Jul 202011
 

True Confessions Time:  Shaker One has an entire shelf in her fridge devoted solely to all things fizzy.  I use bookends to hold up the rows of bottles.  Mostly its a few varieties of proseccos, kept on hand for whenever the mood hits.  Currently there’s also that bottle of South African bubbly I’ve wanted to try but just haven’t found a reason to open, next to the bottle of Schlumberger White Secco.  And of course, the ever present emergency champagne bottle remains at the ready at all times (usually Moet).

Shaker One Life Rule:  Like pearl earrings or a little black dress, a lady always keeps a chilled bottle of champagne on hand for any emergencies.

 

Now I adore champagne cocktails, but sometimes one is in the mood for something a bit different…like:

Bittersweet Bubbly Cooler

 

Take a tall glass, add a splash of Chambord, a bigger splash of Rose’s Lime (or lime juice and simple syrup), a few dashes of bitters (like Angostura), add ice, fresh berries  top with sparkling wine and stir.

This is a unique take on the traditional champagne cocktail.  Not sweet, with a complex layered flavor that is still completely refreshing.  This is a great way to kill the last of the bubbly in last night’s bottle.  I shall make this one again very soon.

Pop your corks and enjoy!

 


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Jul 132011
 

When Shaker One was just a wee girl, eating out at a fancy restaurant was a rare treat.  To my 6 year old self, nothing was more elegant than ordering my own “cocktail”- The Shirley Temple.  A grown up looking drink in my favorite little girl color garnished with a cherry.  Sometimes the bartender would even put a little drink umbrella in it for me.  I fancied myself quite the sophisticate!

Flash forward 20 years or so (What? Move along.) to a hot summer evening and a thirsty Shaker.  A school night, so martinis are out and I wanted something more than just a glass of bubbly……..Shaker One gets creative.

The Tipsy Temple

 

Pomme juice, lime juice, simple syrup, a splash of lemon over ice topped with prosecco and very ripe berries.  Looks like Miss Temple stayed out after curfew on this one.  Innocent pink color, heady scent of lush berries as you sip, slightly sweet but mostly very refreshing.  Stand up and cheer, this one’s a winner!

Now gentlemen, I don’t want to hear “but it’s pink!”.  Of course it is.  Many delicious things are red.  And red, when diluted with things like vodka or prosecco turns pink.  Be secure enough to imbibe all things blushing.

Cherries optional.

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Jul 062011
 

Hello fans of all things effervescent.  Shaker One is back with yet another prosecco for you to try.  You may ask, “do you do nothing but sample proseccos in your spare time?”  Well, I do cook as well.  :/

Here’s another from my beloved Trader Joe’s:

Villa Carlotti Prosecco.  Similar price point to my old pal Zonin.

I tried this one straight-no berries or additions.  It is a dryer bubbly, balanced and pleasant with a hint of apricots.  Oh man, now I sound like one of THOSE wine people.  Stop me.  Anyway, I enjoyed it and it has earned itself a seat on the bench.  If Zonin goes out of the game, I’ll send in this sparkler.

 

Now go pour yourselves a glass of something fun.

 

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Jun 292011
 

Shaker One here-back for another sip of all things fizzy.   So as I’ve mentioned before, I’m not much of a wine drinker.  I enjoy hearty reds with meals.  But wine is a “drink with food” beverage for me.  And for some odd reason -bubblies aside- I only drink reds.  While grabbing a few bottles of my new friend Lambrusco (red) I noticed that they had the same brand in white….hmmmm.  I was intrigued.

 

You know the drill:  glass, ice, toss in a few berries for fun and here we go.

Nice!  Very nice.  Soft, not too sweet and none of that “oaky” chardonnay taste I loathe.  You could very easily make a white sangria from this for the summer….add fresh berries, nectarines, whatever fruit makes you happy.

I’m still crushing hard on my new bestest summer friend Red Lambrusco, but Whitey can stop by every now and then and join in the fun.

Oh Lambruscos, where have you been all my summertimes?

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May 182011
 

Shaker Two deserves all the credit for this lovely find.

Schlumberger White Secco

 


 

A sweet (pleasantly so, not at all cloying) fizzy pour of sparkles in your flute.  The perfect end to a summer dinner, perhaps with some fresh fruit.  This is not a mixing bubbly and I would definitely not cook with it….except perhaps to make a champagne sorbet.

Under $20 a bottle.  Shaker One grabbed the sole bottle on hand when she spied it at the Candy Store (Beverage Warehouse).

A sweet kiss to end the evening.

 

 

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May 112011
 

Welcome bubbly aficionados to another episode of Bubbly Tales.  Today I’d like to introduce you to one of Shaker One’s favorite players:

 

Purchased at Trader Joe’s, this go-to sparkler retails for under $8.  Yes, you read that correctly.  It is perfect with mimosas or other mixed cocktails and really very pleasant on its own.  I often enjoy a glass or three simply with a strawberry dropped into the bottom of the glass.

And as I am not a white wine drinker, other than the bubbly types, I also use this to deglaze a pan or make a sauce….anywhere you’d use a dry white wine.  At this price point I don’t even feel bad if I open a bottle, enjoy a few glasses over two or three days and end up pouring the rest out.  Not what I’d select for a celebration or fancy dinner, but a solid choice for your everyday workhorse bubbly.  Affordable, drinkable, mixable, cookable…….this bubbly is one to keep on hand.

 

Give it a try.  Unless you don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby.  Then I’m so, so sorry for you.

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May 042011
 

So, aside from our obvious enjoyment of all things martini, the Shakers love a nice sparkling wine.  Champagne, prosecco, cava…..each of them do the happy dance on our tongues.

As a bit of a break from the stronger drinks, Shaker One would like to introduce you to the first in a series of all things bubbly.  Our favorite brands, tools, storage tips, bubbly friendly cocktail recipes….if it sparkles I’m determined to cover it.  The world of bubbly is infinite and magical, so we shall take our time with this journey.

 

But to begin-Blackberry Prosecco Cocktail:

Blackberry Prosecco Cocktail

 

Fresh blackberries muddled with just a splash of Cointreau or Triple Sec, topped with prosecco and a bit of orange zest.  I also threw in a few drops of Bitters, but if you prefer a sweeter experience leave those out. And of course you can use champagne or cava in place of the prosecco if you prefer.

Oh my,  I do love berries in bubbly….as when you’ve finished drinking the liquid you get to fish them out, plump and succulent from their marination.  They are the Crackerjack prize at the bottom of my glass.

Summer is just around the corner….the perfect time to stamp your libation passport with as many effervescent trips as you can take.  Cheers!

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