Because this means that everything we thought we knew about drinking champagne is probably a lie, we asked Moët for some ground rules. Because taste is like, 75% smell (we’re not scientists/mathematicians), the layers of aromatic flavors that make up Moët Ice Imperial deserve to be smelled properly. Your first sip will be fruity and intense, but you’ll get a more balanced flavor as the ice begins to melt (slowly enough to avoid immediately flushing your glass with excess water -- a little sacrilege is fine, but criminality is not). The pinot noir lends fruity flavors, meunier gives it a rich mouthfeel, and the chardonnay brings acidity to the glass. Those skinny little things were designed to give drinkers a visual of champagne’s bubbly nature, but you’ll get a better whiff of your wine by using a large, wide brimmed glass.

the 5 Rules for Drinking Your Champagne on Ice - Thrillist Here’s the 5 Rules for Drinking Your Champagne on Ice - Thrillist

But maybe you’re still a little tentative about taking that iced champagne out of the shade and directly under the sun? This gives the wine a rich flavor that can stand up to a bit of ice dilution, with just enough acidity from the chardonnay to keep it refreshing. But with a champagne like Moët Ice Imperial, where the flavors are strong enough to withstand a bit of dilution, the wine takes on a more central role. So the next time you’re squeezing in one last beach day, barbecue, or outdoor brunch, don’t be afraid to pop a bottle.Moët Ice Imperial naturally has notes of fruit that can be enhanced further by the flavors released through garnishes like mint leaves or lemon peels, while other champagnes might be overwhelmed.

And cocktails at brunch only get better too, now that they have the ability to withstand dilution from a few ice cubes. Throw in some raspberries, strawberries, or a slice of lemon and those flavors will make for some seriously aromatic summertime freshness.Just because you can pour this wine over ice doesn’t mean you should fill your glass to the brim to create a murky champagne slushy. For example, if you’re drinking a French 75, the spirit and acidity will usually overpower the champagne -- but Moët Ice Imperial is bold enough to elegantly push back.