Cheers to Champagne

As F. Scott Fitzgerald famously remarked, “Too much of anything is bad, but too much champagne is just right!” We tend to agree. Yes, the hangover can be brutal, but that is not champagne’s fault! Bubbly gets that reputation because it tends to be served at celebratory events where heavy drinking takes place. So fear not - we encourage you to enjoy this light, effervescent flavour with gusto. It’s traditional to serve this bubbly golden bevvy on New Year’s Eve, but sparkling wine makes many appearances around this time of year. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your champagne:

1. No Flutes.....Or flutes. Whatever makes you happy! Here’s the argument set forward by champagne enthusiasts: when you serve champagne in a narrow flute, the bubbles showcase nicely, however it doesn’t allow the aromas ample room to open up in the glass. At Green & Green, we are sometimes a fan of flair without utility. Therefore we happen to enjoy the champagne flute. If you have a particularly nice bottle of bubbly to enjoy, opt for a white wine glass with a larger bowl to fuller enjoy the aroma. However, serve it however you feel will add panache to your event. Your choice!

2. Serve Champagne with food. Due to its high acidity and sugar content, champagne makes a wonderful pairing for lots of different kinds of food. Its bubbles act as a palette cleanser between courses or bites. It pairs great with oily, salty and fatty foods. Don’t be afraid to pair this traditionally formal drink with casual snack foods like popcorn and potato chips!

3. Don’t get fancy with the pop. We understand the temptation to launch the cork into the atmosphere! Although this stunt makes for wonderful entertainment, you will lose half of your bottle if you open it this way. You also put your guests’ eyes at risk, which no host should do in good conscience. We recommend popping the cork while the cage is in place, both to preserve the precious liquid but also your guests’ vision. The loud ‘pop’ is spectacular enough, we promise!

4. Give a toast.Add some occasion to the event by making a toast. If you’re coming together to celebrate, it’s always appreciated when someone takes the initiative to mark the occasion by saying a few words. Don’t worry too much about being clever or profound. It can be brief, heartfelt and cliche. This is the time of year to speak from the heart - so get everyone’s attention to say something! The champagne will taste even better when enjoyed together with friends and family who are toasting to a momentous occasion.

5. Have lots on hand! Champagne goes quickly! It’s universally enjoyed and goes down easy, so make you have plenty in reserve for your guests. We know it’s not the most sophisticated option, but we would even recommend buying an oversized bottle. Unlike wine, it’s less traditional as an offering for guests to bring to dinner, so it’s up to you as the host to ensure you have enough on hand.

Champagne is fun, celebratory and low in calories, which makes it a wonderful beverage for the holiday season. Stop saving that bottle for your next big celebration. Break out the bubbly for your next dinner holiday party. Getting together with those you love is more than enough cause to celebrate. Cheers!