Why This Sparkling Wine Punch is the Perfect Party Centerpiece

Who wears more hats at the party than punch? Part centerpiece, part refresher, this Mother’s Ruin recipe is easy to make ahead of time for your next gathering, and you likely already have most of the ingredients on hand. Sure, you can use Champagne, but if you’re trying to make more than just one batch (or simply don’t want to spring for the really fancy stuff) feel free to reach for sparkling Chenin Blanc, Prosecco, or Cava. Just don’t skimp on the freshly squeezed lemon juice. — Oset Babür-Winter

Frequently asked questions

What kind of glassware should I use for this drink?

When it comes to choosing the right vessel for a large-format drink that easily serves a crowd without making a mess, we like a wide-mouthed serving piece like this one from Crate and Barrel, pictured above. 

What is vermouth?

Vermouth is an aromatized, fortified wine flavored with various botanicals. The phrase fortified means that these wines are topped up with stronger alcohol — such as brandy or a neutral grain spirit — added to the wine to pause the fermentation process and preserve the product. White vermouth is rich, tart, floral, and pleasantly sweet, while sweet vermouth is a rich, spiced and herbaceous drink, often used in drinks like the Manhattan and the Negroni. 

What is the difference between Champagne and Prosecco?

The grapes for Champagne must be grown in the Champagne region of France, a couple hours east from Paris. Three main grape varieties — Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier — dominate the vast majority of blends, but growers are also permitted to work with Arbane, Petit Meslier, and Pinot Gris. If Champagne is built on a base of richness and depth, then Prosecco is its more fruit-driven counterpart. Hailing from northeastern Italy (specifically the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions) Prosecco is produced from the Glera grape variety. Interestingly, the name of the grape used to be Prosecco, but that was changed to help avoid confusion.

What is the best sparkling wine?

Whether you’re looking for affordable bubbles for under $30 or looking to elevate your mixed drinks with a slightly more special bottle, we’ve got you covered with the best sparkling wines for your next party.