BUBBLY & BRUNCH

CRISP CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS

The (perhaps erroneous) story goes that when Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon created his first batch of Champagne, he called out “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!” True or not, it’s a fabulous description, and he wasn’t wrong. A great glass of Champagne can be a bit of a cosmic experience. While champagne is perfectly delicious on it’s own, it can also serve as a wonderful base for a variety of bubbly and refreshing cocktails. We’ve collected a few of our favorites here. À votre santé!

Champagne Paloma

This lovely little cocktail is tart, sweet and packs a punch. It may be all you need for some mid-morning Sunday splendor.

Ingredients 3 ounces of freshly squeezed pink grapefruit 0.5 ounces of fresh lime juice 1.5 ounces of tequila blanco 2 ounces of brut champagne or prosecco

Method Shake tequila, lime juice and grapefruit juice with ice. Strain into chilled Champagne glass. Add Champagne and stir gently. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.

Optional: Rim glass with sugar, salt or a mixture of both.

French75

This classic French cocktail offers a bubbly, citrus kick perfect for a vacay brunch or even pre-dinner cocktails.

Ingredients 1.5 ounces of gin 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice ½ ounce simple syrup 2 ounces chilled brut Champagne 1 lemon, for garnish twist

Method Shake gin, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice. Strain into chilled Champagne glass. Top with Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

Optional: Create another layer of depth by adding a smidge of cognac (classic) or half an ounce of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur (modern).

Vodka Strawberry Fizz

Fresh and sweet with a light kick. Perfect for a summer Saturday.

Ingredients 3 large strawberries, sliced 1 fresh strawberry, partially slit on bottom ½ ounce simple syrup 2 ounces of vodka ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice (Meyer lemons if you can find them) 2 ounces chilled brut Champagne or prosecco Optional: Sugar for the rim

Method Muddle strawberries and simple syrup in cocktail shaker until well blended. Add vodka, lemon juice and ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled, sugarrimmed (optional) Champagne flute. Garnish side of glass with strawberry.