The only thing worse than no Champagne is lukewarm Champagne.. You want to make sure your guests’ midnight glasses of bubbly are chilled to just the right temperature.
What temperature is right?
According to hosting queen Martha Stewart’s website, Champagne and other sparkling wines taste best when chilled to 43-48 degrees Fahrenheit.
For vintage bottles or Champagne made with red grapes, around 53 degrees Fahrenheit is best.
Because the typical home refrigerator sits at around 36 degrees, make sure to take the bottle out 15 to 20 minutes before you plan to drink it.
How to chill your bubbly quickly
If chilling your Champagne or sparkling wine slips your mind, that doesn’t mean your guests have to drink it warm.
The quickest method is submerging your bottle in an ice water bath, according to MarthaStewart.com. Add some kosher salt if you want to supercharge the chilling. In about 15 minutes, your Champagne will be at the perfect temperature.
If you don’t want to make the ice bath, wrap your bottle in a wet towel and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes. This method is not recommended if you’re using a high end bottle of Champagne.
If you forget about chilling Champagne until the last minute, place the champagne-filled glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
It may be tempting to use ice cubes, but try to avoid it. They melt fast and will ruin the taste.
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