New Year's Eve Bubbles Buying Guide

New Year’s Eve is practically synonymous with popping bottles of bubbly.

But let’s be honest—most of you have no idea what we are doing when it comes to sparkling wine.

Whether you’re being frugal or trying to swing with BDE, picking the right sparkling wine can be overwhelming.

Fear not—I’m here to simplify it for you, because believe you me, sparkling wine can get needlessly complicated.

Where to Find the Best Value

It's not being cheap, these options are still great quality bottles. You'll look classy AF and still have money in the bank.

Prosecco (Italy)

Prosecco is a crowd favorite.

And lets be honest, 99% if you're not buying Champagne, you'll probably be buying Prosecco. It's a safe buy. Do it.

Athough it's made entirely different than champagne, using a technique called "Charmat Method", It. who f'n cares?

Fruity, light, and budget-friendly, it’s perfect for casual celebrations.

Price Range: $12–$20

If you're looking for fancy Prosecco look for DOC or DOCG on the label—these are the quality certifications you want for the best bang for your buck. To be honest, you won't be able to tell the difference between the regular stuff.

Cava (Spain)

Cava is made using the same traditional method of more expensive French Champagne but costs a fraction of the price.

Expect crisp, toasty notes without the sticker shock.

Price Range: $10–$18

Crémant (France)

Crémant is any Sparkling wine made in France that's not Champagne.

The French like to make things needlessly complicated with laws and regulations. Champagne can be only made in one region of France. Everything else is named Crémant.

So Crémant is like the middle finger to the French elitist.

Price Range: $15–$25

Tip - Look for Crémant de Bourgogne for a Champagne-like experience without the splurge.

Expensive Options

Sometimes, New Year’s Eve is about flexing—and nothing flexes like Champagne.

The real deal comes exclusively from France’s Champagne region and is synonymous with luxury.

Entry-Level Champagne ($40–$70)

Reliable, recognizable, and consistently high-quality. Think Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, or Piper-Heidsieck. Perfect for when you want to impress without breaking the bank.

Grower Champagne ($50+)

These small-production bottles are crafted by vineyard owners themselves. Look for “RM” (Récoltant-Manipulant) on the label for something artisanal and unique.

Prestige Cuvées ($100+)

For those really looking to ball out, you’ve got Dom Pérignon, Krug, and Cristal. These are the heavyweights—perfect for flexing or just feeling like royalty for a night.

The United States Sparkling

Don’t sleep on American sparkling wines. They’ve come a long way, offering everything from affordable party staples to bottles that rival Champagne.

California’s Napa and Sonoma

California’s sparkling wines are often crafted in the traditional method, making them creamy, complex, and worth every penny.

Top Picks: Schramsberg, Roederer Estate, Domaine Carneros, and Mumm Napa.

Price Range: $20–$50

Fun Fact: Schramsberg’s Blanc de Blancs has been served at White House dinners for decades.

Oregon and Washington

The Pacific Northwest is all about finesse. Sparkling wines from Oregon’s Willamette Valley or Washington’s cooler climates are crisp, elegant, and worth exploring.

Top Picks: Argyle, Soter Vineyards, and Domaine Serene.

Price Range: $20–$40

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Sweet or Dry? Read the Label

Here’s the secret to knowing if your bubbly is sweet or dry (and by dry, I mean absence of sweetness).

Brut Nature

Bone dry, no added sugar. Great for purists. Not too common in most stores.

Extra Brut

Still dry, but with a touch more sweetness than Brut Nature. Fairly common, this will feel more thin on your tongue. If you want to look like a wine snob and turn your nose up to your guests, this is perfect for you. Make sure you continuously mention why you chose the bottle and that you're vegan.

Brut

The classic. Slightly sweet but still crisp—most sparkling wines fall here. Most common, they're everywhere. This is what most people know and drink. The tiny bit of sweetness adds a creamy texture than the Extra Brut. Calm down. It's not sweet, the extra bit sugar it their for texture. Great choice for most crowds.

Extra Dry

Confusingly sweeter than Brut but not quite dessert-level sweet. This is where most people get confused for good reason. Why the f*ck is it labeled Extra Dry and it's actually sweet? Just be careful if you see this.

Demi-Sec

Sweet and perfect for dessert. Not that common. It's sweet, don't let the demi fool you.

Doux

Syrupy sweet. Drink with cake, or skip it altogether unless you’re really into sugar. Not commonly found unless you're looking for it. If you like Eiswein, the you'd probably like this. Not for the crowd.

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How Much Do You Need?

No one wants to run out of bubbles at 11:45 PM. Here’s your guide:

One 750ml Bottle = 5 Glasses (standard 5 oz pour)

Toasts Only: 1 bottle per 8–10 guests.

Full Evening of Sipping: 1 bottle per 2–3 guests.

Sometimes you'll see a Magnum bottle. They are 2x a standard bottle size.

Here's An Idiots Example:

Party of 20:

Toasting Only: 2–3 bottles.

Full Evening: 7–10 bottles.

Always buy an extra bottle or two. Running out is a rookie mistake.

Don't be a dumbass over $10-20 bucks

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Mimosas for Brunch

Odds are the party went too well and you've got some hungover guests that crashed on the couch.

I wouldn't toss OJ into some $500 Dom but you may want to buy enough sparkling for some New Years Day Mimosas. Be a good host with some morning libations.

While you're buying for NYE, pick up some different fruit juices for a fancy mimosa bar, morning of New Years.

Pop some store bought cinnamon rolls in the oven. The smell of cinnamon and butter will rouse your guests helping them forget all the bad decisions from New Years Eve.

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Whether you’re toasting with $10 Prosecco or $200 Dom Pérignon, sparkling wine is about celebration, joy, and starting the new year off with a pop.

Spend where it makes sense for your budget, keep your crowd happy, and remember—the best bottle is the one you share.

Cheers to a sparkling New Year!