Hi, my sweet friends! The month since my last blog has flown, and gosh – what a month it’s been. At this point, I’m about a week away from my 60 days at the new job; almost to the middle of the semester (praise) and three weeks from the end of my lease. It’s literally an insane time in life. If you’ve been following my moving dilemma on Instagram (it’s been a true hot mess, BTW) you’ll know that I’m still deep in the hunt and considering so many options. Right now, my fingers are crossed for a cute spot in Charleston while I continue the Austin search with the potential to move during a lower traffic season – winter.
In more positive news, as a sparkling drink lover, I realized last year around this time that I really don’t like classic champagne. For some reason, it’s either too bubbly; not bubbly enough, too tarte; or just something isn’t right. What I have learned is that I love a variety of cuvees; sparkling bruts and proseccos. Today I’m sharing my three go-to champagne alternatives for all types of occasions. Let’s jump in!
For group dinner and entertaining: Decoy Brut Cuvée Sparkling Wine
If you saw my Decoy partnership last year (here) and my holiday table post (here), you’ll know that this sparkling cuvée from Decoy become a favorite. This bottle has the absolutely best taste and, to me, feels like you are drinking a bottle double or triple the price. This wine is also a great party pleaser because of the balance between sweet/tarteness and level of bubbly. If I had to only have one sparkling drink for entertaining a dinner party crowd, this Decoy one would absolutely be it! +++ if you’re reading this and work at, for or with Decoy, I will gladly accept my holiday gift in the form of 6 bottles xoxo
For the girls’ night in
Like with so many of my other purchases, I’ve been on the hunt to find more Black-owned and women-owned drink brands to support. I lucked out with the McBride Sisters, a both Black-owned and women-owned company, and haven’t looked back since! Their brand is based in California and can be found locally in Trader Joe’s, Target and Total Wine AKA my favorite three stores e v e r. With notes of apple, pear & citrus, this sparkling brut is the perfect refreshing glass of bubbles to enjoy over light treats and desserts with friends. Black Girl Magic Sparkling Brut is also my go-to to cheers at the end of a busy week or celebrate at home with Max. It also helps that the bottle is really pretty for displaying!
For mixed cocktails and creations
The same way I have sangria wines (the wines that are OK and pair well with liquor and fruit), I have bubbly drink wines. The Schloss Biebrich Sekt is the best step up from a Trader Joe’s 2 Buck Chuck wine to make seasonal sangria, summer popsicle drinks and mixed holiday cocktails. For around $6, being made of very light flavors and medium bubbles, I prefer this wine to be my go-to when mixing. Of course, you can easily sip on this sparkling wine when you want a little bubbly action at the pool or for all-day events. Last summer I couldn’t get enough of using this wine to make my favorite bubbly + popsicle cocktail! Another similar wine is “Secco” which can also be found at Trader Joe’s for around $8. I prefer Secco over the Sekt but both have similar levels of bubbles and flavor that can be drank alone or in my case, paired to make an elevated cocktail. I’ve shared Secco cocktail mixes in my highlight called “DRINKS” on IG in recipes like the elderflower fizz.
Three four suggestions later and that’s all I have for you today, friends! All of the mentioned bottles can be found for $30 or less, going from entertaining with Decoy at the top to cocktail mixing with Schloss Biebrich Sekt, at the bottom. If you love a sparkling drink, what’s your favorite? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks so much for reading! xo, Azanique <3
