Champagne: Giving the Bubbly a Twist

Chances are if you are like most, the two or three sips of champagne you have at midnight on New Years Eve account for most of your yearly champagne consumption. I had, until recently, consumed less than 16 ounces over the last ten years. That figure included ten New Years Eves, eight weddings two bar mitzvahs and a yacht christening. It wasn't a macho thing. It is liquor not quiche, but until now it didn't seem like booze. One creative bartender and three champagne cocktail recipes later-I'm converted.

Champagne is a sparkling wine produced by inducing the in-bottle secondary fermentation of wine to effect carbonation. It is named after the Champagne region of France. European law is very strict about what can and cannot be called (or label and sold) as champagne. Here in America though, pretty much any sparkling wine is consider champagne and for the purpose cocktails stay on the cheaper side (under $20).

The exact origin of the marriage of toasting in the New Year with champagne is not clear, however its use at social functions and celebrations dates back to 17^th century. Try the drinks below for a new twist on the old bubbly. The exact recipes can be found by following the links. Enjoy and as always, drink responsibly.

The Champagne Cocktail

This was step one on my journey to champagne appreciation. It is quick and easy to make. It is champagne, a sugar cube, and bitters; although the bartender gave me a variation with an ounce of brandy. I may never drink another Manhattan.

The Thug Passion

I'll admit I was a little leery of this one. It is made with equal parts Alize and champagne. It isn't bad. The dryness of the champagne offsets the Alize's sweetness. I could see pulling it off at a summer backyard barbecue. Alize comes in three flavors; so it is really three different drinks (I tried them all).

The French 75

For all of you WW-I buffs, yes it is named after the rapid fire cannon and it has some fire power. The classic French 75 is made with gin, but while searching the net for a link, I found one I like better made with cognac, either way you can't go wrong, well you can if you have three. Don't worry, I was on the subway.

These are just a few new ideas for an old favorite. You may not be converted but at least this year there will be no excuse for waking up with half empty bottles of warm champagne. Happy New Year!