The best Champagne for parties: bubbles that won’t break the bank

Nothing says celebration like popping a cork. But if you’re buying for a crowd, Champagne can get expensive quickly. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune for great fizz. Here’s how to choose the right bubbles for your party, from crowd-pleasing Champagne to brilliant-value alternatives.

How much fizz do you need?

A standard 75cl bottle pours around six glasses. As a rough guide:

• A toast only: one bottle for every six to eight guests.
• A drinks reception (1–2 hours): half a bottle per guest.
• A party where fizz is the main drink: a bottle per guest over the evening.

It’s always better to have a little too much than too little. Unopened bottles keep perfectly well for the next celebration.

The best Champagne for parties

Big-name non-vintage Champagnes are popular for a reason: they’re consistent, crowd-pleasing and recognisable. Look out for offers, as prices on these vary a lot through the year.

Taittinger Brut Réserve is elegant and fresh, with a high proportion of Chardonnay. Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial is the world’s best-known Champagne, fruity and generous. Mumm Cordon Rouge and Lanson Black Label are both reliable, crisp party favourites.

Smarter Champagne picks

If you want something a little more interesting, Henriot Brut Souverain and Pommery Brut Royal offer great quality and are often better value than the bigger brands. Beau Joie Brut comes in a striking copper-clad bottle that makes an impression.

Champagne for the toast

For the moment that matters, the speeches or a big birthday, it’s worth trading up. Bollinger Special Cuvée is rich and toasty, and Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is a classic.

The best alternatives to Champagne

If you’re buying for a big crowd, these give you most of the sparkle for a fraction of the price.

Crémant is French sparkling wine made the same way as Champagne, just outside the Champagne region. Arthur Metz Crémant d’Alsace and The Emissary Crémant de Bourgogne are fantastic value.

Cava from Spain is also made the traditional way. Freixenet Cordon Negro is dry, crisp and very affordable, and Campo Viejo Cava Gran Brut Reserva has a little more depth.

English sparkling wine is great if you want a talking point. Chapel Down Brut is fresh and elegant.

Prosecco is lighter and fruitier, perfect for relaxed parties and cocktails. La Gioiosa Prosecco Brut is a great pick. See our Prosecco guide for more.

Big bottles make a big impression

A magnum (1.5 litres, the equivalent of two bottles) is perfect for parties. It looks spectacular and the wine often tastes fresher, as it ages more slowly. Nyetimber Classic Cuvée Magnum is a showstopper. Read more in our guide to bottle sizes.

Party tips

• Chill properly: a bucket of ice and water chills a bottle in about 20 minutes, much faster than the fridge.
• Open safely: hold the cork, twist the bottle (not the cork) and ease it out with a gentle sigh rather than a bang.
• Mix it up: offer a Champagne cocktail or a Bellini alongside. See our cocktail guide.

FAQs

What’s the best cheap Champagne?

Look for offers on Taittinger, Mumm and Lanson, or try Crémant for Champagne-style quality at a lower price.

Can you use Prosecco instead of Champagne?

Absolutely. It’s lighter and fruitier, and most guests will be very happy.

Find all our fizz on the Champagne list and sparkling wine list.