As 2018 nears, you may be feverishly planning out your New Year’s Eve extravaganza. By now, you’ve (hopefully) settled on the perfect outfit to wear and are currently deciding on which delicious entrées and alcoholic beverages you should serve. If you’re anything like me, you may also be considering the long list of New Year’s Eve superstitions that could potentially bring you good luck (or bad luck!) throughout the rest of the year, and have made it a point not to do any cleaning for the day (no complaints here!). In that case, we’ve got your New Year’s Eve dinner menu covered with this extensive list of yummy, “good-luck” vegan recipes that are sure to please your grumbling belly as the clock winds down to midnight. And if you’re worried about whether or not your New Year’s Eve toast will be cruelty-free as well, keep on reading to find out which vegan Champagnes you should include in your celebratory toast!
Unfortunately, all Champagnes are not vegan-friendly. Although the basis for all Champagnes may include a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, they do have additional hidden ingredients you may not be aware of. Champagnes (and wines in general) use a host of fining agents to clarify the wine and they’re usually animal-based (gelatin, casein, carmine, egg albumen, and isinglass, etc.).
Thankfully, vegan-friendly Champagnes that exclude the use of animal byproducts in their refining process do exist and thanks to sites like Barnivore, finding a bottle fit for your New Year’s Eve countdown is easier than ever! Whether you’re trying to find out which drinks to serve at your get-together or want to be prepared for whatever bar or lounge you decide upon, here are five vegan-friendly, bubbly drinks to help you ring in the new year! And of course, don’t forget to drink responsibly!
Champagne Cattier
Cultivating grapes in their vineyards since 1625, the Cattier family has a long history of growing some of the finest grapes in the Montagne de Reims part of Champagne, France. From generation to generation, this knowledge was passed down until the very first bottle of Champagne Cattier was sold in 1918! Using only bentonite (in lieu of gelatin) as a fining agent in their wines, all of Champagne Cattier’s delicious champagnes are vegan! With its sweet aroma of dried fruits and strong, zesty taste, this relatively inexpensive bottle of Brut Premier Cru will be your perfect go-to for your evening out!
Krug Champagnes
Founded in 1843, the House of Krug has quite an extensive list of exquisite champagnes — all of which are free from animal byproducts! With over twenty years spent crafting each bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée, you should definitely make it a point to try each unique edition of this exceptional classic. Its rich and tangy flavors of grapefruit and lemon paired with hints of apples, almonds, sweet spices and floral aromas will undoubtedly make this charming selection a top choice at any New Year’s Eve bash.
Champagne Thiénot
One of the newest Champagne brands to grace this list, the House of Thiénot was founded in 1985 and has since established itself as one of the greatest in the region. This selection is also one of the more inexpensive and averages at about $40.00 per bottle. Fruity and crisp, this mouthwatering Champagne will pair perfectly with your dinner as it’s incredibly versatile!
Dom Pérignon
Although this champagne selection may be one of the priciest (this 2009 bottle goes for a whopping $140.00 to $180.00!), many may say its sophistication and extraordinary taste are well worth the price! If you’re looking for something a little bit fancier for your evening of celebration, this vintage sparkling wine is definitely the one to pick! And you may rest assured knowing only the best grapes were used to make each exquisite bottle of Dom Pérignon.
Champagne Lanson
Sweet and fruity, the House of Lanson uses a majority blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to create their outstanding vintage wines. This vintage 2005 Gold Label is considered of the utmost quality and is a top choice as far as Champagnes are concerned. One of the oldest houses in France, the House of Lanson was founded in 1760 and has since created quite a legacy. If you’re ever in Reims, France, you can even take a tour of their vineyards and learn about their wine making process!
How do you plan to toast the new year? Have you tried any of these vegan champagnes?
Also by Audrey: Fact: Helping Others Makes You Happier. 3 Simple Resolutions To Get You Started
Related: Top 5 Vegan Wines For The Holidays
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Photo: Respective Brands, domperignonofficial via Instagram, krugchampagne via Instagram, Pixabay
