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Ingredients
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Oysters
Accompaniments & Condiments
Bubbles
Method
Oysters
Chill bed
Fill a shallow serving bowl or tray with crushed ice, spreading it to form a stable bed so oysters sit level and cold.
Shuck or check oysters
If oysters are not yet shucked, hold each oyster with a towel or in a glove, insert an oyster knife at the hinge, twist to pop, run the knife along the top shell to free it, discard the top shell, and carefully slide the knife under the oyster to free it from the bottom shell while retaining its liquor. If using pre-shucked oysters, keep them cold and drain any excess liquid into the shell so they sit snugly.
Arrange
Place each oyster on the prepared crushed-ice bed with the cup (deeper) shell down so the oyster liquor stays in place. Space evenly for presentation.
Accompaniments & Condiments
Make quick mignonette (if not pre-made)
Combine 2 tablespoons of finely minced shallot, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon champagne or white wine vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper in a small bowl. Stir and let sit 5–10 minutes to marry flavors. This yields about 4 tablespoons; portion 1 tablespoon per oyster when serving.
Prepare extra condiments
Place 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish and 1 teaspoon hot sauce into small ramekins for guests who want extra heat. Offer additional lemon wedges alongside.
Serve with oysters
Spoon about 1 tablespoon mignonette onto each oyster (or let guests add to taste). Offer a drop of hot sauce or a small dollop of horseradish as preferred. Squeeze lemon over oysters just before eating.
Bubbles
Chill bottle
Ensure the sparkling wine is chilled to 40–50°F (4–10°C). If not chilled, place the bottle in an ice bucket or refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or 20 minutes in an ice + water + salt ice bucket) before serving.
Open bottle
To open: remove foil, loosen the wire cage while keeping your thumb over the cork, tilt the bottle at a 45° angle away from people, hold the cork and gently twist the bottle (not the cork) until the cork eases out with a quiet pop. Wipe the mouth of the bottle with a clean napkin.