Nothing says party like a glass of chilled bubbles. Australians are one of the world’s largest consumers of French Champagne and Italian prosecco per capita. Light, bright, refreshing and fun, bubbles are the perfect summer drink.
Down Under, we pop a cork on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, the season for celebration. We are a nation where warm weather, celebration and a cool glass of bubbly all go hand in hand. And while there’s talk of tough times, Champagne and prosecco are considered by most to be accessible and affordable luxuries at a time when we’re all letting our hair down. So, make sure there are bubbles on the list – then everyone can participate in the fun. Perhaps make it the base for some enjoyable celebratory party drinks too.
Ice
A display of bottles of bubbles on ice on the bar or a central display says to all: ‘There is a party going on here, and you’re welcome to take part’. The offer of bubbles for summer events is always an option, and the offer of a little glass of the good stuff for those you could be caring for on the big days of celebration will go a long, long way.
Champagne cocktail
This is the classic party starter, great for functions and events, and a way to open the show and break the ice. A sugar cube with a few drops of Angostura bitters, a splash of brandy and a long pour of Champagne – then top it off with a maraschino cherry.
Bellini cocktail
A legendary Italian drink first made in Harry’s Bar in Venice, it is a blend of white peach purée and chilled prosecco. A splash of raspberry or cherry juice is a traditional variation to the peach purée to add a little colour.
The mimosa
A great little bubbly drink perfect for breakfast functions where you can raise or lower the ratio of chilled freshly squeezed orange juice to Champagne or sparkling. A dash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau can add a little aromatic intrigue.
Pineapple prosecco punch
This fun, summery, slightly tropical drink sees a bottle of prosecco, mixed with 500ml pineapple juice, 250ml orange juice and 125ml lime juice. Mix with a little soda and finish with mint and pineapple chunks.
French 75
A punchy way to kick off the night is the French 75 in which gin, sugar syrup and lemon juice are shaken over ice, poured into a chilled flute and topped with brut Champagne and garnished with a twist of lemon. Sweet, sour and suave.
Aperol spritz
This is the drink of this summer. A simple ratio of three parts prosecco to two of Aperol and one of soda water. Pour over ice and garnish with a slice of orange.
Atomic
Invented in Nevada during the US atomic testing program, this is a powerful cocktail that is three parts vodka, three parts brandy, one part dry sherry shaken over ice and poured over three parts brut Champagne.
Prosecco royale
The kir royale is made with half a teaspoon of creme de cassis in a flute that is filled with brut Champagne. A prosecco royale is the same but made with chilled Italian prosecco.
Death in the afternoon
A rather adult cocktail where one part absinthe is mixed with three parts chilled Champagne to create a cloudy, aromatic drink with a little kick at the end.
