When it comes to the holidays, one can quickly tire of traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings. However, one lesson I’ve learned over the years is that the key to not burning out on holiday food and drink is by reinventing the wheel. Many people clean out their fridges and turn leftovers into new masterpieces, breathing fresh life into those familiar flavors. For any leftover champagne, if you don’t want to pour it down the drain, there are creative alternatives. One unusual tip is to use it as a boozy shampoo to keep the luster and shine in your hair (don’t ask us why, ask Diana Vreeland).

Another quirky but helpful suggestion is to make a spirited gelatin out of your leftover champagne. This grown-up dessert can be a delightful treat to enjoy during those quiet last days of the year, giving you a much-needed reason to be happy about the transition into the new year. Champagne Jello is a recipe that has been enjoyed in my family for years. It’s super extravagant and is one of the ways my family keeps the bonding spirits in full force. You don’t have to use just champagne—this recipe works as well for any beverage with fizz.

Sparkling rosé, prosecco, champagne—the works. These fizzy alternatives can all be transformed into a festive dessert that adds more finesse to your holiday gatherings. By repurposing leftover champagne or prosecco in this way, you not only reduce waste but also create a conversation piece that can become a new tradition in your holiday celebrations.

If the recipe works out for you, feel free to send us a video or image of your creation via Instagram @homeandtexture for a chance to be featured.

Champagne Jello Shots

@brunchwithbabs

The ultimate New Year’s Eve toast! Champagne Jello Shots. These jello shots are not only festive they are FUN. No one can forget a party where champagne jello shots are served – right? These take less than 5 minutes to put together and will be the hit of the show. Happiest of New Year’s! Cheers! 3 cups of champagne divided (you can also use Prosecco of course!) ⅔ cups sugar 4 tablespoons lemon juice 4 packages gelatin 1 cup vodka (I used whipped cream flavored) Edible glitter (silver) Heat 2 cups of champagne and sugar in a pot over medium-low heat. Heat until sugar is dissolved but do not bring to a boil. Add gelatin (one packet at a time) and stir over low heat until dissolved. Take off the heat and add one cup vodka, lemon juice and the other cup of champagne. Pour into a well greased 8 x 8 pan. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into squares and sprinkle with edible glitter. #nye #jelloshots

♬ original sound – Babs

Holiday Champagne Jello Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 7/8 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 3 cups of champagne
• 7 packets of gelatin
• 1 tablespoon neutral-flavored oil (preferably vegetable oil)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for 5 minutes until soft.
4. Squeeze out excess water from the gelatin sheets and add them to the warm sugar syrup, stirring until fully dissolved.
5. Add the champagne to the mixture and stir gently to combine.
6. Lightly oil a jelly mold with the neutral-flavored oil.
7. Pour the champagne mixture into the prepared mold.
8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
9. To serve, briefly dip the mold in hot water to loosen the jelly, then turn out onto a serving plate.