It seems that early-morning celebrations were on the increase between January and February as I received a number of calls and emails from persons looking for ‘low-price Champagne’ to make mimosas and other wine cocktails. With persons who I know, I was blunt and to the point, with the persons who I did not know I tried to be diplomatic and explained that Champagne and low prices cannot be used in the same sentence.

Champagne not necessary

As subtly as possible, I suggested that Champagne was not necessary for these mixed drinks. Most individuals insist they need Champagne until they hear the price of Bubbly versus sparkling wine, approximately in the J$6,000 region compared to approximately J$2,000 or less for a great sparkling. The essence of the drink is to add great bubbles, which can come from a great Spanish Cava or American sparkling wine.

Wine Cocktails

A wine cocktail is made predominantly with wine (including Champagne and Prosecco), with which distilled alcohol or other drink mixer is combined. The distinction between a wine cocktail and a cocktail with wine is the relative amounts of the various alcohols. In a wine cocktail, the wine product is the primary alcohol by volume compared to the distilled alcohol or mixer.

How to make one

A number of very popular wine cocktails are made with Champagne or sparkling wine. The Mimosa was made popular by the French. There are claims that this drink originated in the UK, their version is called Buck’s Fizz, named after London’s Buck’s Club where it was invented in the early 1900s. Buck’s Fizz — 2 parts Orange Juice to 1 part Champagne, or sparkling wine served in a flute. Mimosa — 2 parts Orange Juice to 3 parts Champagne or sparkling wine served in a flute. When making any cocktail with Champagne, be sure to add the Champagne to the flute last. Pour the Champagne slowly over the other ingredients to avoid an overflow. Stirring these cocktails is not usually necessary, but when you do, stir slowly and gently. For best results serve Champagne cocktails right away. Also made with sparkling wine is one of Italy’s most popular cocktails: The Bellini. It is a mixture of sparkling wine (traditionally Prosecco) (2 parts) and peach purée (1 part) served in a flute.

The Kir is a classic wine cocktail: half ounce Crème de Cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) topped with white wine. It is said that the Kir was named after a hero of the resistance in Burgundy during World War II, hence a truly French Kir would use wine made from the acidic Aligoté grape. Use sparkling wine, and the cocktail becomes a Kir Royale.

Cheers! Have a wine cocktail with breakfast this weekend.

Chris Reckord is an independent wine consultant who operates DeVine Wine Services with his wife Kerri-Anne. Chris & Kerri are also part-owners of Jamaica’s first and only wine-only bar — Bin 26 Wine Bar. Please send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com. Follow us on twitter.com/DeVineWines