NEW YEAR'S EVE CHAMPAGNE The Early Show

[Pages:2]NEW YEAR'S EVE CHAMPAGNE

When you toast in the new year, what should you toast with?

How about -- bubbly on a budget?!

Kim Haasarud (liquid-) calls herself "The Liquid Chef," and just finished a book called "101 Champagne Cocktails."

She stopped by The Early Show with some ideas on how to choose the right champagne for the right price.

Kim discussed the best buys for champagnes in five price-points...from $10 to over $100. She will offered tips on what to look for, and explained what you're actually getting for the money.

She also touched on a couple of non-alcoholic options.

$10 RANGE Barefoot Bubbly Extra Dry - $10 a bottle ? Barefoot Bubbly Extra Dry is a Chardonnay-based, slightly sweet, great-tasting California sparkling wine ? It has aromas of green apple and tropical fruit, with flavors of lime and tangerine ? At $10 a bottle, Barefoot Bubbly is a fun and affordable way to entertain during the holidays! ? At this price, I like to buy it by the case

$25 - $35 RANGE Gosset Champagne approx $30 ? From France ? Pear, honeysuckle and vine flower aromas, slightly influenced by Pinot Noir ? A balanced wine with a good flavor ? This vintage has a surprisingly rich aroma; beautifully complex and elegant

$40 - $50 RANGE Moet White Star - $40 ? Extra Dry ? It has soft aromas of peach and a crisp, refreshing finish. ? Light and smooth. Also versatile enough to be in a cocktail.

$100 RANGE 1998 Palmes d'Or Champagne - $100 ? Yellow-gold in color ? Aromas of violets and black cherries ? Pairs well with fresh pasta, hard cheeses

TWO NON-ALCHOHOLIC ALTERNATIVES:` MARTINELLI APPLE CIDER AND REEDS GINGER BEER

THE DAY AFTER

New Year's Day is also a great occasion to bring out the bubbly. Use all of that open champagne to serve Bellinis and Mimosas. In my new book "101 Sparkling Wine Cocktails," I have recipes that show you how to mix up some delicious drinks with fresh juices like orange, pineapple and pomegranate! BIG TIP: LEAVE THE CHAMPAGNE OUT...THE MORE SUBTLE THE BUBBLES

THE BETTER THEY WORK WITH CITRUS AND OTHER JUICES. THE JUICES REINVIGORATE THE BUBBLES. SO NO NEED TO COVER THE BUBBLY...LET IT REST.

"When making champagne cocktails, my general rule of thumb is not to use a super expensive bottle of champagne, for you lose some of the flavor subtleties and small bubbles in a vintage bottle when you start mixing it with a bunch of ingredients. However, you also don't want to use a sparkling wine that you wouldn't normally have a glass of. Barefoot is a great choice for cocktails.

Ruby Sipper

The visually stunning Ruby Sipper is a delectable blend of peach liqueur, and cranberry juice. After being poured into a martini glass and topped with Barefoot Bubbly, it is accented with a spoonful of bright red pomegranate seeds. This modern beverage lends itself perfectly to be a signature cocktail at a holiday gathering or for putting a spin on the traditional New Year's toast

Champagne is a first choice for New Year's parties, weddings or any special occasion. But not just any bubbly is really Champagne. The Champagne district in France has given its name to one of the most coveted of wines.

The bubbly, sparkling wines that are grown in this area are allowed to use the name "Champagne" and no other sparkling wine can claim that prestigious designation. Cava, Sekt, Spumanti and others may be from the same grapes as Champagne, but unless they grow in the vineyards of Champagne they cannot use the name.

Deciding which bottle or bottles of Champagne to buy for your party or special event is much easier if you know a little about the grapes, the wine and the history. Choosing the Champagne that is right for you and your guests makes any party elegant.

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