I am throwing a cocktail party for a bunch of college students (who don't have the most refined of tastes) and would like to make faux Champagne cocktails, but am wondering if this is even possible. I am not familiar with the cheaper versions of champagne-like drinks available in the UK(such as Cava and Asti). Is anyone familiar with these and knows whether these drinks would taste good as a cocktail ingredient?
2007-02-11 02:35:01 · 13 answers · asked by La Fille 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Entertaining
You don't need good champagne to make champagne cocktails. In fact, it's a waste of good champagne, which should be enjoyed just as it is. I assume you're making a sweet cocktail, so Asti is probably a bad choice. It is VERY sweet. I don't know anything about Cava, sorry. (I'm not in the U.K.). What I would suggest is go to the store and look for a very cheap 'extra dry' or 'brut' champagne. They are dry and those are usually used for a champagne cocktail. Not sure of UK prices, but in the States, we can get a cheap bottle for around 5 or 6 dollars. In the U.S. we have one called 'Cold Duck' that would fit the bill. We also have 'Andre' and that would be perfect, too.
Cave
2007-02-11 02:43:27 · answer #1 · answered by caveman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Italian Champagne: Asti Spumante.
It is usually sweeter than Champagne but I have always liked it as a stand alone substitute for Champagne.
Or try one of the many sparkling wines available at the Liquor Store. You might have to try a few out to find an acceptable one but there are plenty of options.
2007-02-11 03:24:59 · answer #2 · answered by Goddess of Laundry 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you get the cheaper stuff it is sweeter than the expensive stuff that is very dry. I good substitute to champagne that only is called champagne if it comes from that region in France because of strict guidelines why not try a sparkling wine from Italy (Persecco) it's cheap and tasty. I hear Baby Duck is good but never tried. Much luck.
2007-02-11 02:41:54 · answer #3 · answered by Sandee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen to those people dude and they have said enough. You don't need a champagne to make a cocktail, you just need a good sparkling wine.
Those wines come from Spain, Australia, Italy are actually better.
2007-02-11 20:35:49 · answer #4 · answered by Cakebread 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cava is awesome, it's basically Spanish champagne. A great cocktail is to pour a bit of cream du Cassis(black current liquor) into a glass then fill with cava....delicious!
2007-02-11 10:54:25 · answer #5 · answered by ducky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cook's sparkling wine is cheap, but better than Andre. Put a splash of creme de cassis in the flute and fill up with champagne. I think it's called a Kir Royale.
2007-02-11 04:07:51 · answer #6 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sparkling wine from Italy is my favorite. Great quality without the steep prices of real Champagne. My favorite is Cabanon Elena, which is a rose' sparkling sweet wine. Outstanding!
2007-02-11 05:27:10 · answer #7 · answered by Shene from Illinois 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure only one bottle of wine per person is allowed? I know Princess cruises suggests one or two bottles of wine per person, but if you read the contract, there is no limit. We have brought as many as 7 bottles between 2 people and some bring a whole case. So double check the contract.
2016-03-29 02:07:37 · answer #8 · answered by Amanda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mimosas are just champagne and orange juice - also make some sangria - red wine, lemonade and fruit (shot or 10 of brandy or vodka!!!)
2007-02-11 03:52:57 · answer #9 · answered by UKTrailerTrash 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Andre Champagne, it's about $5.00 a bottle.
2007-02-11 02:43:59 · answer #10 · answered by Tonya W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋