There’s something magical about the pop of a champagne cork. It’s the universal sound of celebration, the fizzy essence of festivity, and a luxurious treat that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a champagne aficionado or simply love the sparkle of a well-poured glass, this bubbly elixir has something for everyone. Let’s chat about the history, explore the types, and discover creative ways to enjoy champagne—plus a delicious recipe for Champagne Strawberry Scones with Mimosa Curd that’s perfect for your next brunch!
A Sparkling History of Champagne
The story of champagne begins in the heart of France's Champagne region, the only place in the world legally allowed to call their sparkling wine “champagne.” While sparkling wine dates back centuries, champagne as we know it was refined in the late 17th century.
Pop Quiz: Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk, is often (erroneously) credited with inventing champagne. However, he did revolutionize its production by perfecting the blending of grapes to improve its taste.
The famed sparkle? It was originally considered a flaw in the winemaking process until producers embraced the bubbly nature, which was naturally created by fermentation in the bottle. The rest is effervescent history.
Types of Champagne: From Dry to Sweet
Not all champagne is created equal. Here's a quick breakdown of the main types to help you sip smarter:
Brut Nature: The driest of the dry, with zero added sugar. Perfect for purists.
Extra Brut: Still quite dry but with a whisper of added sugar.
Brut: The most popular style, balancing dryness with a hint of sweetness. Ideal for pairing with food.
Extra Dry: Slightly sweeter than Brut but still crisp. Confusing name, right?
Sec, Demi-Sec, and Doux: Increasingly sweet styles, with Doux being the dessert-like pinnacle of champagne sweetness.
Pro Tip: Look for “vintage” champagne for a special treat—it’s made using grapes from a single exceptional harvest, while non-vintage blends are created from multiple years’ harvests.
Fun Ways to Incorporate Champagne Into Your Celebrations
Champagne isn’t just for sipping! Its versatility makes it a star ingredient in creative cocktails, recipes, and even décor ideas.
1. Create DIY Champagne Bars
Set up a festive station with champagne flutes, fruit purees (like peach or raspberry), fresh herbs, and liqueurs like elderflower or crème de cassis. Guests can create their own custom bubbly concoctions.
2. Champagne-Infused Recipes
Champagne Risotto: Swap white wine for champagne in your risotto recipe for a creamy, luxe twist.
Bubbly Sorbet Floats: Scoop a fruity sorbet into a glass and top with champagne. Voilà—instant dessert.
3. Decorate With Champagne Bottles
Repurpose empty bottles as chic candle holders or vases. Add fairy lights for extra sparkle.
Champagne Strawberry Scones with Mimosa Curd
Nothing says indulgence like pairing champagne with buttery scones and a bright citrus curd. This recipe is perfect for brunch, tea, or a celebratory afternoon treat.
For the Scones:
Ingredients:
2 cups Italian flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
1/3 cup champagne (Brut works best)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gently fold in strawberries.
In a small bowl, mix champagne, heavy cream, and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, pat into a circle about 1 inch thick, and cut into wedges.
Place scones on the baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden.
For the Mimosa Curd:
Ingredients:
3 large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
2 tbsp champagne
Instructions:
In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, orange juice, and zest.
Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler style) and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in butter and champagne until smooth. Let cool before serving.
Champagne Fun Facts to Sparkle at Parties
The pressure inside a champagne bottle is about three times that of a car tire—that’s why it pops so dramatically!
Marilyn Monroe reportedly took a bath in champagne, using 350 bottles to fill her tub. Talk about bubbly bliss.
The world’s oldest bottle of champagne, discovered in a shipwreck, dates back to the early 1800s and was still drinkable when opened.
Celebrate with Bubbles!
Whether you’re toasting a milestone or enjoying a quiet brunch with friends, champagne brings a touch of elegance and excitement to any moment. Now armed with history, fun ideas, and a delectable recipe, you’re ready to pop the cork and celebrate life’s sparkle! Check out these vintage champagne glasses, I personally prefer to sip my bubbly from these wide rimmed coupe glasses over the flutes :
