yumsugar -- To die for.

Come Party With Me: My Birthday — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:14:56 -0700

Obviously, I think my birthday is a cause for celebration, and with celebration comes champagne! When choosing a signature drink for my bash, I wanted something that would subtly echo the floral motif of my invitations without being too juvenile. A playful twist on a classic, grownup cocktail seems fitting for someone turning 27.

I've settled on this variation on the French 75 cocktail; it features blood oranges so it has a slightly pink, but not too pink, hue. Better yet, it will please both cocktail connoisseurs and casual drinkers, and it can be made in large batches. To get the recipe,

What Do You Know About Champagne?

partysugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:00:24 -0700

Apparently today, August 4th is Champagne day. Personally I love to drink Champagne every day of the year, but in honor of this supposed holiday, I've put together a quiz about the bubbly wine. Test your knowledge now and pop open a bottle later!

Source

Happy Hour: French 75

partysugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:00:14 -0700

In honor of Bastille Day, which celebrates the start of the French Revolution, mix (or order!) a French 75 cocktail. Named for a type of gun, this drink was originally created by a World War I, French-American fighter pilot. The combination of gin and champagne packs such a potent kick that people believed drinking it was like being shot with the powerful gun.

Now, the French 75 is considered a classic Champagne cocktail. The strong concoction is easy to make and even easier to drink. Get the recipe and

Happy Hour: Flirtini

partysugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:00:56 -0700

Besides cosmopolitans, Fab and I offered guests Flirtinis at our Sex and the City Marathon. Like the cosmo, a Flirtini is a cocktail that was featured on an episode of the show. The Flirtini also happens to be Danny's signature drink, and he has making them down to a science. Luckily he taught me the technique for this simple, stylish cocktail that combines pineapple juice, vodka, and Champagne. He recommends chilling the three ingredients hours before mixing the drink. I suggest making a large batch because these babies go down like water! To make these cocktails today — cheers it's Friday! —

Happy Hour: Barefoot Bubbly Chardonnay

partysugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:27:33 -0700

Recently I had the chance to taste Barefoot's new Bubbly Chardonnay. Like a classic Chardonnay, it has a fresh fruit aroma, citrus apple flavor, and golden straw color. The body is refreshing and buoyant and the finish is crisp and light. The best thing about this bubbly is the incredible price; I've spotted it at Trader Joe's for only $4.99!

If you plan on hosting a Mother's Day brunch or shower and need to stock up on a good, affordable sparkling wine, I highly recommend you try Barefoot's Bubbly Chardonnay. It also makes a perfect bubbly for cocktails like a mimosa or bellini.

Happy Hour: Mimosa

partysugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:01:51 -0700

The other day, a friend asked me what were the standard proportions for making a mimosa. While I pour mine with 3/4 Champagne and 1/4 orange juice, I wasn't sure if that was the normal ratio. I asked her to wait a second while I checked YumSugar.com. I went looking for our mimosa recipe and was shocked to see that we've never written about a mimosa before! How this classic brunch cocktail slipped through the cracks is beyond me — I enjoy mimosas on a weekly basis!

For the best mimosas, use fresh squeezed orange juice and a cheap but good sparkling wine. To look at the recipe,

Come Party With Me: Engagement Party — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:29:51 -0700

What should you serve guests at a Champagne cocktail engagement party? Champagne of course! Stock up on bottles of your favorite bubbly before the event. Have sparkling water, sodas, and juice for guests who don't drink. Fill a cooler with artisan beers for the men who dislike sparkling wine.

For something more festive, offer guests the option of a Champagne cocktail. This pretty lemon-raspberry fizz pairs perfectly with the savory finger foods and the raspberry angel-food cupcakes. For more of our wedding ideas, check out IDoSugar.

To see the recipe for the limencello cocktail,

Happy Hour: Michlits Frizzante 2006 Rose Burgenland

partysugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:28:19 -0700

If you are looking for an interesting new wine to try, I highly recommend this sparkling Austrian Pinot Noir. I tasted it at a recent party for CandyBar — San Francisco's new dessert-only restaurant — and instantly fell in love with the pink champagne. Fizzy, light, and refreshing, this wine paired perfectly with savory appetizers and small sweets. Flavors of citrus mingle with a mineral undertone making it a complex, yet easily drinkable bubbly.

Michlits Frizzante 2006 Rose Burgenland is a popular wine-list wine, so look for it at your favorite wine bar. An exotic import that retails for only $19 — reasonable for the taste and quality —it's also a great wine to seek out for a celebration.

Yummy Links: From Candy Bars to Candy Eggs

YumSugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:01:31 -0800

This candy bar identification quiz was one of my favorite things all week. — AOL Food
Amazon is entering the wine market. — GeekSugar
Go behind the scenes at artisanal candy shop, Papabubble. — Serious Eats
Learn how to clean a microwave. — CasaSugar

The simplyFine china by Lenox is quite fantastic. I love this Chirp pattern! — Hostess with the Mostess
Is it still espresso if it's made with tea? — Slashfood
Just in time for Easter, bunny cupcake pan. — Baking Bites
Does a silver spoon stop champagne from going flat? — Chow
Need a healthy dinner? Try this soba and tofu stir fry with peanut sauce. — FitSugar
Get ready for Easter! This week it's all about the candy eggs. — Candyblog

Come Party With Me: Oscars Viewing — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:31:51 -0800

At a super-elegant occasion like the Oscars, simplicity is utterly chic, especially when it comes to cocktails. Since no frills are necessary, serve a classic champagne cocktail. Also have a couple versatile bottles of red —Pinot Noir — and white wine — Chardonnay — for those who dislike bubbly.

Sparkling water with orange slices and mint is a lovely option for those who prefer not to drink. For the champagne cocktail recipe,

Happy Hour: Jeriko 2005 Brut Sparkling Wine (It's Organic!)

partysugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:00:03 -0800

At a recent sparkling wine tasting, I was lucky enough to sample the only "green" sparkling wine in the United States. Jeriko's 2005 Brut sparkling wine is a luxurious bubbly made from 100 percent organically grown grapes. A blanc de blanc — white wine derived from white grapes — made in the French Champagne method, this wine is effervescent and light. Rich, crisp, and delicate, it's a compelling sparkler with a soft finish and nice dryness. If you are looking to sip wines made from organic grapes, get yourself a bottle of this limited-edition wine. I would pair it with raw oysters, French fries, thin-crust pizza, or chocolate cake.

Happy Hour: Champagne Cosmo

YumSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:28:11 -0800

I was cleaning out my inbox when I came across this recipe for a Champagne Cosmo. The folks at TheBar.com sent it over as a great holiday cocktail, but unfortunately I didn't see it in time. Luckily for us, champagne is always in style, and the cosmo is here to stay. So if you're looking for a new twist on the average glass of bubbly, then check out this recipe. I plan on giving it a go this weekend; let me know if you end up doing the same! To get the recipe,

Definition: Brut

partysugar — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 01:01:01 -0800

Brut
A term used to describe the most dry — least sweet — Champagne and sparkling wines. These wines contain less sugar than wines labeled extra dry.

Source

Happy Hour: Pop Champagne and Sparkling Rosé

YumSugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:01:18 -0800

I was out looking for a champagne for New Year's Eve when I came across these two little bottles of Pommery Pop champagne. The bright blue and pink quarter-sized bottles caught my attention from the other side of the room. One glance at the bold P-O-P lettering and colorful bottles and I was sold. I didn't even bother to read the description or rating; I just grabbed one of each and proceeded to the counter. Yes, I am a complete sucker for packaging, but the fact that it was called Pop and I happen to work at the home of PopSugar sort of closed the deal.

The blue is a standard dry champagne, with a nice fruit flavor. It's a tiny bit sweeter than your average dry champagne but is wonderfully smooth. The pink is a sparkling rosé that has a fresh, bright taste. The blend of different Chardonnays and Pinot wines, along with a dash of red wine, gives it a pale pink color and slight red currant flavor. Neither of them are run-out-and-purchase-immediately sort of champagnes, but they are quite tasty and not just a product of marketing. They're really fun, wonderfully transportable, and will bring a little pop to your next party. Oh and did I mention that you could theoretically drink it out of a straw?!

You can find both versions of Pop in individual bottles ($11.99) or you can buy them in packs of four ($39.99).

Name That Drink!

partysugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 08:01:56 -0800

Welcome to the New Year's Eve edition of Name That Dish! Today I thought it would be fun to test your cocktail knowledge. The one pictured below is a classic Champagne cocktail. Do you know what it's called?

Simple Tip: How to Pop the Cork!

YumSugar — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:57:32 -0800

Whenever there's champagne at a party, I always end up being the cork-popper. It's a relatively new responsibility of mine; just a few years ago I couldn't handle it. I always assumed I'd break a window, or shoot someone's eye out. However, now that I have the hang of it, I actually enjoy it. There's something exciting about the pop! If you wish to learn how to do it, hopefully these tips will help out.

First of all, make sure the champagne is chilled. A chilled bottle is less likely to pop on its own, besides champagne tastes better cold.
Once you take the bottle out of the fridge, remove the foil wrapping to expose a wire cage-like covering. There should be a twisted bit of wire holding it in place. Find the wire and turn it — there's a little loop for you to hang on to — about six half-turns. When loose, remove the cage.

To find out what to do next,

YumSugar Gift Guide: Love Thy Neighbor

YumSugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 07:57:11 -0800

Every year, my mom gives a big box of cookies to all of her friends, neighbors and clients. I know because I spend the better half of a weekend curling ribbons for all of the packages. This year I'm helping her branch out of her comfort zone and have come up with a few fun ideas for her neighbors. She can present them with a cute set of holiday spatulas or she can update her tradition with a box of French-Style Macaroons. Either gift will definitely be well received. If you're looking for something for your neighbors, scroll through the list below.

Versace Does Chocolate

partysugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 07:28:31 -0800

Could it be that the food world is suddenly a super trendy place to see and be seen? With Eva Longoria opening a restaurant and Paris Hilton launching a brand of canned champagne, it's only natural that the lady who dresses these gals would jump on the bandwagon. Donatella Versace — commonly known for her curve hugging dresses and long blond locks — has recently announced a luxury line of chocolates.

Unfortunately, these one-of-a-kind chocolates are not for sale and will not be available to the masses. The chocolates will only be sampled by a select elite who are invited to one of Versace's Chocolate & Champagne in-store events. Guests will sample the decadent chocolates with specific champagne pairings.

If you want to attend one of these events, head to a Versace near you and inquire about invitations. It's what FabSugar and I plan on doing! How about you? Have you heard anything else about it?

Source and Source

YumSugar Gift Guide: What to Give Gramps

partysugar — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:03:33 -0800

My grandfather is so unbelievably cool — think Austin Powers meets Frank Sinatra — that gift shopping for him is incredibly fun. He already owns everything from a fancy wine cooler to a digital meat thermometer, so I have to get super creative when looking for gifts. I suggest you do the same when searching for the perfect gift for gramps. Customized matches with his name or initials and gourmet, comfort food like lobster pot pie are two wonderful options. Or ask everyone in the family to donate money to buy a case of Champagne. This is a gift that he can enjoy with grams (or his lady friends!) and the entire fam when they come to dinner. For more ideas scroll below.

Simply Fab: Viktor & Rolf Rosé Sauvage

YumSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:07:44 -0800

Simply Fab: Viktor & Rolf Rosé Sauvage
Viktor & Rolf, the Dutch designers well-known for turning things upside down, have lent their unique abilities to Rémy Cointreau's Champagne house Piper Heidsieck to create Viktor & Rolf Rosé Sauvage.

52 Weeks of Baking: Bubbly Pear Cupcakes

YumSugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:03:18 -0700

I decided that this week would be a great week for cupcakes. I entered my kitchen with visions of fall colors and flavors, but was sidetracked when I saw a bottle of champagne and several pears. Pears and champagne are nice together, so wouldn't they be nicer in a cute sweet cupcake? I started with a variety of vanilla cupcake recipes and experimented from there. I shredded up the pears, and popped open the champagne. About an hour later, I was left with one of the moistest cakes I'd ever eaten. I've baked a lot of things this year, but this is definitely one of my favorites. I topped them with a good dose of cream cheese frosting, but they were great plain too. To check out the recipe for Bubbly Pear Cupcakes,

Inside Out Champagne Glasses: Love It Or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 01:01:33 -0700

When FabSugar was in New York for fashion week, she came across some pretty interesting champagne glasses at the Steinunn show. These inside out champagne glasses by Charles & Marie are an artistic take on the classic champagne flute. The base of the glass has been removed and the entire flute floats inside a clear cylindrical tube. The champagne is kept cooler longer because there is no direct contact with the glass that actually holds the drink. I love them because they create an exceptional visual presentation and are interesting, original, and unique. What do you think of them? Inside out champagne glasses: love it or hate it?

Inside Out Champagne Glasses: Love It Or Hate It?

Love it.

Hate it.

Undecided.

Other - see what I think about the glasses below!

Come Party With Me: My Birthday Party - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 07:11:31 -0700

My 26th birthday party is being held at a local bar named Wish, so a specialty cocktail isn't as necessary. Guests — who will come dressed as their favorite cocktail — can order drinks at the bar and the need to make a specialty drink in advance is eliminated. When hosting an event at a bar or restaurant you can usually rent out part, all or none of the bar. As much as I would love to have an open bar, my pocketbook won't allow me to. However I do want everyone to have the opportunity to toast fabulous moi during the birthday cake ceremony. Therefore, I've discussed it with the owners and everyone will receive a champagne cocktail at midnight. When the party is over they'll let me know how many bottles of champagne were consumed and I will pay that cost. To see the recipe I'm using for a classic champagne cocktail,

Happy Hour: The Classic Bellini

partysugar — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 13:13:33 -0700

If you have yet to consume a bellini this peach season, drop everything you are doing and run to the nearest grocery store or high-end watering hole. Bellinis are one of my favorite things about summer — the fresh white peach puree mixed with sparkling Italian Prosecco makes for a tasty, fabulous cocktail. Oozing with chicness, this drink is simple to make and a nice alternative to a mimosa. It's the perfect Friday afternoon cocktail and a great way to treat yourself and the gals after a long week. If you don't have Prosecco substitute your favorite sparkling wine or Champagne. To see how easy they are to make,

Yummy Link: Champagne Sorbet

YumSugar — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 10:43:18 -0700

It's no lie, I gasped out loud when I saw this recipe for champagne sorbet. Two of my favorite things are now together at last - doesn't it just look amazing?! - Tartelette

Happy Hour: French 75

YumSugar — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 13:13:38 -0700

A few weeks ago I attended the closing gala for San Francisco's Cocktail Week. The event was a casual happy hour spotted with lovely specialty drinks by the talented Absinthe Bar bartenders. The party served as closure to the week, as well as a release party for Art of the Bar, a cocktail book by the Absinthe bartenders. So naturally, they were showing off some of their specialty drinks.

I was lucky enough to experience several different selections, but the one I was gaga for was called French 75 - a champagne cocktail made with gin and citrus juice. If you've never had one, treat yourself tonight. It's simple, it's classy, it's tasty. Get the recipe, just

Champagne Flute Fountain: Love It Or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 01:31:18 -0700

There is something about the word combination champagne fountain that makes me incredibly excited. Endless flowing champagne is a fantasy I've entertained ever since I learned my mom had one at her wedding. However the champagne flute fountain isn't exactly what I had in mind. I love this idea though: you'll never confuse your glass with someone else's glass and these can double as a pretty cool decoration when filled with something creative like colored rhinestones or m&ms. What I hate about them is the gigantic price tag that registers over a $1000! In an ideal world I could afford them, but until then I'll add these flutes to my champagne fountain fantasies. What do you guys think of them? Champagne flute fountain: Love it or hate it?

Champagne Flute Fountain: Love It Or Hate It?

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Happy Hour: Kumquat Champagne Cocktail

YumSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 15:28:53 -0700

One of my new favorite past-times is to head down to the farmer's market grab a bunch of tasty produce and relax in the sun at the Hog Island Oyster Company for a few oysters and a cool glass of bubbly. However, this weekend I had to get home to whip up some snacks for a friend's potluck birthday picnic, so there was no time for the bubbly. Not wanting to break my new tradition, I decided to have a glass that afternoon instead. While at the market I picked up a bunch of delicious kumquats and figured they'd make a great addition to the bubbly. While looking for a bit of inspiration, I came across this recipe for a Kumquat Champagne cocktail and knew it was the right recipe for me. To check it out,

Happy Hour: Classic Champagne Cocktail

partysugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 12:09:56 -0700

This afternoon we are celebrating the arrival of advice columnist E. Jean to the Sugar Network. DearSugar is girl after my own heart who loves any and every reason to celebrate. So today I'm playing bartender and whipping us up a round of classic Champagne cocktails. Different from a glass of champagne, the classic champagne cocktail (one that every hostess with the mostess should know how to make) incorporates a sugar cube, bitters and cognac. This is one sexy cocktail - if you have never tried it, you should because it oozes glamour. Celebrate with DearSugar and me,

Off To Market: Wedding Toast

partysugar — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:58:39 -0700

No wedding is complete without a champagne toast and Julie and Scott's wedding reception will open with a special toast in which everyone is handed a glass of delicious bubbly and salutes the happy couple. For this kind of toast a special champagne glass is appropriate and since Julie's wedding has art deco undertones the glasses should be artistic and vintage-y. Let's all head off to market in search of the perfect wedding champagne glasses for Julie. Save the glasses-and anything else you may discover that is appropriate for a toast (champagne)- on TeamSugar in the Yum Market with the keyword tag Wedding Toast. I look forward to checking out your finds so good luck!

GeekSugar has created an explanation on how to bookmark with TeamSugar so if you are feeling lost be sure to quickly read through it.

Champagne Parachute: Love It Or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 05:19:32 -0700

I have loved champagne my entire life. Before I could drink (and before I drank illegally) I loved champagne because I got a thrill out of popping off the cork. On the deck at my vacation house, my dad would enthusiastically thrill me by shaking the bottle so the cork would fly off into the cold, mountain air. I would follow it as far as I could until it was lost in the night. Some days, in the summer, we would discover a cork from months ago. My childhood memories of shooting corks are why I absolutely love this champagne parachute. It's reusable and lets you discover exactly where your champagne cork lands. It also works as a safety precaution for crowded parties, ensuring that nobody's eyes get poked out by the flying cork. I was curious to see what you think about this champagne parachute, is it fabulously fun or totally tacky? Champagne parachute, love it or hate it?

Champagne Parachute: Love It Or Hate It?

Love it: fabulously fun.

Hate it: totally tacky.

Undecided.

Other- please see my comment below.

Happy Hour: Black Velvet

partysugar — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:57:41 -0700

This week YumSugar and I are all about highlighting fabulous ways for you to enjoy St. Patrick's Day to the fullest. There are many people who believe you can't celebrate St. Patrick's Day without drinking a glass of Ireland's most famous beer, Guinness. However Guinness with its dark, creamy thickness is not a beer for everyone. Even after pouring countless glasses way back in my Irish pub working days, I never developed a taste for it. How will we, the non-Guinness drinkers, really truly celebrate St. Patty's (without having to down several Irish Car Bombs)? By drinking a black velvet! A black velvet is a seductive mix of equal parts Guinness and champagne. Don't be scared or disgusted, be adventurous and experimental. To make this for your pals at your St. P Day soirée,

Yum Market Finds: Beautiful Colorful Glasses

partysugar — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 10:11:52 -0800

Just as we fill our closets with shoes and handbags for each and every occasion we should fill our cabinets with the perfect glasses for each and every drink. Every time I show up with a new box of glasses it drives my father a little more crazy. After seeing Marie Antoinette I ran out in search of fabulous dainty little champagne glasses. We already have champagne glasses my dad grumbled. My response: we have champagne flutes and these are champagne saucers. As I was looking through the Yum Market, I realized that you recognize the importance of having a variety of glasses in all shapes and sizes. Here are a few of my favorite finds (that you found!):

almost famous found these gorgeous little brocade glasses. She says she is going to use them for decoration in her apartment or to pot tiny flowers (great idea!) but I would serve super hot tea or really cold beer in these glasses like they do in Spain.

There's more so

Romantic Side: Champagne Risotto

partysugar — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 03:12:11 -0800

I consider risotto to be the sexiest of rice dishes. It's Italian, it's creamy, and it takes time (and love) to make it. Risotto is typically made with red or white wine, but why not jazz it up a bit for Valentine's Day by making it with champagne? It gives you a great excuse to pop open a bottle of bubbly and you can enjoy a glass or two while stirring away. Risotto pairs nicely with fish, poultry, or meat and this version can easily be modified to include pancetta or mushrooms or asparagus... whatever floats your fancy! To make this for your happy single self or for your sweet boy toy,

Come Party With Me: Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner - Drinks

partysugar — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 06:58:18 -0800

Valentine's Day is a short week away and if you have not made it over to your local wine shop do so now. Why you wonder? Well you don't want them to sell out of the best champagne! You can't enjoy the most romantic day of the year without enjoying a little bit of bubbly. I'm planning a romantic dinner for you and your significant other (I'm single so I'll be sipping my sparkly with the gals). I started on Monday by creating a love note invitation and yesterday I planned out a savory seductive meal perfect for snuggling over. Today I'm discussing the drinks for this private little party of 2 and it's all about the bubbly, baby! To see my wine recommendations (and cocktail ideas)

Happy Hour: Pierre Peters, Cuvée de Réserve, Brut, Blanc de Blancs

partysugar — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 12:59:38 -0800

Yesterday afternoon I was fortunate enough to have a lovely leisurely lunch with the always effervescent YumSugar and equally intriguing geeksugar. After we were seated at a sophisticated round table our waitress, Diane, rolled out a champagne cart. Now if you've never had a champagne tray rolled to your table here is how it feels: lusciously luxurious. I mean I wasn't even thinking about ordering champagne, but the moment I saw the bottles on ice I knew it was exactly what I needed and wanted. I listened intently as Diane described the first bottle and then the second. I was instantly mesmerized by the sound of the second bottle's name, Blanc de Blancs and knew I had to have it. The white sparkling wine made with all white grapes conjured up a pristine image of myself in an alternate universe sitting at an incredibly chic Parisian bistro while wearing a wildly stylish Chanel suit, with a gorgeous young French vintner kissing my neck, and what's that in my hands? A long skinny glass of Pierre Peters, Cuvee de Reserve Blanc de Blancs. I was ripped from my daydream when I realized Diane was staring at me, waiting for an answer: I'll have the Blanc de Blancs please. I may not have Paris, a Chanel suit, or a handsome Frenchman, but I can have the champagne. The bubbly has the softest nude color and was crisp, light, floral and dry. A very elegant non-vintage blend, this champagne slid down my throat like liquid diamonds and was almost too sexy for its flute. It's definitely perfect for your romantic Valentine's Dinner date for two. To find a bottle of the bubbly near you, do a local wine search.

Happy Hour: Mock Champagne

YumSugar — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:33:33 -0800

Sometimes your evening needs something a little bubbly and a little fun, but most of the time, your evening can't, make that shouldn't, involve something alcoholic. It's evenings like that when I like to treat myself to a nice chilled beverage, something like mock champagne. This beverage is perfect for celebrating or just hanging around the house.

Mock Champagne
From Mixed-Drink.com

2/3 cup Sugar
2/3 cup Water
1 cup Grapefruit juice
1/2 cup Orange juice
3 tablespoons Grenadine syrup
28 ounces Ginger ale -- chilled

Combine sugar and water in saucepan over low heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Bring to boil and boil 10 minutes. Cool. Add sugar syrup to grapefruit and orange juices. Chill thoroughly. Add grenadine and ginger ale just before serving.

Print recipe with images | without images

Bubbly 101

YumSugar — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 00:05:13 -0800

I can't deny it, I love champagne. It's just one of those things, like painted nails, Marc Jacobs handbags, and vanilla cupcakes, that I wholeheartedly love. I find myself inventing reasons to pop open a bottle of bubbly and my desire to know more about champagne extends beyond the usual mmm-this-tastes-yummy interest.

I've decided that champagne, or any sparkling wine really, is a drink of glamorous sophistication and simplistic elegance and should be treated as such. Basically in order for me to truly appreciate champagne, I need to fully understand it. For my lesson on sparklers,