Champagne and sparkling wine are pretty fancy on their own, but if you're looking to make the moment even more special, we've got a few simple ideas for you. Use berries: Drop a few fresh raspberries or blackberries in your glass for a fruity addition. The delicate champagne bubbles will get trapped in the berry, and you'll be left with a fizzy treat at the end of your drink. Pomegranate seeds Read more

New Year's is my favorite time of year, and Champagne is my favorite drink. So it's no surprise that when I came across a recipe for Champagne cupcakes last week, I nearly jumped out of my seat with excitement. These cupcakes have Champagne in the batter, in the pastry cream filling, and in the buttercream frosting. How much more exciting can this dessert get? There are quite a few steps Read more

Recently, while sipping a glass of excellent Champagne, I had a horrible realization. I know nothing about the way Champagne is produced! Sure, I can read the label, pair it with food, and select a decent bottle, but when it comes to the hard-core technique that is the Methode Champenoise, I know very little. Naturally, I decided to learn all about it and share the process with you: It begins Read more

During the holidays, I like to buy a big bottle of St-Germain, mostly because the bottle is so beautiful and I'm a sucker for great packaging, but also because I just love the delicate elderflower flavor. Made from hand-picked elderflowers, it's a delightful and unusual addition to cocktails. St-Germain goes well with almost everything, from whisky to tequila, but The Hummingbird cocktail Read more

At a viewing party for The Bachelorette last night, I was surprised to learn that many of the ladies in attendance don't like to open champagne. "It's scary," a friend said. "I'm afraid I'm going to hit someone in the eye!" another chimed in. Since I've opened more bottles of sparkling wine than I can count, I'm living proof that it's a safe act to perform on a regular basis. In fact, it's a task Read more

As sparkling wine enthusiasts, Katie and I couldn't turn down a rare opportunity to try some of Moët & Chandon's latest releases with the Champagne house's chef de cave Benoit Gouez himself. At a private tasting, we sampled a curated collection as Gouez talked to us about Champagne's evolving market. See what one of France's notable winemakers had to say about the American palate — and Read more