Bubbles And Ice Make A "Sparkling" Holiday

More wineries around the world are getting more creative, not only with their packaging of fermented spirits but also with what is in the bottle. This season I have been introduced to a number of new sparkling wines that make the perfect base for a bubbly cocktail.

French winery J.P. Chenet, has released a new Ice Edition ($38), packaged in an elegant white bottle, but suggested to be served over ice. Yes ice.

For wine lovers who like theirs on the sweeter side, this is perfect. I brought a bottle to a holiday party where it was well received and there happened to be a a pitcher of  pink lemonade on the counter. The combination made for an enjoyable spritzer. The wine on it's own was sweet, with a bit of almond on the finish.

A new bubbly from Italy, also marketed for serving over ice, is the "iL" Spr!tz from Mionetto ($12). This sparkling wine is mixed with blood orange and spice before bottled. The spice is prevalent and so is the fruit, citrus with a hint of pomegranate.

A traditional Venetian cocktail now bottled and sold in the US, also try it with a splash of vodka. I opened this one at another party where once again it was well received; both on its own as well as over ice with a slice of orange.

The crown cap on iL Spr!tz is convenient while the wine is promoted as being lower in calories than many holiday cocktails at less than 100 per four ounce serving.



Recently introduced to the Florida market and new from Chandon, is a delightful cuvee that means delicious in French; Delice ($22).

This semi-sweet California sparkler is easy to drink on it's own, but still billed as delicious over ice. This is the more dry of the three and in a cocktail, try it with grapefruit or cucumber for a fresh and refreshing blend.

When it comes to sparkling wines and Champagnes, I'm first and foremost a fan of the dry ones. The bubbles with a taste of so-called 'biscuit' and nuts, I could drink all day everyday.

But I LOVE BUBBLES, something about watching them travel up a glass is mesmerizing. AND these sweeter ones are great for adding an effervescent kick to a cocktail, a nice accompaniment to a salty dish or a tasty treat for dessert. Bottom line, you can't go wrong with anything that sparkles during the holidays.

The Jolly Traveler

The Jolly Traveler, the name alone makes me happy.

I think of a of smiling European man with a big belly, mustache and rosy cheeks; hiking the countryside, stopping at pubs along the way and laughing heartily with strangers who become friends by the end of the night.

Besides the obvious play on a holiday word, maybe that is one of the visions the brewmasters at Traveler Beer Co. had in mind when both creating and naming their new winter shandy.

A traditional shandy is a glass of ale mixed with lemonade or lemon-lime soda. However the wheat ale in THIS shandy is brewed with the fruit. The orange, pomegranate and spice make this a perfect holiday libation. I typically don't like sweet flavors in my beer, but this has just the right amount and it screams "holiday" to my taste buds.

Forget those dark, heavy seasonal beers, especially in Florida where the mercury is still in the 80's and where  something refreshing to drink is almost always appreciated. This shandy from Vermont is in most major retailers and on tap at lots of local restaurants for the Christmas and winter season. Try it and let me know if you become a "Jolly Traveler." CHEERS!