The iconic New Years celebration includes a countdown, a kiss and a glass of bubbly.
You brew coffee at home, you dont walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
But first, heres some background knowledge.
All that other bubbly we drink is called sparkling wine.
Technically speaking, all champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is champagne.
But regular sparkling wine can taste delicious to both regular wine drinkers and occasional celebrators.
Here are four types of sparkling wine to consider for the best cheap champagne alternatives.
Prosecco
One of the best-known sparkling wines is prosecco.
Prosecco originated in the northeastern part of Italy, named after a little town in Trieste.
Champagne does its second fermentation in each individual bottle.
Prosecco tends to be on the sweeter side.
There are two main types of prosecco.
Spumante is full on bubbly.
Frizzante is fizzier with lighter bubbles.
Dark-skinned grapes may be left to macerate (soften in liquid) and then blended in with other grapes.
Sparkling rose is fermented in a closed container, so the carbon monoxide cant escape.
A lot of sparkling roses from California use the Pinot Noir grape.
Sparkling rose can be sweet or dry.
The French usually do it by hand.
Cava tends to be more dry, orbrut.
There are still pretty stringent regulations that must be met for a wine to be called cremant.
Wine isnt naturally sweet; sugar is added during the process to make the flavor more pleasing.
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These are the next best thing to capture the smoothness and balance of French bubbly.
This French brut is dry and crisp and can be paired with appetizers or enjoyed solo.
Your taste buds will detect nectarines or peaches in the mix.
Even though it is brut, there isnt a prominent acidity to it.
Its probably the best-known cheap champagne-like sparkler out there, for good reason.
We recommend these three wines for that, but also for toasting the new year.
When you see that beloved sky blue label, you know the party is off to a good start.
La Marca is one of the best cheap champagne alternatives out there.
Maybe get two bottles, since it is very easy to drink.
Price:$12.97Total Wine
Fascino makes the frizzantetype of prosecco, with light, tickling, fruity bubbles.
Its a blend of different vintages, which keeps the price low and quality high.
It is less sweet than traditional prosecco.
Price:$15Wine Searcher
Sparkling Rose
Not a fan of French taste?
Toast with a sparkling rose.
Our budget suggestions here come from Chile and Oregon.
This is one of the best cheap champagne alternatives on the list and is arguably the best sparkling rose.
The climate for Chilean wine-making is perfect, and using prosecco-like methods keeps the costs low.
Youll love the berry and fruity flavors with strong bubbles that soften after a minute.
These Oregon winemakers balance sweetness with acidity, so theres the right amount of each.
This is an exciting wine discovery!
This Spanish winemaker uses organic and biodynamic viticulture methods, combining older traditions with newer science.
Consider it a fabulous option for New Years celebrations.
Its a very refreshing drink that tastes similar to brut Champagne.
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The Penny Hoarder contributor JoEllen Schilke writes on lifestyle and culture topics.
Senior writer Robert Bruce and freelancer Adam Palasciano contributed.
