While a glass of bubbly is always fantastic, why not raise your glass and make a toast with a bellini? Bellinis can be made with any sparkling wine and traditionally include peach puree and raspberry puree to give the cocktail it’s beautiful blush color. However, an even simpler version can be made with 3 parts chilled sparkling wine to 1 part peach juice and a splash of raspberry juice. The bellini is a perfect way to add some pizazz to a toast whether it be a birthday, anniversary, or new years eve.
Recipe:
1 cup frozen peaches
1/4 cup peach schnapps
3/4 cup Prosecco or sparkling white wine
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup ice cubes
1 teaspoon raspberry juice
Directions:
1. Blend peaches, peach schnapps, sugar, raspberry juice and ice in a blender until smooth. Divide mixture between two champagne flutes. Top off each glass with equal parts sparkling wine, very lightly stir to combine and serve.
Serves 2
Talk about the best of both worlds. The fresh mojito meets a festive bubbly. New Orleans Chef John Besh has created a delicious cocktail to celebrate the holidays.
Recipe:
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
1 1/2 cups packed mint leaves, plus 12 mint sprigs, for garnish
6 limes, cut into wedges
2 cups light rum
Cracked ice
3 cups Champagne or sparkling wine
Directions:
(Recipe From John Besh and Food and Wine. Photo Credit: Quentin Bacon and Food and Wine)
When Summer arrives, the festivities in North America begin. First with Canada Day and shortly after, America’s 4th of July celebrations. This is a perfect punch to serve for either but certainly shouldn’t be exclusive for a special occasion. This delicious punch is a refreshing thirst quencher on any hot Summer day.
Recipe:
1 750 ml sparkling white wine
1 750 ml red wine (such as pinot noir)
1 cup brandy
1/2 cup strawberry liquor
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup simple syrup
2 cups lemonade
Directions:
Combine all ingredients except sparkling wine in a large punch bowl with sufficient ice. Stir to combine. Pour in sparkling wine and gently stir.
(Recipe Adapted From: House and Home.com. Photo Credit: Cleveland.com)
The delicate red berry notes of a White Merlot enhanced by ripe strawberries to make a refreshing easy drinking wine. Serve with barbecue pork chops.
1 bottle of Island Mist Strawberry White Merlot
1 cup of white rum
Juice of 2 limes
1 cup lemon-lime soda
1 cup of fresh sliced strawberries (or frozen)
Combine first four ingredients in a large pitcher over ice and add strawberries. Enjoy in your favourite glass, garnished with a slice of lime.
A Sizzling Summertime Sipper.
Combine Island Mist Strawberry Watermelon with Ice and Tequila (to taste) in a blender and mix to desired consistency. Serve in salt rimmed margarita glasses garnished with a wedge of fresh watermelon. Enjoy!
Recipe: Crushed ice 3 ounces dry sherry 6 mint leaves, crushed, plus 1 mint sprig 1 ounce chilled aranciata (Italian orange soda), or Orangina 1 teaspoon sugar 3 dashes of Angostura bitters 1 cucumber slice Directions: 1. Fill a julep glass with crushed ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine the sherry, mint leaves, aranciata, sugar and bitters and …
Recipe:
Crushed ice
3 ounces dry sherry
6 mint leaves, crushed, plus 1 mint sprig
1 ounce chilled aranciata (Italian orange soda), or Orangina
1 teaspoon sugar
3 dashes of Angostura bitters
1 cucumber slice
Directions:
1. Fill a julep glass with crushed ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine the sherry, mint leaves, aranciata, sugar and bitters and shake well. Strain over the ice and garnish with the mint sprig and cucumber slice.
Makes 1 Drink
(Recipe: Food and Wine.com. Photo Credit: Frances Janisch)
