I know you’re all wondering, how did my exam go? Well, I won’t know how I did on my Certified Specialist of Wine exam for about 4 weeks, but I’m very confident that I did well. Happily, this weekend will be my first chance this summer to breathe and relax for a spell.

We had been planning for a few weeks to have folks over this weekend to celebrate, catch up and finally take a breather until my next phase of learning. I wanted to have a party that fits in a budget, involves celebration, incorporates wine, but in a way that does not intimidate any friends who might be new to wine. It seemed obvious to me that we were having a Champagne Cocktail Party!

I’m making cheese straws, salsa, the works! The biggest plus is that the cheap sparklers on the market are great for cocktails. we’re grabbing a ton of Cristalino Brut Cava, and Gruet Blanc de Blanc. The Cristalino isn’t my favorite sparkler to drink on its own, but it’s very affordable, and in a mixed drink does the job well. Gruet is hands down my favorite domestic Champagne-style sparkler, considering the cost and versatility. We definitely won’t mind if there is some leftover Gruet after the party.

As my luck would always have it, the week after we sent out the invite, the Washington Post’s Spirits column has a huge article about why the author hates champagne cocktails. Well, I say forget you, Mr. Wilson! I understand you’d rather have the sparkler on its own than have it vilified in a concoction, but lighten up! There is a time and place for everything, and nothing helps cheap champagne taste better and become more festive than a bit of orange juice!

To whet your appetite for throwing a champagne cocktail party of your own, here are a couple drinks we’ll be making. Enjoy the weekend everybody! (And check out this cat!)

French 75
1 oz gin
1/2 oz lime or lemon juice
1 teaspoon simple syrup
4 oz Champagne

Flirtini
1 1/2 oz pineapple juice
1 1/2 oz vodka
3 oz Champagne

Agua de Valencia
4 oz orange juice
2 oz Cointreau
1 teaspoon simple syrup
top off with Cava