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Sparkling Wine
Happy Hour: Sparkling Pomegranate Elderflower Cocktail
There's no better way to get in the spirit of the season than by pouring a fizzy and festive cocktail like this sparkling pomegranate-elderflower concoction. It's blushing color is reminiscent of Fall sunsets and falling leaves, while the effervescent texture screams holiday.
The elderflower adds a hint of syrupy sweetness that's not cloying or overly floral.
How Sweet Do You Like Your Champagne?
How Sweet Do You Like Your Champagne?
Brut (very dry — the champagne standard)
Extra Dry (slightly off-dry)
Demi-Sec (sweet)
Other — see my comments below.
Happy Hour: Codorníu Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé
My favorite dance scene from the 1963 Ann Margret musical Bye Bye Birdie is entitled "Lot of Livin to Do." In it, she sings of "drinking Champagne as if it were water." But, not just any Champagne — pink Champagne.
Come Party With Me: Fall Lunch — Drinks
Every aspect of my Fall lunch features a quintessential ingredient that screams Autumn — including the specialty cocktail I'll be serving guests as they arrive.
Instead of making mimosas with fresh-squeezed orange juice, this refreshing recipe employs pear nectar. A splash of lime juice brings a delicious tartness to the concoction.
Come Party With Me: Anniversary — Drinks
There is one detail of my parents' 1976 wedding that I have always been fascinated by. No, it wasn't the fact that my mom's dress was too big or that my dad was upset when she smashed carrot cake into his face. It is the Champagne fountain that mesmerizes me.
Happy Hour: Pommery POP America
With its delightful dryness and light, fizzy body, it's easy to pledge your allegiance to Pommery POP Champagne ($11.99).
A stylish wine with a pale yellow color, POP has a floral nose, creamy mouth feel, and subtle citrus flavor. I like POP for its smooth drinkability; it's refreshing and tastes great on its own.
Party Fabulous: Simple Strawberry-Mint Glass Garnish
For the past two and a half years, I've complained about everything from a lack of utensils to an unfriendly hostess in my regular column called, Party Foul. Well, guess what? I don't just want to focus on the bad.
All About Bubbly: A Guide to Champagne Jargon
Whether you're celebrating a wedding, honeymoon, graduation, or just the fact that it's Friday, you're probably raising a glass of champagne. Of course, not all sparkling wine is classified as champagne, and that's just the start of the confusing jargon. To help you choose the bubbly that's right for you, I've put together a guide to all of the relevant vocab, so you can sort out the doux from the cru.
Happy Hour: Pink Torpedoes
Inspired by a cocktail class I recently attended, I decided to make my own strawberry-infused vodka. The technique is simple: all you have to do is slice a bunch of strawberries and combine them with the vodka and a little sugar. Then you let it sit for a couple of days until the vodka has a vibrant pink color.
6 Ways to Cut Libation Costs at Your Wedding
Regardless of your budget, it's inevitable that this year's recession woes will impact your wedding. Still, you shouldn't let a tight spending plan stop you from celebrating one of the biggest days of your life. There are many areas where you can cut costs, but one easy place to start is with drinks.
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