Wake up and smell the cork!

How many of you out there have awakened with a glass of wine and a jelly donut? Some of you may shutter at the thought, and others may prefer a bagel and cream cheese with a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. Either way, some folk find a breakfast of liquid grapes and grape jelly a nice way to start the day. This is not to say you should sit down and drink a couple of bottles each morning. This is simply a discussion about the possibilities of fermented juices for morning consumption. It’s a nice way to start the day, but don’t let it rule it. The key is moderation with a sweet taste sensation.

Historically, many cultures drank wine with every meal, particularly in Elizabethan times. It was simply a natural part of everyday life and not necessarily for the purposes of getting intoxicated. In some cases, it was due to the lack of any other acceptable beverage. Other beverages were tasteless compared to the sweet wines back then. Even in today’s world, there are cultures that still believe a glass of wine is appropriate with every meal, and the practice may even play a part in maintaining good health.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not get it right the first time? But let’s get one thing straight. Filling your bowl of Lucky Charms with Riesling and any other wine is not recommended and ranks high up there on the “YUCK” scale. If you’re feeling brave enough to try something like this, at least get a box of Apple Jacks instead. On the other hand, you don’t have to make a gourmet meal to accompany your wine either.

If you’re lacking in culinary expertise and/or time, consider a trip to the local donut shop.

No matter what your taste in donuts, you can usually pair it with a nice wine. If you like your donuts glazed, try a glass of Sauvignon Blanc to wash it down. There is a nice contrast in flavors, and the crispness of the wine combined with the glazed flavors is quite zippy in your mouth. A Sauvignon Blanc is also a fantastic combination with a lemon filled donut. You may think you have found heaven on earth. Although, if you prefer an Apple N’ Spice donut, sample a cool Chardonnay with it. The citrus flavors of the wine blend nicely with the apples, and the spice finds some harmony here, pairing well with the cinnamon top. Chardonnay is also a good choice if you are a powdered sugar donut person.

Some people just don’t care much about breakfast. If you prefer a breakfast a little on the lighter side, a buffet of fresh fruit with possibly a bagel or muffin may be more your style. In this case, a Mimosa may be in order. Many of you are probably familiar with this drink as it is probably one of the more widely accepted alcoholic beverages served in the morning. It’s simple and yet full of flavor that is sure to wake up your taste buds. All you have to do is add a little champagne to your orange juice. A “little” means about half orange juice and half champagne, depending on your personal preference. You can experiment with this one to find the flavor that is right for you. It is a light and refreshing change and goes well with almost any breakfast food item.

Champagne, and sparkling wine in general, is a great accompaniment to other juices as well, but orange juice is by far the favorite. Many people order this in restaurants, and it is commonly served with a brunch. Brunch is for those of us who wake too late in the morning to order breakfast and eat closer to lunch. You can also get a wider variety of food during brunch and have breakfast as your lunch.

Either way, if you weren’t a morning person before, now you have a reason to be. It’s ok to wake up on a lazy Saturday or Sunday or any other day off and pop a cork before noon. Everyone should experience the joys of raising their glass to a beautiful sunrise and savoring the taste of a brand new day.

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