Ring In the New Year With The Perfect Match: Raw Oysters & Champagne

It's that time of year again! New Year's Eve is just around the corner, and that means it's time to start thinking about what you'll be eating and drinking to ring in the new year. In many parts of the world, oysters are an iconic New Year food tradition. And pairing oysters and champagne, well, that’s a no brainer. After all, what's not to love about oysters and champagne? They're both luxurious and delicious. 

Pick the Right Oysters 

When it comes to choosing the right oysters for your New Year's Eve celebrations, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. First, you'll want to make sure you're getting fresh high-quality oysters. This means avoiding oysters that have been sitting out for too long or that have broken shells. 

Size Matters

When it comes to oysters, size matters. Large oysters are great for eating raw for grilling, while small oysters are best for raw consumption. If you're planning on eating your oysters raw, look for ones that have a deep cup. This will help to retain the oyster liquor when shucking.

When it comes to oysters, there is a range of preferences and styles to consider. Not all oysters are the same, and one of the major distinctions between them is location. When it comes to east coast versus west coast, it really depends on your preference. Oysters from each coast present significant differences in taste, texture and other characteristics that make them unique. While there are pros and cons to both types of oyster, many people find that East Coast variety offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor whether they be served raw or cooked.

How to Prepare Your Oysters 

Shucking oysters may seem like a daunting task, but it's actually quite simple! Just follow these easy steps, and you'll be slurping up oysters like a pro in no time.

What You'll Need: 

• A quality oyster shucker, such as our Handcrafted Oyster Knife 
• A bowl of cold water 
• A bed of ice (optional) 
• Fresh, live oysters 

How to Do It: 

1. Rinse your oysters under cold water. 
2. Using your oyster shucker, pry open the shell being careful not to damage the oyster meat inside. 
3. Detach the oyster from its shell, being careful not to spill any of the delicious liquor inside.
4. Serve immediately on the half shell on a bed of ice (if desired). Plan on about 6 oysters per person. 
5. Get slurping! These little bad boys are ready to be eaten. 

For more tips, be sure to read our How to Chuck an Oyster Like a Pro post.

And finally, you'll want to think about what type of champagne you're going to be pairing with your oysters. Not all champagnes are created equal, so how do you know which one to choose? 

You'll want to first consider the type of oysters you're serving. If you're serving raw oysters, you'll want to choose a champagne that has plenty of minerality. Champagnes high in minerality will help cleanse your palate between bites and make the overall experience more refreshing.

If you're looking for a richer experience, then you might want to consider an older vintage champagne. Older vintage champagnes tend to have more dead yeast cells, which provides an umami flavor that pairs well with rich seafood dishes like oysters. 

Final Thoughts 

Oysters and champagne are the perfect pairing to help you celebrate the New Year! The saltiness of the oysters enhances the taste of the champagne, while the bubbles add a deliciously refreshing touch. So whether you’re ringing in the New Year with a special someone or enjoying a night out on the town, make sure to include this delicious duo. Cheers!