Sparkling Bittersweet Summer Cocktail

I am a nut for sparkling wine. I know it can be super cheesy and cliche, but when it hits your lips, it tastes so good! (Old-School, anyone?!) One recent Friday evening, feeling overwhelmed and in need of some alone time, I stopped off at the store and picked up a bottle of bubbly. There's something wonderfully indulgent about taking a lovely flute of something sparkling outside on a quiet summer evening. It was just what I needed!

Sparkling Bittersweet Summer Cocktail

Ingredients:
1/2 Ounce of Lillet Blanc (A sweet french wine, similar to dessert wines)
2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
2-3 Ounces of Sparkling Wine (Depending on how tall your flutes are)

Preparation:
Pour your Lillet Blanc* into your flute. Top off with sparkling wine and add your bitter dashes! Voila!

*Note about Lillet Blanc: It's this really delicious sweet, desserty wine which can be served alone as an aperitif  or it's great to keep on hand for the sweet note in your cocktails. I also like it with gin cocktails!

Bubbly Gin and Grapefruit Cocktail

Last year was the first time I tasted gin and grapefruit juice together.  My eyes were opened! Gin and tonics never impressed my taste buds, so I had all but given up on the liquor. Enter tart and tangy grapefruit juice. The grapefruit bitterness cuts the herbal note of the gin, and you are instead left with a fruity, floral combination with a kick.
I like a strong cocktail and this is one of my favorites. It hits the right bit of sweet, tart, bitter, and sour which a perfect cocktail must achieve. Let me know if you agree!

Bubbly Gin and Grapefruit Cocktail

Ingredients:

1 Ounce Gin
1 Ounce Grapefruit Juice
1 Ounce Sparkling Wine
1/2 Ounce of Sweet Vermouth
Several Splashes of Bitters

Preparation:

In a cocktail mixer, with some ice, pour in all ingredients except the sparkling wine. Shake a few good times, then pour through your strainer into a cocktail glass. Top with the sparkling wine!