N’Dulge:
The Bubbly Bar:
An Effervescent Book on Champagne
and Sparkling Wine Cocktails

Champagne and sparkling wines, those bubbly libations that evoke cheerful thoughts and romantic overtones, were once saved for toasts and holidays. But now with so many delicious and affordable international and domestic varieties available, we can enjoy them at anytime for everything. For Maria C. Hunt, a sip of "Cold Duck" at age seven was just the beginning of a desire for wanting and learning more about the bubbly libation.

Hunt, a food and drink writer and lifestyle expert has taken the mystery out of choosing and pairing the right bubbly for your pleasure. Her book, The Bubbly Bar, Champagne and Sparkling Wine Cocktails for Every Occasion, published by Clarkson Potter, is the perfect primer for choosing the right sparkling wine and champagne for any occasion. The champagne and wine connoisseur--a Chicago area native--has traveled around the world sampling the beauty and versatility of champagne and sparkling wines.

"I always loved food. It touches everyone. I loved the sense of taste and smell of food. It evokes all of the emotions. As a food writer, I included information about wines," Hunt says. Becoming a Certified Wine Professional with the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, Hunt continues to hone her expertise with her studies with the Court of Master Sommeliers, a designation that represents the primary certification for wine and beverage professionals in the hospitality industry. She is also an award-winning San Diego-based food and drink writer that guides the reader on a journey much like a trip through the vineyards through the international sparkling wines, such as prosecco, cava, crŽmant and sparkling sake. The book includes an excellent appendix that covers the best champagnes and sparkling wines from the U.S. and around the world with a buying guide for every price range.

"Writing and letting people know about wine can be intimidating. Wine is something that is complex and becoming a Certified Wine Professional made me feel more confident and an expert to share with my readers," says Hunt.

The Bubbly Bar features over 57 recipes as well as tips on mixing great sparkling wine champagne cocktails, punches, sangrias and dessert drinks. Her recipes range from such classics as a Kir Royale and French 75 to the "hip" concoctions mixed from the latest liqueurs, seasonal fruits and herbs.

When choosing the appropriate libation to complement her dinner, Hunt says she thinks about the great fruit in season the same way a chef thinks as he is creating a dish. The chef's favorite drink from the book is the Lava Lamp and the Framboise Apricot Punch. Both are great for entertaining. For more information, visit Maria's Web site at www.thebubblygirl.com.

(This book is a must for entertaining! Don't wait for the holidays, try the recipes out now, so that you can be an expert by the holidays!)