French Mint Sparkler

French Mint Sparkler

Love the name and love this simple sparkling refresher.

Ingredients:

1 ounce brandy
2 teaspoons mint simple syrup (see below)
1/2 cup cold, dry sparkling wine

Method:

Place brandy and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
Shake to chill, strain into wine or flute glass.
Top with bubbly and stir once.
Garnish with mint leaf.

Basic simple syrup:
Combine 2 cups of water and two cups of granulated sugar in a sauce pan.
Stir to mix.
Place over medium-high heat to dissolve.
As soon as sugar is dissolved,remove from heat and let cool.
Refrigerate the syrup in a sealed container.

To infuse simple syrup with mint, after dissolving the sugar, add a cup of fresh mint leaves and push them to the bottom of the pan.
Let steep for over 30 minutes.
Pour through a sieve, pressing down to extract all the flavors.

This recipe is from Nicole Aloni, from Seattle, who has catered the Academy Awards, Queen Elizabeth II, and Julia Child.

Cheers!

Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.