I recently received some interesting e-mails about cocktails made with sparking wine. I’ve always enjoyed my sparkling wine straight up, but I bet these drinks would add a little pep to a party. (The ladies especially would probably drink these with gusto.)

The last time I experimented with a wine cocktail was after a round of golf with trouble makers Bennie and John. I mixed some Syrah Rosé with vodka and club soda and served it on the rocks, and the result was terrible. John poured his out, and Bennie and I grimaced through ours before quickly switching to Irish Whiskey and beers.

These cocktail recipes are heavy on the fresh fruit and sound good although I can’t say that from experience. I’ve included the brand names of the sparking wines in the provided recipes but I’m sure anything dry and bubbly would work.

THE ROMAN CANDLE

In a tall flute add:
4 ounces Korbel Brut (a sparkler for your Independence Day entertaining)
1 ounce Tuaca Italian liqueur (the Italian heritage lends itself to the cocktail’s name)
Garnish with dried cranberries

The cranberries move up and down the flute continuously.

BAREFOOT BEACH CUP

Description: A light and refreshing blend of seasonal fruit, lemon & lime and Barefoot Bubbly.
Glassware: Pint glass
Garnish: Mint leaf

Ingredients:
1 strawberry, hulled and sliced
4 grapes, cut in half
3 orange slices
4-5 mint leaves
3 oz sour mix
3 oz Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee

Directions:
Combine fruit and sour mix in a pint glass with ice.  Shake well and top off with Barefoot Bubbly. Serve with straw.  Serves 1.