There is nothing more elegant next to a glass of true

champagne then a champagne cocktail. Soft light bubbles,

paired perfectly with a complimenting spirit or liqueur, are

great drinks to serve when you have a mix and mingle crowd;

and, they are easy to make...you just need bubbles and cordials/spirits.

 

As far as bubbles go, it is always good to have some well-made champagne for sipping, but try some other sparkling wines for mixing or when pouring for a crowd. Prosecco is a dry sparkling wine made from the grape of the same name and usually hails from Northern Italy. Cava is a dry white or rose sparkling wine that is produced in Spain. Both are great alternatives to champagne as is sparkling wine from California. 

 

Then you need the spirits...there are so many cool and groovy new cordials as well as classic favorites that the possibilities of champagne cocktails are truly endless. Mathilde makes a gorgeous lineup of liqueurs (pear, raspberry, peach, blackberry) which when added to bubbles create yummy treats. You can use Chambord, St Germain, Amaretto, Limoncello, flavored vodka and even tequila and a twist! Just about anything will work, except for maybe heavier cream based liqueurs.

 

So, invite over a handful of friends, tell them all to bring a bottle of sparkling wine, like a Cava or Prosecco, and, as the host you can supply the spirits/mixers/cordials/liqueurs.

Of course I have my favorite sparkling cocktails that are easy to make and are absolutely delicious...I have something for everyone at your party!

 

 

KIR ROYALE, an ounce of Chambord and 4 ounces of sparkling wine. Garnish with a raspberry. Combo pack available at all Twin Liquors for $29.99 includes Korbel and Chambord.

 

VELVET AMBER, an ounce of Grand Marnier, a half ounce of cranberry juice and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a raspberry or twist.

 

ST GERMAIN & CAVA, just how it sounds...a shot of St Germain and top with Cava...you can even serve over ice with a lemon twist. Combo pack available at all Twin Liquors for $39.99 includes St Germain & Segura Viudas Cava.

 

 

CANTON COCKTAIL, a shot of Canton, ginger liqueur and top with sparkling wine. garnish with a lime twist.

 

The sky's the limit on all the cool sips you can make...find your favorite liqueur and just add it to sparkling wine...it's really that simple.

 

Salute. Sláinte. Prost. Privet. Salut. L'chaim. Salude. Kampai. Skal.

and from the entire ‘Twin Liquors Family (and me!) to you...cheers to everyone all over the world...here's to 2012!

 

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