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Photo by Zsuzsanna Kilian

Fizzle and fun. That’s what we need. It’s been a tough year for a lot of us so let’s start the New Year out the way we want it to continue. Bubbles always work for me, especially when they’re in my glass. So, don’t drop the ball by being boring. Here are some of the best champagne cocktails to lift your spirits when the ball drops (deliberate play on words, people) and give January 1st some zing. And you don’t have to spend a fortune on good champagne. There are lots of quality sparklers out there, starting as little as $10 bottle. Look for Italian proseccos or Spanish Cava or try Korbel Brut Rose or Barefoot Bubbly. Ask your local store for guidance.

OK, here are Mixnsip’s five favorites:

Classic Champagne Cocktail Sometimes older is better. Though the original Champagne Cocktail did not include cognac, this classic recipe adds real substance to the bubbly delight.

Champagne Sangria Here’s a perennial favorite. It takes a little bit of time and effort but it’s well worth it when you’re hosting a party and want to really impress everyone. The drink is light, fruity and just sweet enough, and served over ice, a punch bowl of sangria can go a long way.

Maimon Champagne Cocktail Fig liqueur and amaretto give an ambrosial quality to the Maimon cocktail. If you can’t find fig liqueur and don’t want to infuse your own, you could substitute plum liqueur.

Bright Acai Eyes If you enjoy a special brunch on New Year’s Day, then this is the drink for you. Made with VeeV (a luscious and lightly sweet acai berry spirit), a tangy touch of grapefruit juice and your favorite dry sparkler. Pink or white will do.

Double Health Champagne Cocktail Just the right balance of sweet and tart between ginger and pomegranate and you’re sure to have a happy new year. If you’re trying to keep the alcohol level down, use pomegranate juice and ginger syrup in place of the liqueurs.

So Happy New Year everyone! Be safe, be well and be bubbly.