Pop the cork and try a new twist on a traditional glass of champagne
Champagne and sparkling wine are festive on their own, but kick the party up a notch and dress up your bubbly with these five simple ideas:
Put a twist on the traditional mimosa
Champagne and OJ make great companions, but add some extra pop to your brunch mimosa with a dash of lime juice or a few tablespoons of pineapple juice, mango puree or grapefruit juice. If you want to stick with orange juice, amp up the flavor by using the juice of a blood orange, and adding a dash of orange liqueur.
Add fruit
Fruit adds both visual interest and a zingy flavor to the sweet bubbly. Strawberries are a Champagne staple, but consider adding something a bit unexpected, like thinly sliced apples or a tablespoon of pomegranate seeds. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Bring on the sweet stuff
Add sweetness to your drink by pouring Champagne over cotton candy. The candy instantly melts into the liquid and provides an interesting visual. Or, place a puff of cotton candy on top of a full glass for a cloud-like effect. An alternative: Pour the Champagne over a small scoop of sorbet or sherbet for a fizzy treat. Or, serve the bubbly in a martini glass and add a popsicle for extra color and flavor.
Use a sugared rim
Before pouring the bubbly, dip the glass rim in simple syrup or lime juice and then twist it on a plate that contains colored sugar or another dry ingredient, like crushed graham cracker crumbs, Pop Rocks or candy canes. The result will be both festive-looking and tasty.
Create a cocktail
Use the Champagne as a base for a festive cocktail. It pairs well with vodka, Aperol and Campari. One festive favorite is a Cranberry Sparkler, which contains vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, cranberry sauce, and – of course – a splash of Champagne.
© sofie delauw; kajakiki; thianchai sitthikongsak; westend61; debby lewis-harrison
