Bubbles for Breast Cancer

It's that time of the year when all things are pink, for breast cancer awareness. I've spent a lot of money on 'pink' items that I really didn't want or even know what to do with just to show support.

This year I've found ways to support the cause that also support two of my favorite habits: bubbles and coffee.

It's the second year for Mionetto's Pink Cork for the Cause. The prosecco makers have put 125 pink corks in both their brut and rose' sparklers. Find one and not only to you win a pink 5-speed hand mixer, but you are also entered into a contest for a $10,000 charity donation. Win this and Mionetto will make a $10,000 donation to the breast cancer charity of your choice, on your behalf.

The company donated $40,000 last year. Both of these proseccos are pleasing not only in flavor but also in price, $15 range. Even better, is the limited edition Speculoos Truffles created by Master Chocolatier Christophe Toury; they are fabulous with these wines. Dipped in pink and white chocolate, the confections are a decadent combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar; a kind of gingerbread truffle.

A portion of the chocolate proceeds also goes to breast cancer charities.

The truffles are not only good with the bubbles but a hot cup of coffee too.

I just got this Lulu Travel Tumbler from Trudeau, a company that has donated more than a half million dollars to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. They have an entire product line of tumblers and travel mugs, designated to the cancer cause.

I like the design of this one; its curves and artwork. I especially like the flip top. So far I've not spilled any liquids and none have leaked out either. Victory! This one is $14.99.

It's always wise to do some research before blindly buying a product or donating money to any group claiming to support a charity. While most are reputable, there are always a couple of bad apples. These are two good ones.

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.

Holiday Sparklers

Love these great holiday cocktail ideas with using Mionetto Prosecco. Yes, this is the company that actually uses crown caps on one of it's bottles of bubbles. Enore Ceola, Managing Director for Mionetto USA explains the controversial move and gives some fun, festive ways to enhance your bubbly here:

https://soundcloud.com/gina-birch-live/enore-ceola