Springtime Sparkling Sippers

BASIL SIMPLE SYRUP INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup torn basil leaves
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey

INSTRUCTION

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring basil, water, and honey to a simmer. Remove from heat and let basil leaves steep for 1 hour. Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove basil leaves. Refrigerate to chill.

COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup chopped strawberries
• 1/2 ounce blood orange juice
• 1 ounce vodka
• 1/2 - 1 ounce basil simple syrup
• Chilled Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé

INSTRUCTION

Begin by adding strawberries to a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or long wooden spoon to crush the strawberries until the juices are released. Add 1/2 ounce of blood orange juice, 1 ounce vodka, and 1/2 to 1 ounce of basil simple syrup. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a flute and top with sparkling Brut Rosé.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 ounces Gin
• 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
• Chilled Domaine Carneros Ultra Brut to top
• Lemon twist for garnish

INSTRUCTION

Pour gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice into cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled flute, top with Ultra Brut sparkling wine, and garinish with a lemon twist.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup blackberries + a few more for garnish
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 ounces gin
• Chilled Domaine Carneros Estate Brut

INSTRUCTION

In a small saucepan, bring blackberries, water, and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the blackberries are soft and the simple syrup has turned to a bright pink/redish color.

Remove from heat, drain blackberries, and allow to cool. This step can be done well in advance, as the syrup will keep for at least one week in the refrigerator.

Begin by adding 1 ounce of gin followed by 1-1.5 ounces of homemade blackberry simple syrup to each glass. Next drop two blackberries in each glass. Fill the rest of the glass with Estate Brut sparkling wine and enjoy!