Although I enjoy Champagnes like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger as much as the next person, they're simply not in my budget to sip on a regular basis. Instead, I'm always combing the wine aisles, looking for something — American sparkling wine, Cava, Prosecco, you name it — that'll allow me to embark on a minor bubbly binge without breaking the bank.
When I'm not crazy about a purchase that I've made, my favorite way to enjoy the rest of the bottle is by making a simple cocktail with sugar and bitters. It somehow brings out more of the bubbles, providing extra texture and a richness to the overall flavor. I love to serve it in a short glass rather than a flute; it makes me feel oh so Italian. For the recipe, read more.