The Bar Journal

For many people New Year’s Eve means breaking out the bubbly, but all too often the bottles are kept socked away until midnight. That’s a shame—good Champagne and other sparkling wines are great to enjoy throughout the evening (in moderation, of course). And as a bonus, modest wines easily take on a new, more luscious character with just a little help from the liquor cabinet.

If you’re serving sparkling wine over the holiday and are looking for something new, try perking up the drink by rinsing the glass with a teaspoon or so of good quality or fresh squeeze juice or liqueur before pouring the wine. Bitter, Apricot liquor or pomegranate or cranberry juice will contribute a delicate citrusy & bitter sweet taste to the drink.

Of course, livening up a sparkling wine can be as easy as putting together a Champagne Cocktail, a combination of Cognac, bitters and sugar cube finish up with bubbles. Simple to prepare, easy on the eyes and damn tasty to boot, the Champagne Cocktail is a pleasant way to dip into the bubbly while ringing in the new year.

HAPPY 2013
SALUTE!
GIUSEPPE GALLO