SPARKLE YOUR NIGHT AWAY WITH ALCOHOL

Sparkling wine and champagne cocktails are such a delight for a celebration or small gathering; there is always something luxurious to try. Make a bubbly concoction on your own to delight your friends. A ‘Frizzante Mojito’ is utterly refreshing; it’s made with 6 fresh mint leaves, ¾ oz. freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 oz. Simple Syrup, 1.5 oz. rum, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and 2 oz. of chilled champagne. In a pint glass, muddle together mint, lime juice, and simple syrup (this releases the mint oils). Add rum ant bitters; shake over ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and then top it off with champagne. For a fruity fun drink, try making a ‘Pear and Cranberry Bellini.’ It’s made with 1 cup pear nectar, 1 cup cranberry juice cocktail, and 1 bottle Prosecco. In a small pitcher, combine pear nectar and cranberry juice cocktail. Pour ¼ cup juice mixture into each of 8 champagne glasses, and then divide evenly on top of each glass with Prosecco. Enjoy.

Have a sparkly night with a ‘Grapefruit Sparkler.’ It’s made with 1 cup sugar, 8 whole star anise, 6 cups ruby-red grapefruit juice (chilled), 1/3 cup Campari, and 2 cups champagne (chilled). In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water with the sugar and star anise, bring to boil while stirring occasionally until sugar has dissolved, and then remove pan from heat and let cool completely. Pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a measuring cup to make 1 cup, discard star anise, and cover syrup with plastic wrap and chill. In a large pitcher, combine grapefruit juice, chilled syrup, and Campari; divide into 8 glasses and top with champagne. Enjoy all of these lovely new drinks with your friends. The party has just begun when you bring a fun alcohol drink to the mix. Have fun.