Champagne is a sparkling wine that many people associate with celebrations and social gatherings – which makes it perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations. And, while it is often brought out for New Year’s Eve – champagne is definitely not new. This drink has been around for quite some time.

In order to fully understand why champagne became so popular—and how it got associated with special occasions in the first place—it’s important to know how it was invented. Champagne is named after an area in France called “Champagne,” which is where the process originated from, but there are many different theories as to who created it or when exactly they did so. Commonly cited inventors include Dom Perignon, Christopher Merret, and Pierre Perignon.

Dom Perignon is most often cited as the creator of champagne and when tasting it, he is quoted as saying, “Come quickly! I am tasting the stars!”

In the end, it’s important not to get too hung up on who discovered champagne or when this happened because there is a lot of evidence that suggests these men were all involved in its development. In fact, people have been producing sparkling wines since ancient Roman times—it was only around 400 years ago that we really learned how to make them bubbly enough where they would retain that quality over an extended period. Regardless of exactly who deserves credit for the drink’s production process though, champagne has come a long way from the first time it was made and continues to be a staple within celebrations around the world.

If you’re heading to your local store to pick out a bottle, it’s important to know that there are actually different kinds of sparkling wines available—including those which aren’t technically considered “champagne.” For example, other types include cremant (French), spumante (Italian), sekt or mousseux (German), cava or espumoso (Spanish), as well as many others. In fact, there have been so many developments since its invention in France nearly 400 years ago that some regions outside Europe began producing their own versions independently, including California, where sparkling wine has been produced for over 100 years now.

But if you enjoy a bit of bubbly when it’s time to celebrate, you’re not alone. One of champagne’s main appeals is that people associate it with positive feelings and events because they enjoy drinking it during special occasions – and New Year’s Eve is undoubtedly one of those occasions.

Of course, you can enjoy a glass of champagne on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch – why not make a cocktail with it? Here are some delicious cocktails that are great for any occasion.

• The Classic Champagne Cocktail: This is a simple one but definitely full of flavor! It contains Sugar, Angostura bitters, Champagne, Cognac or brandy, and a Maraschino cherry or lemon twist garnish. Certainly worthy of a special event!
• French 75: This cocktail has only four ingredients – champagne, gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice – and it’s great because it’s got the bubbles from the champagne, some citrus flavor from the lemon juice, and a little extra kick from the gin.
• Island Champagne Cocktail: If you’re looking for an alternative to a mimosa, look no further. The Island Champagne Cocktail makes use of cranberry and pineapple juice – and will have you wishing you were drinking it while on vacation.

Are you ready to bring in the New Year with some champagne? Why not try one of these cocktails – and show off your champagne knowledge, too?