Booze News: Moet & Amazon Bow Bottles and Bubbles

Meet your New Bottle Girl

Courtesy Image 

The holidays have basically arrived, and many of us are planning on hosting or attending a holiday party or two. Either way, that tends to mean we'll be buying a few bottles of bubbly. Moët Hennessy and Amazon have teamed up to make selecting (and learning cool facts about) Champagne easier than ever. If you have Alexa, you basically just have to ask her for pairing suggestions, correct pronunciations (of only Moët Hennessy products) and other tips. You can even request a special Champagne-centric playlist. The Alexa skill is actually free, but the bottles of bubbly—not so much. Still... oh, what fun it is to learn, right?

Moët Chandon's Bottles and Bubbles on Alexa

So, are you ready to learn why ice rosè is different from other types? It's time to claim your rightful place as the queen of Champagne (at least in your social circle). Oh, and don't forget to check out our Champagne primer featuring our bubbliest friend, Blaine Ashley, founder of NY Champagne Week and Bull de Reve Champagne. 

Lastly: 

*Shoes N Booze may receive commission from purchases made by clicking links on this post.

Go Drink Here NYC: NY Champagne Week

Because Everything's Better with Bubbly

The 4th Annual New York Champagne Week kicks off November 7th (& ends November 13th), and to get you ready for all its sparkling glory, we asked it's founder, Blaine Ashley for some fun facts about everyone's favorite effervescent elixir for yesterday's #TIPsyTuesday posts. If you missed them on our Instagram, twitter and Facebook, keep scrolling down after you've checked out Blaine's picks for five must-attend events (We'll be attending the press events, but we may try and sneak into one of these. Hope to see you there!): 

Champagne Piaff NYC Launch Party

Date: Wednesday, November 9th 7 pm – 10 pm

Location: The Loft Flatiron- 4th Floor, 20 W. 23rd St. New York, NY 10010

Details: Join New York Champagne Week for the official launch party for brand NEW Champagne, Champagne Piaff! Champagne lovers are invited to a night of sipping Champagne Piaff Brut & Rose wines, nosh on an array of sliders catered by East Village biker bar, Pinks NYC, indulge in a sparkling wine infused dessert bar by (Shoes N Booze buddy) Sara Lehman aka ‘Somm in the City’, play games of pool, snap pics on the interactive photo wall and spectate sabrage service led by the Founder of Champagne Piaff! And, all party go-ers will be entered to win bottles of Champagne Piaff. This is one hot ticket to the 4th Annual New York Champagne Week.
Ticket Price: $75

Let’s get Fizzacle

Date: Wednesday, November 9th 6:30 pm – 8 pm

Location: Giulietta’s Cantina Club- 13 Carmine St. New York, NY 10014
Details: Hang out at West Village’s newest hot spot, Giulietta’s Cantina Club during the 4th Annual New York Champagne Week for ‘Let’s Get Fizzacle’. Champagne enthusiasts are invited to break down the basics of the fizz biz covering it all from Champagne the region, a brief history, grape varieties, dosage levels, terroir, the champagne method and how to taste Champagne. We’ll be pouring 5 types of Champagne for attendees which will be perfectly paired with ‘ cicchetti, small snacks, typically served in traditional “bàcari” (cicchetti bars or osterie) in Venice, Italy. Champagne likely served with a side of celeb spotting.
Capacity: 30.
Knowledge level: Beginner
Ticket Price: $60

Back That Glass Up

Date: Thursday, November 10th 6:30 pm – 8 pm

Location: Giulietta’s Cantina Club- 13 Carmine St. New York, NY 10014
Details: Champagne Enthusiasts will be invited to enjoy a comparative tasting seminar highlighting the differences that glassware can make for your bubbly enjoyment. Led by WineSkool’d Founder and Educator, Keith Beavers, guests will be “skooled” on various types of glassware and how the different types play up against fizzes nose, palate and the literal-fizz. All guests will take home New York Champagne Week’s ‘Perfect’ Champagne Glass. Presented by Champagne Lombard, Champagne Bulle de Rêve and Lehmann Glassware’s Philippe Jamesse collection.
Ticket Price: $75

The St. Germain Champagne Garden Brunch

Date: Sunday, November 13th 12 pm – 3 pm

Location: Bobo- 181 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014

Details: Join New York Champagne Week Founder, Blaine Ashley and Madame St. Germain, Camille Vidal Ralph as they collaborate for the official finale event of the 4th Annual New York Champagne Week — The St.Germain Champagne Garden Brunch. Attendees will be greeted with St. Germain Champagne cocktails concocted by Madame St.Germain herself and St.Germain New York Ambassador, Marlo Gamora. The classic St.Germain cocktail, will beautifully blend the French elderflower liqueur with Ashley’s first Champagne label — Champagne Bulle de Reve, served with a lemon twist while the La Rosette will combine Champagne La Caravelle Champagne Rosé with St.Germain. Attendees will be fueled with St. Germain Champagne Cocktails, coupes of Champagne Bulle de Reve and classic brunch bites like Omlettes au Fines Herbes, Tartine au Saumon Fume and Croque Madame. Presented by Champagne Bulle de Reve, Champagne La Caravelle & St. Germain.
Ticket Price: $100

Getting Grower with It

Date: Saturday, November 12th 4 pm – 5:30 pm

Location: 111 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011

Details: Bubbly enthusiasts everywhere are falling in love with Champagne, especially when it’s made by the farmers who grow the grapes. Join David White, the author of But First, Champagne, to dive into the world of grower bubbly. Over two hours, David will detail Champagne’s history along with that of its wines and explain how and why the market is changing. Join us as we dig deep into a magical region that’s witnessed more heartbreak — and helped lubricate more celebrations — than anywhere else in the world.

Included with your registration is a signed copy of David's book, But First, Champagne.
Ticket Price: $85

For the full list of events and ticket prices, click HERE.

Oh yeah, those fun facts we promised... 

Guess what... most of those mimosas you sip at brunch are actually made with procecco or some other sparkling wine, NOT champagne. 

As they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Cheers to happy accidents!

Pop bottles with care, folks! Those corks can really fly.

We guess well never know how many licks it takes to get to the center or a Tootsie Roll Pop OR how many bubbles it takes to get to the bottom of a bottle of champagne... We'll keep er researching, though.

Our bubbly buddy, Blaine even filled us in on the inspiration behind the name of her newly-released champagne, Bulle de Rêve.

Now that you're all informed and stuff... go be great (responsibly)! 

Spot-Light: Olma Caviar Boutique & Bar's Vday Menu

Nibble. Sip. Repeat.

  

Champagne wishes and caviar dreams... I definitely have them. Do you? If so, Valentine's Day is a prime time for indulging, and Olma Caviar Boutique and Bar is the place to do it. Tucked into a cozy corner of The Plaza Food Hall, it's the only restaurant in Manhattan that serves Beluga Caviar. It also features a selection of dozens of red and black caviars with prices ranging from $5 to $3,499. (Yes, I said $5. No, that wasn't a typo.) That basically means you can nosh at this hideaway even if you're not livin' la vida ballin'. 

I recently stopped by Olma to check out the caviar, and was delighted to learn the salmon— which is among the more inexpensive items on the menu— is delicious (think rich salmon flavor, a good level of brine, strong enough to hold up to white wine or champagne but not overpowering). My favorite, though, was the Ostera Karat. Its flavor was intense and briny (if you're unfamiliar with caviar, imagine the intensity of a marinated black olive). Though I had an effervescent glass of Taittinger Champagne with my caviar, I think the Ostera would actually be better with premium vodka. While Olma's regular menu includes both caviar platters and various snacks that feature its addition, the Valentine's Day Special includes caviar platters with glasses of Taittinger. Here's the menu: 

If you're romantically unattached, a little fabulous nosh is the perfect end to a day of pampering (solo or with your BFF) or a fab pregame for a night of partying. For those who are attached, think of it as culinary foreplay. 

Either way, here's a toast to you, my fellow luxe lushes. To the glamorous life (even if we only get to live it for as long as it takes to finish your fish eggs.)

Booze Clues: What to Drink While Watching the Royal Wedding

 

Fairy Tales Do Come True

Will you be watching William and Catherine take their vows in real time (the televised festivities start around 4 AM Eastern) or recording them to watch later? My suggestion is a grown up fairy tale slumber party, complete with haute heels, glam hats and, of course, classy cocktails (you may want to also tell your boss you’re working from home tomorrow). I have nothing against early morning mimosas, but here’s a list of regally themed cocktails better suited for the event.

Chambord Regal CV

Ingredients: 2 oz Chambord Flavored Vodka, ¾ oz simple syrup
3 slices of cucumber (skin on), 3 fresh raspberries, ½ oz fresh lemon juice

Method: Muddle the raspberries, cucumber, and simple syrup. Add to a shaker with lemon juice and Chambord Flavored Vodka. Add ice and shake vigorously. Double stain into a martini glass or a large coupe glass and garnish with a.slice of cucumber and / or a fresh raspberry.

*From the mind of author & event expert, Colin Cowie, this sweet sipper is a great option for liquor lightweights.

Drambuie English Rose

In a Champagne flute, add: 1 Sugar Cube, 3 drops Orange Bitters, 1 oz. DRAMBUIE

Slowly top with: 4 oz. chilled Blanc de Noirs Champagne, Splash Campari, 3 drops Rosewater

Garnish with a thinly-sliced strawberry fanned and floated on top.

This cocktail tastes light and refreshing… but complex enough for discerning tastes. *If you’re not familiar with Drambuie, it’s a combination of aged Scotch whiskies, heather honey and a blend of herbs and spices.

Kate’s Old New Borrowed Blue

Ingredients: 2 oz. Tea-Infused Russian Standard Vodka, 0.25 oz Vermouth, 6 blueberries

Method: Rinse a chilled martini glass with vermouth. Combine tea-infused Russian Standard Vodka and ice in a shaker and strain into glass. Garnish with blueberries.

*This is a martini-lover’s cocktail, but if you’re a fan of sweet drinks, this one might not be your favorite.

Devotion Vodka Totally Devoted Mini Cran-Tini

Ingredients: 1 oz. of Devotion Vodka, .25 oz of triple sec, .25 oz of vermouth, 2 oz. cranberry juice cocktail.

Method: Pour into your cocktail shaker over rocks and shake it up before straining into adorable mini-martini glasses.

*This concoction is a great middle ground if your crowd is split between girly drinkers and those who like a bit of a kick in their drinks. Devotion Vodka is infused with casein, which is said to smooth it out.

Belvedere Earl Grey Fizz

Ingredients: 1 oz Belvedere Vodka (or Citrus), ¾ oz Earl grey tea syrup.

Method: Shake ingredients and strain into a champagne flute. Top with Moet et Chandon Brut Imperial. Garnish with a Lemon twist or redcurrants.

This sparkly libation is perfect for toasting after the Prince kisses his bride. Cheers!

Whether you’ve already found your prince, or you’re still kissing frogs, one of these cocktails will help you bring out your inner princess… just call me your cocktail fairy godmother.

Technorati Tags: Royal Wedding,Wedding cocktails,Cocktail recipes

Cutesy Tuesday: Kurt Geiger Dolly Pumps

Emerald Pretty

Have you ever wished you could click your heels 3 times and be somewhere else? That's called a typical case of the Tuesday blues. How does a girlie girl like you beat them? With a bit of green... sparkly, emerald-hued, Dorothy-like, bowed pumps to be exact. Granted, they're not appropriate for most offices, but if you're lucky enough to work in a fashion forward environment, a pair like these Dolly pumps from KG by Kurt Geiger will put a smile on your face at every glance. (If you can't wear them AT work you can always wear them after.) The bow and rounded toe are just darling, the green sequins add a touch of fantasy and the 4+ inch heel height says they're for big girls only. (Just don't let them distract you from real life too much.)

Chamagne cocktails on a Tuesday evening? At a normal happy hour? Who does that? A woman with princess tendencies, like you. That's why you'll be sipping on a Midori Sparkle (image and recipe courtesy of the blog at African-AmericanBrides.com)at the bar after work. Simple in composition and supper-yummy in taste, it consists of top shelf champagne (we prefer Perrier-Jouet Champagne) and Midori Liqueur. Its melon-y sweetness will dance on your tongue. Just don't drink past your limit... you DON'T want to be the girl-in-sparkly-shoes-who-danced-on-(then fell off of)-the-bar story.

Cutesy Tuesday: Roger Vivier Alba Pumps & G'Vine Gin Cocktails

Green Queen

The Sun's shining, the grass is lush, flowers are in full bloom and it seems Mother Nature's put on all her finery just for you. Pay a little homage to her with an elegant pair of green shoes (something flowered wouldn't hurt). Use Roger Vivier's Alba pump as inspiration. They're from his Summer 09 Haute Couture collection, (so the price may be higher than the heel). Still, let the grassy-hued crocodile hide D'orsay pumps be your guide. The pointy toe, flower accent, and dainty 4.5 inch heel are nothing but demure. Yet the color adds something almost playful and the open shank and sides bring attention to the sexy arch they put in the foot.

We recommend Le Fleur Vert- or the Green Flower- (recipe & image courtesy of Junior Merino on barnonedrinks.com) as your happy hour libation this evening. It's a refreshing mixture of Perrier-Jouet Champagne, G'Vine Gin, simple syrup, lime juice and muddled basil leaves and kiwi. It also looks sophisticated, so your friends will likely try and follow your lead (as usual). Keep track of how many you enjoy, though, because too many will lead to wilting.

Don't Mess with Me Monday: Pura Lopez Pumps & Godiva Cocktails

Loafing Around

You've always been a go-getter. Remember high school? You were the one in class who actually did the extra credit, whether your grade really needed improvement or not. It was hard work, but it was nothing compared to what you do now to stay ahead. Admit it, you'd give anything to trade the office and Mac notebook for the classroom and marble ones. Well, you can't go back, but your feet can (sort of) in these sport green Pura Lopez "N253" Pumps (available at Nordstrom). With their penny loafer styling and 4 inch heel, they've got a sexy schoolgirl vibe that's perfect for this season's tailored prep school-inspired looks. (Check out the October issue of InStyle Magazine to for wardrobe suggestions.)

Take your taste buds back to school, too, with a Pumpernickel Cocktail (Image courtesy of avenuevine.com). Greg Best, star mixologist at Eugnene in Atlanta, combined Brut Champagne (your choice of brand) with Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur to make this one. The rich, tickly taste will remind you of the yummy sandwiches you used to eat for lunch. Ah, but it's so much nicer sipping this drink at a nice cafe bar than it was eating your sandwich in a noisy cafeteria, right? Plus, now the cool guys want you.