Drinks with Anna

by Anna Tusa

Let’s Get “Fizzical”

IT IS SPRINGTIME in New Orleans, and the perfect time to get “fizzical”. The weather has warmed up, the flowers are blooming, and being outdoors is amazing this time of year. So, whether you are sipping on your porch swing, popping bottles on the patio, walking the quarter, or boiling seafood with friends, these Champagne cocktails will be a refreshing addition for you to share any day of the week. Remember, it is always a good time to drink Champagne and these delicious bubbly concoctions complement boiled seafood all spring!

TEQUILA FIZZ

1.5 oz Esplon Tequila ½ oz pink grapefruit juice ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice ½ oz simple syrup 3 dashes of Hibiscus bitters

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker tin. Muddle three raspberries and pour into a Champagne flute. Strain the contents of the shaker into the champagne flute, and top with your favorite sparkling Rosé.

NOLA ROSE

1.5 oz Absolut Citron 1 oz lemon juice ½ oz simple syrup 3 dashes blossom bitters

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker tin. Strain the contents of the shaker into a Champagne flute, and top with your favorite sparkling Rosé. Garnish with a lemon twist and fresh rose petals.

STRAWBERRY MULE

1.5 oz Skyy Strawberry Vodka ½ oz lime juice 1.5 oz ginger beer

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker tin. Muddle three fresh strawberries and pour into a copper mug. Next, add ice and strain the contents of the shaker into the copper mug. Finish by topping off the mug with your favorite Champagne.

BACKYARD BUBBLES

1.5 oz Malibu Coconut 2 oz pineapple juice

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker tin. Muddle three fresh raspberries and three pineapple chunks in a high ball glass. Strain the contents of the shaker into the high ball glass, and add ice. Top the glass off with your favorite Rosé. Garnish with fresh pineapple and raspberries.

NOLA STROLLIN’

1.5 oz Martell Blue Swift Cognac 1 oz Grand Marnier 2 dashes bitters

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker tin. Strain into a coupe glass topping it off with your favorite Champagne. Garnish with an orange twist.

THE FRENCH QUARTER-TINI

1 oz Stoli Vodka 1 oz Chambord 2/3 oz pineapple juice

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker tin. Strain into a martini glass, finish by topping off the glass with your favorite Prosecco. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

Note: For these drinks I used Mumm Napa Rosé, Mumm Napa Brut, and Avissi Prosecco.