As 2016 is near, everyone is stalking up on that one bubbly drink, champagne. Everyone loves champagne (well, maybe not the day after drinking) and it is a must have for any important event. Whether you’re hoarding a bottle of André to yourself or sharing a ~fancy~ bottle with some friends, there are many things you should know.

Flutes and coupes are for decoration

Champagne

Photo by Tarika Narain

To really taste the goodness of champagne, you should drink it out of a wine glass. Flutes and coupes prevent us from getting our noses into the glass to get a whiff of the excellent smell, which adds to the great taste.

It shouldn’t be saved too long before drinking it

Champagne

Photo by Kelly Logan

The different kinds of grapes used in champagne (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Meunier) have already been aging for months. Because of the unique mix of grapes, they do not need to be aged any longer and therefore is better to be enjoyed as close to when you buy it.

You can make pancakes and waffles with it

Champagne

Photo by Caroline Early

Make your New Years brunch unforgettable with these strawberry and champagne pancakes, or these waffles with prosecco hollandaise sauce.

You shouldn’t store it in the refrigerator

Champagne

Photo by Tarika Narain

When refrigerated, the cork dries out and shrinks. This then allows the carbonation to escape, flattening out your bottle of champagne. It should only be put in the refrigerator right before drinking in order to chill the bottle. And then, you can make this delicious lemon sorbet champgane cocktail.

The first bottles were deadly

Champagne

Photo courtesy of weknowyourdreams.com

Within the first bottles of champagne ever made, the bubbles would often make the bottles literally explode sending glass all the way across the room. Over the years, the fermentation has been mastered so the bottles do not spontaneously burst, but be careful at midnight on New Years.

You must have it on New Years Eve

Champagne

Photo by Tarika Narain

Champagne has been present at many international treaty signings, christening of famous ships and openings of many famous places. Therefore, it is a necessity at any intentional event, like New Years Eve. You can make it into Jell-O shots with this recipe.

There’s enough for everyone on the planet

Champagne

Photo by Jamie Handelman

There is currently one billion bottles of the good stuff in storage. With an average of seven glasses per bottles, everyone on the planet can have one to themselves.

Start popping your bottles and happy new year!