Today is my birthday and I made this delicious sparkling wine cocktail to celebrate my day. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for spring and summer festivities!

I used frozen raspberries, which worked great  because they get smashed with the lemoncello so they don’t need to be beautiful, whole berries. Also, choose a brut sparkling wine, unless you prefer a sweet sparkler. Brut means very dry and refers to the sweetness of the bubbly. There are many good Italian (prosecco) and Spanish (cava) bubblies on the market that are under $10. To make the drink even prettier, serve in stemware like these pretty French Country flutesmade by Mikasa. Cheers to me!

Sparkling Limoncello-Raspberry Cocktail
-recipe from Williams-Sonoma

A bright yellow liqueur, limoncello is imbued with the refreshing flavor of lemon, without any of the bitterness. This sunny drink speaks Italian, so embrace its homeland and serve with crostini, bruschette or breadsticks. Or, set out a cheese plate with such Italian favorites as Taleggio or fontina.

Ingredients:
1/2 tsp. sugar 
1/4 tsp. grated lemon zest 
A few drops of fresh lemon juice 
3 raspberries 
2 Tbs. limoncello  
Crushed ice as needed 
1/2 cup sparkling wine 
Lemon zest strip for garnish 

Directions:
On a small plate, stir together the sugar and grated lemon zest. Dip a clean finger in the lemon juice and moisten the rim of a Champagne flute or other glass. Dip the rim in the sugar mixture to coat.

In a small bowl or ramekin, using a cocktail muddler or the end of a wooden spoon, pulverize the raspberries with the limoncello. Transfer the puree to the sugar-rimmed glass. Place a spoonful of crushed ice in the glass, then pour in the sparkling wine. Garnish with the lemon zest strip and serve immediately. Serves 1.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Good Food to Share, by Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan (Weldon Owen, Inc., 2010).

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Tags: Beverages, bridal shower, cocktail, lemoncello, raspberry, Sparkling Limoncello-Raspberry Cocktail, sparkling wine, summer drinks