Is there a good, cheaper Champagne replacement?!
Is there a good, cheaper Champagne replacement?
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?
Answers:
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
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.
Andre Champagne, it's about $5.00 a bottle.
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.
Mimosas are just champagne and orange juice - also make some sangria - red wine, lemonade and fruit (shot or 10 of brandy or vodka!!!)
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.
just serve Jello shots
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!
by faux if you mean non-alcoholic try mixing club soda and apple juice
Find a cheap Sangria like Boone's and add 7-UP to it. 50/50
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!
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.