Everything Glamorous and Bubbly for 2020
photo by Billy Huynh via Unsplash
Fizzy punches, cocktails, and bubbly bottles for bursting your way into the next decade.
It’s nearly been one hundred years since the start of the hedonistic and glamorous 1920s. Just before “The Roaring Twenties” began, historical moments set the stage for this decadent decade. World War I ended, women received the right to vote, motion pictures were the talk of the town and a new, ready-to-party atmosphere took center stage. Except the party was supposed to crash when Prohibition began a few weeks into the near year, but instead it only showed the creative determination of a public that had an unquenchable thirst for booze. This defiant way of life was all that jazz.
Successful marketing strategies by Champagne Maisons like Ruinart during the turn-of-the-century painted the bubbalicious booze as a luxury product (as it always was) to a new wave of international consumers through art and literature. High society, tuxedos, lavish parties, the well-heeled flappers, smoky jazz nightclubs, the endless amount Champagne—all defined the upper echelon of American society at the time. The highfalutin lifestyle was mirrored most notably for America in writer F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book The Great Gatsby (1925).
Over the last century and since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933 (thankfully), Champagne is no longer for just the high rollers. In fact, some other French regions and countries like Spain and Italy have adopted the Methode Champenoise (a.k.a. methode traditionelle) to make their own homegrown fizz in varying styles and prices. The frothy wine also found its way into cocktails and punches in the mid-1800s with, well, you guessed it—The Champagne Cocktail. Marathon drinker and writer Ernest Hemingway decided absinthe and Champagne tasted great together and the aptly named Death in the Afternoon, was born in the 1930s.
Whether it’s a nip, a sip, a splash in a glass, or a whole case—these fizzy finds will catapult you into a flashy new decade. Check out these picks from Champagne to bubbly cocktails. Cheers to 2020!
photo by Tristan Gassert via Unsplash
Bottles to splurge on
Piper Heidsieck Rare ‘02 - Champagne, France ($150)
Champagne that is suited for a queen. As one of Marie Antoinette’s favorites, the Heidsieck Champagnes have been seducing palates since the 18th century and well into the present day. In the 1950s, Hollywood megastar Marilyn Monroe was famously quoted for saying that she starts her days with an early morning glass of Heidsieck. Champagne really is a girl’s best friend. The silky splendor of the Rare bottlings is no exception. Heidsieck Rare was born from the idea of producing a sumptuous vintage Champagne by only playing the good cards Mother Nature deals you (meaning, a vintage can only be declared in an exceptional harvest year). Since the 1970s, Rare has been bottled only 11 times and over-delivers with each cuvée. Bright and lively, this Champagne is ready to sing all night for you. Delicate, defiant, delicious. Don’t forget the caviar!
Champagne Collet Collection Privée Brut 2008 - Champagne, France ($85)
Maison Collet was established at this raucous, no-holds-barred time of the 1920s after many years of rioting to protect the growers and the name of Champagne. Since 1921, the house has been crafting versatile wines for sophisticated palates. The Maison tries to “evoke an era” with Art-Deco glamour on its labels and their museum-like estate house, Villa Collet. Collection Privée Brut 2008 is a blend of the finest chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier from the grand cru and premier cru villages of the region. For added richness, the wine is aged in barrel thus adding to its compatibility with food. Balanced with aromas of hazelnuts, brilliant lemon curd, and fragrant tea leaf lead this suave sipper to win a Double Gold Medal at the 2019 New York International Wine Competition.
Super Sparkling from Around the Globe
Domaine Chandon Harvested Under The Stars Brut NV - Napa Valley, California ($26)
Have a night among the stars with this limited edition sparkler from California Sparkling King, Domaine Chandon. Located in Yountville, Domaine Chandon was the first French-owned sparkling wine producer in Napa Valley. Since 1973, Chandon has brought attention to California Sparkling Wine with all of the grace and elegance of Champagne. The grapes of this special cuvée were harvested at night to preserve the acidity and freshness of the grapes—the calling card for exceptional sparkling wine. Align this starry bottle with some oysters or french fries.
NYETIMBER Sparkling Brut Rosé NV - West Sussex, England ($60)
The British are coming! …. With their own sparkling wine! The British have been known throughout history for their thirst for the world’s best wines. However, our friends across the pond make their own as well. Sharing a similar climate and soil to Champagne, the southern part of England is home to some of the finest vineyards for sparkling wine production. Wife-and-husband winemakers Cherie Spriggs and Brad Greatrix work with all estate fruit that is hand-harvested showcasing the radiance of the English terroir. This silky sparkler is refreshingly reminiscent of strawberries and cream.
Mionetto Luxury Collection Cartizze DOCG Dry NV - Cartizze, Veneto, Italy ($25)
Sometimes Prosecco is not meant for that morning Mimosa. Mionetto was established in the late 19th century by Francesco Mionetto and was a pioneer for the region. Cartizze DOCG sits inside the Valdobbiadene region of Veneto as is known for its mouthwatering, highly-acclaimed sparkling wine. Mionetto’s Luxury Collection is redefining how the world looks at Prosecco. Crafted from the glera grape sourced from high-elevations, this fizz sizzles with soft precision and freshness.
Effervescent Punches and Cocktails
Gath’ring Winter Fuel (Original Recipe by Amanda Schuster in New York Cocktails, Cider Mill Press, 2017)
This sparkly pink punch (yes it’s still a thing) is a knockout and will give you a reason to use that crystal bowl you had to have from that estate sale. The recipe combines all things great: fruit, booze, and spice. It’s great for parties with thirsty guests!
Needed:
two 750 mL bottles of rosé bubbles (We suggest Yes Way Rosé sparkling, Gold Medal Winner at 2019 New York International Wine Competition)
half-bottle (375 mL) aged rum or cognac VS
6 ounces orange liquor
4 ounces Hibiscus Syrup (recipe follows)
several dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters
Note: Freeze water in a small bowl or even a bundt pan overnight to make giant a ice cube, which keeps the punch cool without diluting the bubbles. You can also use cubed ice or spheres. (Your call!)
Combine all ingredients into the punch bowl. Gussy-it-up with sliced fruits like figs, berries, or citrus. Enjoy!
photo by Amanda Schuster
Hibiscus Syrup
1 cup water
½ cup dried hibiscus flowers or 6 bags of hibiscus tea (removed from tea bags)
1 stick cinnamon
5 whole cloves
5 allspice berries
1 vanilla pod
¾ granulated sugar or demerara sugar
Add the water, hibiscus, and spices to a small pot and bring to a boil. When it has come to a full boil, remove from heat and let the flowers steep in the liquid for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the flowers out of the liquid and return it to the pot with sugar. Heat it to a boil again while stirring to dissolve the sugar. Simmer until the mixture gets syrupy. Allow to cool before using. The syrup lasts about 10 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
The Alfonso Cocktail (The Savoy Cocktail Book, 1930, Constable Publishing)
Named for Spanish King Alfonso XIII who enjoyed the drink while exiled in France, The Alfonso Cocktail first appeared in The Savoy Cocktail Book, published in 1930. Alfonso is a slightly bitter, herbal, twist on The Champagne Cocktail and delights those who want a happy medium between sparkling wine and bitter aperitifs.
Glassware: Flute (or white wine glass)
1 sugar cube
A dash of Angostura bitters
½ ounce of Dubonnet Rouge (An aromatized wine that recently had a makeover to resemble its 19th century recipe)
Champagne Palmer Brut Reserve NV ($60 avg/btl) (this is also delicious on its own to toast the new year)
Lemon or Orange Twist
Soak the sugar cube in Angostura bitters in glassware. Add Dubonnet. Fill with Champagne. Garnish with the citrus twist.
Happy New Year from everyone at The Alcohol Professor!