Whether you’re planning to step out and do it big for the New Year, or stay in for the win with an intimate shindig, Martini & Rossi has got you covered!

colin1Colin Asare-Appiah, cocktail expert and startender (aka a bartender to the stars) knows how to sip in style! The winner of the 2016 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for “Best American Brand Ambassador,” has been making waves and setting industry standards since he first got his start in the industry over three decades ago. Born in Ghana and raised in the UK, Colin began on this path as the original cocktail guide for “The Good Food Show with Anthony Worrel” and started consulting on myriad spirit brands, truly immersing himself in all things spirits and cocktail right at cusp of the craft cocktail revolution.
From there, at the age of 22, Colin co-founded the London Academy of Bartending with the goal of teaching everything they had learned to rising bartenders, colleagues in the industry and beverage companies. Due to its immense success, the London Academy of Bartending (known globally as LAB) has become a renowned and benchmark establishment in the industry.

Since then, Colin has worked with numerous spirit brands, celebrity chefs, cocktail bars and industry experts across the globe. Recently, the cocktail connoisseur hosted a holiday party at the EBONY Magazine offices, and needless to say, it was a lush — err, we mean, luxe — experience! Meet the man behind the “mix,” and check out Colin’s how-to for how you can sip in style too!

Colin’s Sparkling Wine Tips & Tricks

What are the differences between Prosecco, Sparkling Rosé and Asti? What kinds of holiday foods and desserts can I pair with each sparkling wine?

“Martini & Rossi Prosecco tends to have more aromas of fruit and flowers and the bubbles are light, frothy and spritzy, making them fun – you could even say “flirtatious.” It easily pairs with entrees like pork, chicken, and pasta. And prosecco definitely goes well with sharp and salty cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Manchego!

Martini & Rossi Sparkling Rosé is always a party pleaser and contrary to popular belief can be enjoyed all year long. I love serving sparkling rosé with seafood and Mediterranean dishes.

The Martini & Rossi Asti is the sweetest wine of the three Martini & Rossi sparkling wines. This wine is a crowd pleaser for dessert especially chocolate, fresh gelato and fruit.”

header4How do you open a bottle of sparkling wine? What type of glassware do you use when serving sparkling wine?
If you want to impress your guests during a party you can pop a bottle of sparkling wine like a pro!
Most people think that you should take the cage off the cork before opening a bottle, but keeping the cage on helps to control the cork so it doesn’t fly across the room when the bottle pops.

You’ll want to hold the cage and cork together while slowly twisting the bottles base. This will ensure a swift and easy opening of the wine with a lot more control.

Simple Hack for Chilling Ice When in a Crunch for Time:

Company coming over sooner than you thought? The best way to chill a bottle in a time crunch is to set the bottle in a ice bucket with cold water and ice. You’ll have ice chilled sparkling wine in no time!

Our NYE drink pick:

Golden Sbagliato
Created by Naren Young, Dante NYC
1 oz. Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter
1 oz. Martini & Rossi Rosso
Martini & Rossi Prosecco
Gold Flecks

In a wine glass, add Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter, Martini & Rossi Rosso vermouth and ice. Top with Martini & Rossi prosecco and stir gently to combine. Garnish with gold flecks.

Enjoy! And remember to always drink responsibly.