cheers to 2013

I've written about my love of champagne, but now it's time to write about champagne flutes.  I think they're the most fashionable glassware.  And yes, I think about these kinds of things.

Here are some of my favorite vessels for champagne consumption:

Robert Mondavi flutes by Waterford.  You can never go wrong with a classic crystal flute.  $50/pair.

Edge Flute from Crate and Barrel.  A modern twist on the classic flute.  $12.95/glass.

Larabee Dot Crystal Fete Mini Champagne Saucers from Lenox.  Oh, Kate Spade, I am so in love with you and these coupes.  These feel modern and vintage at the same time.  $80/glass.

Cheers!

champagne cocktails

I like everything about champagne.  It's fancy, it's French, and it's reserved for special occasions.  If you have a glass of champagne in you're hand, there's a pretty good chance you're in a good mood and in good company.  Whoever did the PR for champagne did a great job.

But just because champagne is reserved for celebrations doesn't mean you can't have it often.  You can make it more of an every day drink (think Wednesday at 6 instead of Saturday at 8) by making it a cocktail.  Here's a recipe for my favorite champagne cocktail, a kir royale:

Ingredients

• 1 oz creme de cassis (chambord is also tasty)
• 5 oz champagne
• orange peel

Instructions

• Pour the creme de cassis into the bottom of a champagne flute
• Pour the champagne slowly into the glass
• Garnish with a piece of orange peel.  Give it a twist before dropping it into the drink to release the essential oils

If champagne isn't in your budget, opt for prosecco or sparkling wine -- but just remember:  the smaller the bubbles, the smaller the headache.