I love bubbly so much that I pop bottles like whoa! In all seriousness, I can’t get enough of the authentic French import and try to have at least a bottle in the refrigerator each week for guests or just for myself. There are times though that money is a bit tight but sacrificing quality still isn’t an option. Enter Chandon Sparkling wine, full of bold flavor, yet soft and delicate. Bonus that it’s owned by legendary French champagne maker Moet & Chandon, the champagnerie’s first venture into sparkling wine from a Napa-based vineyard. We’ve got a fabulous recipe courtesy of Chandon just for Valentine’s Day. The first is the Chandon Bubbletini, made with fresh strawberries, vodka ice cubes and simple syrup.
Ingredients
3 or 4 fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
1/2 oz/15 ml Simple Syrup (page 214)
1/2 oz/15 ml vodka
Ice cubes
1–2 oz/30–60 ml chilled sparkling rosé
Directions
In a cocktail shaker, combine the strawberries, Simple Syrup, and vodka. Using a muddler or the handle of a long wooden spoon, crush the strawberries. Fill the cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice cubes. Cover and shake vigorously for 5–10 seconds. Strain through a strainer or fine-mesh sieve into a martini glass. Top with the sparkling wine. Serve at once. Makes 1 drink.
