``Drink champagne for no reason at all.''

That's one of Life's Little Instructions, from the chirpy little list by H. Jackson Brown that's on the wall in my dentist's office. It comes after ''Call your mother'' and before ``Always wear polished shoes.''

In other words, it's inarguable.

Don't be one of those drudges who saves champagne for weddings and New Year's Eve. When do you really need its joy and celebration? With the impending start of heat, humidity, mildew, mold and -- I hate to even say it -- hurricane season.

These days, real champagne from France is a little pricey. So in this column, we turn to sparkling wines from California, cavas from Spain and proseccos from Italy.

We might chill them down to a bit below the 45 degrees recommended for $100 champagnes, just to cool down our bodies and pump up our morale.

We might make a mimosa with a splash of orange juice, a Marilyn Monroe with a splash of apple brandy and one of grenadine or a Southern Belle with a tablespoon each of Amaretto and apricot brandy.

Here's a list of 15 nice bubblies under $15. Stay cool.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

• Korbel Brut, California: lots of long-lasting tiny bubbles; very crisp, very dry, lemon-lime flavors; long finish; $13.50.

• Martini & Rossi Rosé Sparkling Wine, Italy: rich, crisp and semi-sweet, with flavors of ripe apricots and peaches; $14.80.

RECOMMENDED

• Lunetta Prosecco by Cavit, Italy: light, lemony, dry, spritzy; $12.50.

• Martini & Rossi Prosecco, Italy: light, lemony, slightly sweet, spritzy; $14.50.

• Candoni Prosecco Brut, Italy: light and dry, with flavors of sweet peaches; $14.50.

• Jacobs Creek Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio Brut Cuvée, Barossa Valley, Australia: rich, soft and creamy, with peach-pineapple flavors; $12.

• Beringer Sparkling White Zinfandel, California: crisp, lightly sweet, with tart strawberry flavors; $10.50.

• Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut, Washington: light and lively, crisp, with white grapefruit flavors and long-lasting bubbles; $13.

• Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Noirs, Washington: rich and hearty, with big bubbles and hints of raspberries; $14.

• Domaine Ste. Michelle Extra Dry, Washington: lightly sweet; big bubbles; flavors of peaches and apricots; $14.

• Codorniu Cava, Spain: big, sturdy, long-lasting bubbles; flavors of green apples and minerals; $11.50.

• Cristalino Brut Cava, Spain: full-bodied; big bubbles; lemon-lime flavors; $10.

• Freixenet Cava Nevada Cava, Spain: big, long-lasting bubbles; green apple flavors; dry; $10.

• Freixenet Cordon Negro Cava, Spain: big, long-lasting bubbles; ripe pear flavors; dry; $10.

• Korbel Brut Rosé, California: lightly sweet; soft bubbles; ripe strawberry flavors; $13.50.

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