"bubbly" news and stories

Learn how to keep that bubbly sparkling long after the cork has been popped.

Every once in a while, only something sweet, cold and bubbly will quench your thirst. Even those who say they don't drink soft drinks (this writer included) crave one on the rare occasion, whether it's at the movies, a sporting event, a fast-food restaurant (for shame!) or mixed with an adult beverage.

These eight bottled beverages, ranging in color, flavor and size, are from Flickr user sevenworlds16 who sampled each as part of a pop taste test. The default winner: the very red Cherry Limeade.

According to a recent Decanter story, worldwide Champagne shipments have plummeted more than 20 percent worldwide. Apparently people are realizing that $180 for a bottle of wine just might be a bit...much...in these economic times.

Still, we have to buy our bubbly for the holidays. I'll probably drink some over Christmas, too, but New Year's is kind of a no-brainer for sparkling wine. Here's my advice: skip the Champagne, but skip the Cook's on the bottom shelf, too. Here are eight of my favorite holiday sparklers that taste delicious but won't break the bank. Best of all? Most of these bottles are easily attainable at any store, so you could walk in with this list and score most of them.

See the complete list after the jump.

How appropriate: National Champagne Day falls on New Year's Eve! I'm sure it's just a coincidence.

I don't think I'll be drinking any of the bubbly tonight. My roommate actually bought a bottle of Korbel, but it was to celebrate the New England Patriots going 16-0 the other night. Tonight I'm not sure what I'm drinking yet, but rest assured, I'll be drinking.

Take a look at this list of champagne cocktail recipes over at WineIntro.com. I didn't realize that many existed. Also, Rachael Ray has this recipe for Green Tea Champagne.

I think we've said it before, but it never hurts to say it again: Happy New Year's Eve, everyone!

Statistically speaking, "40 percent of all champagne and sparkling wine sales in America occur in the last six weeks of the year." This accounts for champagne given as hostess gifts during the holiday season and any drunk at holiday parties, but there is no doubt that the most popular night of the year to enjoy some bubbly is New Year's Eve. Are you going to be one of the many enjoying some bubbly tonight?

I suspect champagne will make an appearance in my evening, as will a bottle of the lovely Chambers Rosewood Vineyards Rutherglen Muscadelle, a dessert wine. I do wish that I had a bottle of Vodka O2, the sparkling vodka, to try out this evening, but I suppose that there will be plenty of time for that next year.