Those who know me well and those who've been following me for the past few years know that I have this thing for Champagne. I adore it. I adore the flavor, the bubbles and the ceremony of it all. There's something about this effervescent beverage that's wildly festive and just so grand. But the thing is, is that it doesn't have to be. I mean why must we save it for those special celebratory moments? I certainly don't! I drink champagne quite regularly. In fact, it's my go to beverage whether I'm home or out, the reasons are simple - I love the taste and it's a nice lower calorie, lower sugar alternative to both white and red wine. Furthermore ounce per ounce it contains fewer calories.

My favorite way to drink champagne is on its own - not doctored up or diluted with juices and what have you - in a tulipe glass, most often used for white wine - over ice. Yes, over ice! I love an ice cold bubbly drink and the ice, permitting that the weather isn't overly hot and humid, really won't dilute your beverage much. In fact, Marie Claire recently declared this beverage as last summer's "newest summer drink trend." Of course I would like to think that I started it!

Various brands have jumped on the ice bandwagon - Veuve Cliquot has their Riche label, Moet et Chandon has their Ice Imperial and their Ice Imperial Rose. These bottles average at just about $60 a pop and I'm here to say, there's no need whatsoever to drop that kind of change on an everyday glass of bubbly. In fact, I'd say save the good stuff for the flute or coupe and drink it straight, but to enjoy daily over ice and good prosecco, cava or sparkling wine will do. If you don't have your own favorite talk to an expert at your local liquor store.

For a daily sparkling wine I don't need to spend more than about $17 a bottle. Worried about preserving the bubbles after just a glass or two? The solution is simple, just take a piece of Saran Wrap and place it over the mouth of the bottle, then take a rubber band and wrap it around securely, as tightly as possible, over the plastic wrap.  (As seen here) This will preserve your bubbles for up to 3 days. 

Champagne is good for the soul!

We think F. Scott Fitzgerald was absolutely right when he claimed that “too much of anything is bad, but too much champagne is just right,”

Health Benefits of Champagne

Improves Spatial Memory

Information courtesy of LifeHack

Studies have shown that spatial memory can be improved after the consumption of champagne. Spatial memory is the ability to recognize one’s surroundings, as well as perform complex tasks and calculations. It is of particular importance to older people. Very early signs of dementia can occur when you’re in your 40s, therefore it can be beneficial to have a few glasses of champagne weekly to ward it off.

Calories

Champagne contains less calories than both red and white wine. Combining that with the fact that its bubbles make me super excited. A standard glass contains roughly 80 calories, as opposed to wine which is up around the 120 mark.

Serving Size

If you’re concerned about calorie and sugar content, champagne may be the drink for you. Not only does it contain less calories than wine and beer, a standard champagne glass is far smaller than most others. If you can control yourself this can be highly beneficial to your health, as well as your sobriety.

Bubbles

Bubbly drinks such as champagne have been known to make people drink slower, as well as feel full quicker. Once again, this can be good news for your waist line and the way you feel the next morning. Also, as I established earlier, bubbles are so much more fun!

Heart Health

A little known fact about champagne is that it’s just as healthy for your heart as a glass of red is. This is because it’s made from red, as well as white, grapes, and therefore contains most resveratrol. This is an important antioxidant that prevents damage to your blood vessels, reduces bad cholesterol, and prevents blood clots.

Champagne also contains polyphenol antioxidants, which further protects the heart in its own way. It does this by slowing down the removal of nitric acid from the blood which can result in lower blood pressure. This helps to reduce the risk of heart problems and strokes. In fact, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that when two groups were given either champagne or a different alcoholic control beverage, only the former experienced the slower removal of nitric acid. However, both groups experienced beneficial blood vessel dilation and increased blood flow.

Short Term Memory

Research has shown that certain proteins within champagne are beneficial for short term memory. It’s been hypothesized that within three years of imbibing champagne regularly, but not over indulging, a person could have an increase of 200% of the memory-boosting protein in their brain. This would significantly aid in other cognitive functions, as well.

Another the real reason I like to order it out, other than sugar and calories, is that I'll get an entire mini bottle/split to myself which can often be less expensive than a glass of the restaurant/bar's house wine and takes longer to sip. 

Save water. Drink more Champagne!