New Year’s Eve should be spent in the company of friends and lovers, not in the throes of panic and champagne sticker shock. Resolve to treat yourself — and your wallet — right in 2006 by stocking up on haute-holiday cheer at Jubilation Fine Wines and Spirits. Located at 3512 Lomas NE (on the southwest corner of Lomas and Carlisle), Jubilation specializes in wines, liquors, microbrews and champagne in a variety of price ranges.
The folks at Jubilation say that you can get six servings out of a bottle of bubbly, so buy accordingly. By the way, their staff is a dream come true when it comes to knowledgeable, approachable help. Ask them about case and half-case discounts, and upcoming wine and beer tastings. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Call 255-4404 or e-mail info@jubilationwines.com to see what else is in store.
Cool Stuff
1 What do you get the girl who has everything? Try champagne in a can. Sofia Mini Blanc de Blancs looks like it's been wrapped in pink satin sheets, with a matching mini straw to make each sip as demure as you dare. This flirty sparkling wine is so tongue-in-cheek that finding someone to smooch at midnight might be too easy. $4.99 per 187 ml can.
Cool Stuff
2 Make it an affair to remember with Gruet Rosé Méthode Champagne. Perfectly balanced, delicate and very drinkable, the Gruet family's 17th-century vineyards in southern New Mexico produce this exceptional vintage at an affordable price. Top it off with a rhinestone tiara to unleash your inner princess. $13.99 per bottle.
Cool Stuff
3 When I get my own shag-carpeted luxury jet, the in-flight meal will consist of bento boxed lunches and chilled, individually-sized bottles of Cocktails by Jenn served by stewardesses in micro-mod outfits. Even without the jet, I can still get sky-high: Each Appletini Premium Vodka Cocktail bottle packs a mighty punch with 17 percent alcohol by volume. $14.99 for four-100 ml bottles.
Cool Stuff
4 Naturally carbonated Zipang Sparkling Sake is a refreshing alternative to traditional New Year's Eve bubbly. Unlike most wines and champagnes, Zipang contains absolutely no sulfites or preservatives, and is made only with rice, water and yeast. Serve these ingenious individual pop-top bottles ice-cold with your favorite Japanese-inspired service ware. $6.99 per 250 ml bottle.
