Around the holidays, I am all about the bubbly.  Sparkling wines such as Champagne, Prosecco, and Kava can make even the most mundane occasions feel special.  When you mix sparkling wine with fruit juices or liqueurs, you can make a wide array of easy and elegant cocktails which are perfect for festive gatherings.

This year, we decided to get together with family a few days after Christmas, leaving the day itself to be a quiet, laidback affair.  As we didn’t have to rush about, preparing for guests, we staid in our pajamas all day (it was glorious!) and sipped Bellini, which is an Italian cocktail consisting of peach purée and Prosecco.  As it was Christmas, I decided to break from the traditional beverage and throw in a little Chambord to make it extra special.

If you are hosting a crowd, you could set up a Bellini bar by putting out a variety of fruit juices, such as peach nectar, strawberry purée, mango nectar, and raspberry purée, along with different liqueurs such as Chambord, Grand Marnier, or Creme de Cassis, and several bottles of chilled Prosecco.  You and your guests can have fun trying different combinations.

As champagne flutes vary in size, the measurements in this recipe are not exact.  I just eyeball it.  Cheers!

Splash of Chambord (about 1/8-1/4 oz)

2 parts peach nectar (obout 1 oz)

3 parts Prosecco (about 1.5 oz)

Pour a splash of Chambord into the bottom of a champagne flute, followed by the peach nectar.  Top with Prosecco (I usually fill the glass).  Enjoy!

Serves 1