It’s reputation precedes it, and for good reason—other than painful adolescent memories of leaving a wide swath of Baby Duck-induced vomit across your graduation dress, the only champagne experience you’ve had involved a pretentious gala or an over-priced $35 mimosa-buffett in Vegas. And while mixing OJ and sparkling white wine may or may not be considered sacrilegious to cork dorks, the fact remains—you put champagne in the same category as caviar, imported pate and high-priced escorts—and you’re wrong.
According to Whistler’s legendary unofficial mayor and alcohol expert, Mike Varrin, champagne should be enjoyed liberally and without the constraint of societal hierarchy.
“I think it’s time for champagne to make a comeback. It’s a beverage that should be drank spontaneously by anybody at anytime of day.” Says the infamous Whistler Blackcomb director of bars. When asked what the headache-provoking liquidized sugar is best served with, Varrin eschewed traditional champagne pairings and left it open to interpretation “At the risk of sounding like a heretic, champagne is basically just white wine and sugar so drink it with anything that goes with white wine; Chinese food, chicken fingers, sushi—it’s all good.” And how to serve it après? “Preferably followed with another immediately. You can drink it straight-up chilled or as part of a cocktail, my favourite being champagne, orange vodka, ginger ale and a splash of cranberry, or just skip the amateur hour and go straight to the Cham-Bulls, equal parts champagne and Red Bull. You’ll inevitably wind up dealing with what we call the Red-Pain in the morning, but you’ll see stars all night.”
Mike Varrin recommends:
Freixenet – Technically not a champagne since it’s made in Spain, this sparkling white wine is still worthy of the horny U of C co-ed who keeps calling you “sweety.” $9.99
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva – Dry, crisp and, most importantly, cheap. This one scores high and goes down smooth. $8.99
Pommery Brut Royal – Available in the 200-ml “Pommery Pop,” this true champagne has been branded as a nightclub favourite. $15.99