heavy meal! Now, the cocktail is often used as an after-dinner digestif and in my opinion, it’s a perfect light, satisfying dessert on its own.
In a flute or coupe, pour ¼ ounce raspberry syrup, 1 scoop of lemon sorbet, 1 ounce vodka and top with Martini & Rossi Asti DOCG.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
