Planning a special New Year’s Eve celebration and just aren’t sure about that bottle of bubbly? Take a cue from resident champagne expert Becky Sue Epstein, and learn if there is a difference between sparkling wine and champagne. If you’re heading out to make your selection, take a moment with us in Kelly’s Kitchen to understand the difference between a sparkling wine, which quite honestly I really like, and champagne. It’s up to you and your taste, but before you spend too much on something you don’t want, learn how to spot what’s right for you. I’ve seen the most reasonably prices bottles, up to one I spotted in Total Wines a few weeks ago that ran almost $700!

   And how often have we seen someone open a bottle of champagne incorrectly, wasting a lot of that precious liquid? It’s a simple process as you can see from our fun guy in the video but taking the time to carefully open that bottle makes a great deal of difference according to Becky Sue, and a careful pour will no doubt impress your guests! Oh, and if you have a question about what glass to use we can help with that, too. Are you also wondering about what to spend on a good bottle of champagne? I saw one in Total Wines a few weeks ago for almost $700! No, you don't have to go quite that far but if you are wondering what to spend on a bottle of champagne  here's some ideas for you.

   Once you’ve chosen just the right champagne for the party, what are you going to serve with it? Becky Sue’s advice is to go with something salty and smoky to complement the champagne (hello caviar) and to avoid food like chocolate or anything that’s creamy which would coat the inside of your mouth, effectively ruining the taste of the champagne. But that’s not to say avoid the chocolate altogether, just save it for later. If there is a leftover bottle or two, make sure you know how to properly store your champagne.

  Don’t forget the champagne cocktails, by the way! Becky Sue has some wickedly good ideas for cocktails. So pour yourself a glass of bubbly and enjoy the full scoop from Becky Sue.  Happy New Year, and as always, please celebrate responsibly and use a designated driver.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

"Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!" ~ DOM PERIGNON, upon his first taste of champagne