Forget Cristal, this bubbly literally sparkles

So here's the thing. You're dating a great guy. He pulls out your chair, opens door and walks on the outside of you. He's not too clingy, but likes you enough to feel a smidgen of jealously when that hot guy at the bar checks you out. You've been for picnics in the park, strolls by the river, and life is good.

Now it's time to meet the parents. You're standing in front of the mirror. Hair? Done. Dress? Not too revealing. Perfume? Subtle. Food? Cooked. Kinda. Well, it's not your fault your culinary skills only really stretch to chilli con carne from a packet. Then you realise the only wine you have was a £3 special offer from Tesco, left over from the last girlie night in. This is it. It's over. His dad will think you're stupid, his mum will never be impressed. You'll have to break up and spend nights cuddling the cat and sobbing dramatically, all because you don't know your Chablis from your Claret.

Ok, I may be overly-dramatising things here. But some occasions in life call for something a bit special. And while spending £100 on a bottle of Bolly would be brilliant, that money could be spent on days out with your special someone. Or shoes. Actually, scrap the day out and spend it on shoes.

Fortunately, there's a nun who can help.

Blue Nun, the drink our parents and Alan Partridge know and love, have created a blingling bottle of bubbly which is perfect for special occasions. Why? I'll tell you why. Because it's got 22-carat gold in it, that's why. And costing around a very reasonable £8.99 (that full stop is in the right place, trust me) it's the kind of drink that will make a real impression without making your purse sob tears of pain. Take that, future mother-in-law.

So, what's it like? Sparkly would be my first word. The gold flakes tend to settle at the bottom after being stored, but a gentle swirl has them impressively shimmering in the pale yellow wine. I'll admit, it looks awesome, and when my mum happened to spot the bottle in the wine cooler she couldn't help but take it out for a closer look.

The wine itself is light, fairly dry yet refreshing, with a touch of fizz. But I didn't really drink it for the flavour. In the glass it just looked, well, impressive. When I poured it I was running through my mind all the places I could use this. Sparkling cocktails on a glam night. Impressing guests at a dinner party. A fresh drink during a barbecue in the garden on light, warm summer days. Dinner with the Queen. All totally appropriate.

And if cocktails are more your bag, give this one a go. Just pick a mini bottle up from Asda, or a 75cl bottle from The Drink Shop.

Gliteratti
Pour 15ml Elderflower liqueur (or elderflower cordial) and 10ml Rose liqueur (or syrup) into a champagne flute. Top up with Blue Nun Sparkling Gold wine and garnish with orange zest spiral