New Years Champagne Cocktail Ideas

Happy New Year everyone! We thought it might be nice to share some information about Champagne and Sparkling Wine, and super-easy, festive cocktail recipes you can make to share with friends and family. As your local wine store here in Providence, Bottles is here to help you find what you need for New Years! From beer that drinks like Champagne, to a huge range of cold bubbly, and to very large bottles of liquor, we've got you covered!

There's no better way to celebrate than with a bottle of bubbly. Whether it is Cava from Spain, a Prosecco from Italy, or a Champagne from France, nothing else quites says a celebration like a bottle of sparkling wine.

Sparkling Wine types can be confusing; depending on where the wine comes from determines the name. For instance, Champagne comes from a specific region in France, and only wines that are made in Champagne can be called Champagne.

Prosecco is from northeast Italy, and is generally fresh, light, and has a lovely effervescence. If you are throwing a party and want the Champagne pop minus the Champagne price, try Prosecco. It pairs wonderfully with cheese plates, fruit plates, appetizers, chips & dip, and more.

A great value sparkling wine is Charles de Fere, which pairs with almost anything, and especially party foods such as dips, snacks, and cheese.

If  you need more help, feel free to stop by the store or contact us!

* New Years Cocktail Recipes *

Sparkling Wine is nice to begin with, 

and even better paired with specialty liqueurs. 

SPARKLING WINE + ST. GERMAIN Enjoy St. Germain, a lovely Elderflower liqueur, with Sparkling Wine. Pour 1/2 part St. Germain and top with Brut Champagne, Dry Sparkling Wine or Brut Rosé. Float half a strawberry as a garnish.

CHAMBORD + CHAMPAGNE Top off with 1/4 oz of Chambord, a black raspberry liqueur. Garnish with a raspberry.

BELLINI COCKTAIL Match with Stirrings Peach Bellini Mix. A cocktail classic, combine 1 oz. of Stirrings Bellini Mix with 3oz. of Prosecco.

We have a huge selection of sparkling wines from all over the world, both out warm on the shelves, and also cold bottles in our coolers.

There's always a reason to celebrate!

Happy New Year!

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Review & Guide

Currently featured in-store at Bottles is Buffalo Trace Bourbon, with many Bourbon brands from the famous Kentucky-based distillery. Watch the video to for Liam's review and recommendations on different Buffalo Trace Bourbons and drink recipe ideas.


One of the largest and best known Bourbon distilleries in Kentucky, Buffalo Trace has won Distillery of the Year and stands as the oldest distilling site in the U.S.  The distillery is also known for making:  Pappy Van Winkle, George T. Stagg, Thomas Handy Rye, E.H. Taylor, W.L. Weller, Sazarac Rye, Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Elmer T Lee, Buffalo Trace and many more brands.

Buffalo Trace Vanilla and citrus nose with perfect balance and complexity of corn, spice and rye flavors.  An unbeatable everyday Bourbon. 

Elmer T Lee Butterscotch, clover and leather nose with a big rich body and flavors of fruits, honey and vanilla.  Long warm finish.  A wine lover’s Bourbon! 

Blantons Vanilla and honey flavors amid the strong caramel with a bit of spice lurking in the background from the addition of rye.

Eagle Rare 10 Year Aromas of coconut crème brulee, buttery nuts and brown spices with dry, yet fruity flavors layered with chocolate, figs and nuts.  Very long finish.

White Dogs Unaged expressions of the mash bills used to make some of Buffalo Trace’s best Bourbons and Ryes.  Use them to make unconventional cocktails like White Manhattans or age them yourself!

W.L. Weller A “Wheated” Bourbon, meaning the distiller replaced the typical rye with wheat in the mashbill.  Regarded as a best buy from several trade sources and the folks here at Bottles.  $16.99 Read More >>

Three Easy Bourbon Cocktail Recipes

Boulevardier Recipe >>

A twist on a classic Negroni, a Boulevardier uses Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth and Campari.

Manhattan Recipe >>

A classic cocktail, Manhattans are easy to make, easy to drink, and can be modified to suit one's personal taste.

Re-Animator Recipe >>

Dangerously simple to make, the Re-Animator is great after a big meal, and uses Amaro and your favorite Bourbon.



More Cocktail Recipes >>

Bottles for the Cause: "How to Love Wine" with Eric Asimov

Recently, Bottles and the Providence community welcomed the Chief Wine Critic of the New York Times, Eric Asimov, for a reading of his newest book, "How to Love Wine, a Memoir and Manifesto."

Jennifer from Books on the Square, Eric Taylor from Bottles, Eric Asimov, and Susanna from Reach Out and Read

Eager fans could mingle with Mr. Asimov at Books on the Square the hour before the book reading, and taste four wines selected by Eric Taylor of Bottles Fine Wine and Mr. Asimov.

These featured wines included Ravines Dry Riesling, Thorigny Vouvray Sec, De Forville Dolcetto D'Alba, and Perroud Cote de Brouilly, provided with the help of Wine Wizards, Inc. All four of these wines are available at Bottles.

20% of proceeds from book and wine sales from the evening went to benefit Reach Out and Read Rhode Island. RORRI prepares the state's youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with pediatricians to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. The Reach Out and Read program is in 43 clinical sites and reaches almost 35,000 children in Rhode Island.

Eric Asimov signed books, chatted with fans, and gave a wonderful summary and selected reading from "How to Love Wine."

"For many people, wine is an anxiety-inducing mystery as arcane as quantum physics. With so many varieties, it's difficult to know what to choose. That puzzling uncertainty often prevents people from buying and ordering wine, depriving them of an exquisite, deeply satisfying experience," argues New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov.

In "How to Love Wine," he examines why the American wine culture produces such feelings of anxiety and suggests how readers can overcome fears and develop a sense of discovery and wonder as they explore the diversity and complexity of the world of wine.

In a direct, down-to-earth manner, Asimov discusses favorite vineyards, wine's singular personalities, the "tyranny of tasting notes," and current wine issues. Thought provoking and enjoyable, How to Love Wine will help diminish readers' anxiety, bolster their confidence, and transform them into wine lovers.

See more photos on our Facebook Page >>

Browse more Bottles for the Cause events >>

Perfect Holiday Wines for Gifts, Dinners & Parties

Visit our Providence wine store for wonderful selection of festive wines, great for easy gifts and for all of your holiday celebrations this season. Watch the Bottles Wine Manager, Nick, give his advice and recommendations for wines that are great to give as hostess gifts, bring to parties, and that pair wonderfully with holiday dinners.



If you are in the area, look for our holiday wine display, full of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These make great holiday gifts and easy choices for any celebration this season.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a recognizable grape, and are generally nice, sturdy, structured wines. BV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with classic cherry flavors and sturdy tannins, making it an easy grab if you are attending a party and need a hostess gift.

Marie Antoinette Pouilly-Fuisseé will please any white Burgundy or Chardonnay fans. With an elegant label, Pouilly-Fuissé is rich, round, and elegant, with minerals and white flowers.

Underwood Cellars Pinot Noir is great for parties, and is from Oregon. Reasonably priced, this delicious Pinot Noir is medium-bodied with dry, earthy fruit.

Feel free to contact us for wine selections, food pairings and anything else!

Holiday Gift Guide: Wine, Beer, & Spirits Enthusiasts

Have a fine wine, craft beer, spirits, or cocktail enthusiast on your Christmas list this year? Watch this video for gift ideas that will please your gift recipient. From wine and custom gift baskets, to custom wine bottle engraving, to fun nip ornaments, Bottles has you covered. Also, find out Joanna's picks for the perfect gift wines. Visit us at our Rhode Island wine store for convenient gift wrapping options!

Gifts Under $25
Nip Globes The curious cocktails enthusiast you know will love this selection of fine spirits encased in a festive clear ornament just for the holidays. Standard $9.99 or Premium $14.99
Wine Gift Baskets Red or White? Choose one of these budget-friendly wine gift baskets that include tasty treats as well! Just $19.99 each. Read More >>

Custom Bottle Engraving

The gift of wine can be taken to the next level with a custom message artfully engraved directly on the bottle. Starting at just $10 plus the cost of your choice of wine, beer, spirits, or even bartending tools and glassware. Read More >>

For Her

Gift Wine Get her the best wines from our extensive collection. Shop from the Select Bottles wine list, or look for the little red bows in our store. We gift wrap! Read More >>

Wine for Two Have her enjoy a romantic basket of wine for two this holiday season. Includes red wine, two wine glasses and tasty bites. $35 Read More >>

For Him

Etched Flask Customize a flask with an engraving of their name or initials! Starting at just $10 plus the cost of the flask, shaker, or even whiskey bottle. Read More >>

The Gift of Whiskey Choose from our wide selection of bourbon & single malt scotch. We have everything from classics to esoteric finds. Read More >>

Corporate and Client Gifts

Engraved Wine Bottles Send a personal message this Christmas with an etched wine bottle. We can also engrave your logo! Starting at just $10 plus the cost of the wine of your choice. Read More >>

Customized Gift Baskets From $20 to $2000, let us help you create a wine, beer, or spirits gift basket that will wow your gift recipient. Read More >>

Whiskey Lover

Essential Spirits Club Perfect for the serious whiskey lover and collector. Your recipient will receive one bottle of high quality whiskey every month. $59.99 a month for 1 bottle of whiskey. Read More >>

Bottles Gift Card Let them choose their next coveted bottle of bourbon, single malt, scotch, or rye whiskey. For any amount. Read More >>

Wine Lover

Cabernet Basket Easily please the wine enthusiast in your life with this Cabernet Sauvignon Gift Basket. Complete with chocolates, tea, and a wine guide. $50 Read More >>

Essential Wine Club Give the gift that keeps on giving! This monthly wine club has 3 levels to choose from, tailored to each wine lover & budget. Starting at $29.99 per month for 2 bottles of wine. Read More >>

Select Bottles Let the discerning wine lover you know enjoy a world-class wine. Browse the Select Bottles wine list for hard-to-find, highly renowned wines. Read More >>

Beer Enthusiasts

Local Beer Bucket For the serious craft beer geek, get the Local Beer Bucket. With 3 local New England craft beers, this gift will put a big smile on any beer fan. $40 Read More >>

Bottles Gift Card Know how selective they are? Let them choose what they really want, from one of the best craft beer selections in town. Read More >>

Mixologists

Custom Gift Baskets Choose from a world-class selection of bartending tools, artisanal bitters, and hard to find aperitifs, cordials & vermouths to create a custom basket. Read More >>

Engraved Bartending Tools Engrave shakers, wine keys & more! Create a personalized gift that they will appreciate for years to come with Bottle engraving services. Read More >>

Entertaining Advice & Party Tips for Wine, Beer, Spirits & Cocktails

Planning a party and need help and advice with drinks? Eric from Bottles Fine Wine in Providence has his tips and recommendations for wine, beer, liquor, and cocktails to make entertaining this holiday season easier & stress free.



First, get wine that you enjoy. If there is any leftover, you are going to have it for the next days or weeks ahead, so make sure you like it!

Keeping it simple works! Choose one white and one red, or if you want two whites and two reds, make sure you choose contrasting styles. For example, pick a light, crisp wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, and a heavier wine like Chardonnay. For red wines, pick a lighter wine like Pinot Noir, and then to contrast, a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.

Boxed wine, or Bag-in-a-Box, are great for parties! The quality of these boxed wines has greatly increased in recent years. Bota Box or The Big Green Box by Pepperwood Grove are both great choices. Don't want to serve guests wine out of a box? Simply decant the wine, or pour it into pitchers and place on your table, serving counter, or bar. With each box holding the equivalent of several bottles of wine, this is a great solution to stretch your holiday dollars.

Need an idea of how many bottles of wine to get? Use this easy guide: 1 bottle of wine usually holds 4 good glasses of wine, and each person at a party drinks about 2 glasses. For example, if your party has 30 people, you'll need about a case of wine.

Expecting beer drinkers? Again, keep it simple and get something light (like a Pilsner or Lager), and then something dark (such as a Porter or Stout). Have no idea what style of beer to get? Many breweries carry variety 12 packs, so that each of your guests can find something that they will enjoy. Also, look for special winter or Christmas beers. Most craft breweries make a special brew just for the holidays; these are usually dark, higher alcohol beers. Local New England Breweries >>

Finally, big bottles of vodka and bourbon are both great choices. They are versatile, and guests can have anything from Martinis to Eggnog, or simply on the rocks. More Cocktails Recipes >>

Bottles Party Planning Services
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