Ease the Midnight Cork Out
At midnight, hold the cork and twist the bottle slowly for a quiet sigh, not a loud pop.
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When the clock strikes midnight, almost everyone reaches for bubbles. Here is how to choose sparkling wine for the countdown and the party around it.
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For most people, the essential New Years Eve wine is something sparkling. Bubbles feel celebratory, and their crisp acidity pairs with nearly every party snack. Start by choosing a style. Champagne offers toasty, brioche-like richness and fine bubbles from France’s Champagne region. Crémant from Alsace, Burgundy, or the Loire and Spanish Cava use the same traditional method, with a second fermentation in the bottle, at friendlier prices. Prosecco is made in large tanks, giving lighter, fruitier flavors of pear and apple. Then match to your budget and crowd. For a big party, Cava or Prosecco keeps costs sensible. For a small dinner, a bottle of Champagne makes the moment feel special. Our Champagne vs Prosecco and Cava vs Champagne comparisons explain the differences in detail.
Sparkling wine labels use confusing sweetness terms. From driest to sweetest, the main ones are: Brut Nature or Zero Dosage, bone-dry with no added sugar. Extra Brut, very dry. Brut, dry and the most common style. Extra Dry, which, surprisingly, is slightly sweeter than Brut. Sec and Demi-Sec, noticeably sweet. For the midnight toast and savory party food, Brut is the best all-rounder. If your crowd prefers something softer, or you are serving cake and desserts, choose Extra Dry Prosecco or a Demi-Sec. Also notice whether a bottle is non-vintage (a blend of years for a consistent house style) or vintage (from a single, usually exceptional year, often richer and pricier). Learn more in our sparkling wine guide and dry vs sweet wine page.
Budget-friendly: Spanish Cava is crisp and dry, with citrus and a nutty edge. Prosecco is fruity and easygoing. Both are ideal when you need many bottles. Mid-range: Crémant from Alsace, Burgundy, or the Loire offers Champagne-like finesse. Italian Franciacorta is another traditional-method option with real depth. Sparkling wines from cool New World regions can also impress. Splurge: non-vintage Champagne is a reliable luxury, while vintage Champagne and prestige cuvées are wines for once-a-year moments. Sparkling rosé in any category adds red-berry flavors and a festive pink color. If you prefer something sweet and low in alcohol, Moscato d’Asti is lightly fizzy and peachy, a fun choice for guests who do not love dry wine.
For the midnight toast alone, one 750 ml bottle fills roughly six to eight flutes, depending on the pour. So plan about one bottle for every six to eight guests. If sparkling wine is the main drink all evening, plan closer to half a bottle per guest, or more for a long party. Our how much wine per person guide helps with the math. A magnum, equal to two standard bottles, makes a dramatic centerpiece for the countdown and keeps the wine fresh a little longer. See wine bottle sizes. Buy a few extra bottles; leftover sparkling wine is welcome on New Year’s Day for mimosas. Have a non-alcoholic sparkling option ready too, so everyone can join the toast, including designated drivers.
Chill bottles to 40 to 45°F. An ice bucket filled with ice and water chills a bottle in about 20 minutes, faster than the refrigerator. Our how to chill wine fast tips help when time is short. To open, remove the foil and cage while keeping a thumb on the cork. Point the bottle away from people, hold the cork firmly, and slowly twist the bottle, not the cork. Aim for a gentle sigh, not a loud pop; a flying cork can cause injury. Pour slowly into a tilted glass to keep the bubbles lively. Tulip-shaped glasses or white wine glasses show off aroma better than very narrow flutes. Pair your bubbles with salty, fried, and rich snacks: potato chips, fried chicken bites, oysters, smoked salmon, and cheese puffs. Finally, keep water flowing and food on the table, and make sure every guest has a safe way home.
| Sparkling Wine | Taste and Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Champagne | Toasty, brioche, fine bubbles | A small, special celebration |
| Crémant | Crisp, elegant, traditional method | Champagne character at a lower price |
| Cava | Dry, citrusy, slightly nutty | Big parties on a budget |
| Prosecco | Fruity, light, pear and apple | Casual crowds and cocktails |
| Sparkling rosé | Red berries, festive pink color | A romantic or colorful toast |
| Moscato d'Asti | Sweet, peachy, lightly fizzy | Dessert or guests who dislike dry wine |
At midnight, hold the cork and twist the bottle slowly for a quiet sigh, not a loud pop.
Dry Brut sparkling wine pairs best with salty party snacks.
An ice-and-water bucket chills bubbles faster than the fridge.
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Answer a few simple questions and discover styles that fit your palate.
Take the Wine QuizSparkling wine is the classic choice. Champagne is the luxury pick, while Crémant and Cava offer similar traditional-method quality for less. Prosecco is a lighter, fruitier option ideal for big parties and cocktails.
One 750 ml bottle pours about six to eight flutes. For a toast only, plan one bottle per six to eight guests. If guests will drink sparkling wine all night, plan about half a bottle per person.
It depends on your taste and budget. Champagne is richer and toastier, with finer bubbles. Prosecco is lighter, fruitier, and more affordable. Both make a great toast; choose Prosecco for large crowds.
Brut means the sparkling wine is dry, with very little sweetness. It is the most common style and pairs well with savory food. Extra Dry is actually slightly sweeter than Brut, while Brut Nature is the driest.
Salty and rich foods pair best: oysters, smoked salmon, caviar, potato chips, fried appetizers, popcorn, and soft cheeses like Brie. Champagne's acidity and bubbles cut through fat and salt.
Chill it well, remove the foil and cage while holding the cork, point the bottle away from people, then hold the cork and slowly twist the bottle. Ease the cork out gently rather than letting it pop.
