prosecco

If you are looking for a refreshing, celebratory sparkling wine that won't break the bank, I highly recommend Fantinel Prosecco ($12.99). Uncomplicated and light, this Prosecco makes an excellent aperitif or a delightful bellini.

It has a pale straw color, a subtle touch of sweetness, and a citrus floral aroma. The bubbles are robust instead of delicate making for a lovely body.

This bottle is smooth solo, but it would pair nicely with spicy Chinese or Thai food. It also makes a perfect hostess or housewarming gift!

During the Summer's peach season, I love to enjoy bellinis. Similar to a mimosa, a bellini is Prosecco diluted with fresh white-peach puree. When made with perfectly ripe peaches, this glamorous cocktail is slightly sweet and delicately bubbly.

Named for the 15th-century Venetian painter, Giovanni Bellini, the drink was created at Harry's Bar in Venice sometime between 1934 and 1948. Now it is considered a classic cocktail and can be found on menus across America.

To make the peach puree, score a cross on the bottom of each peach with a knife.

Drop into a pot of boiling water for a couple minutes, plunge into an ice-water bath, and remove the skin. Chop into chunks, puree in the blender, and strain through a fine mesh sieve. For the proportions of this sublime concoction, read more

When you think of prosecco — Italian champagne — you may think light and bubbly. And when you think of Paris Hilton, you might also think light and bubbly. However, when you think prosecco do you think of Paris Hilton? Probably not. Well folks, that's soon going to change.

Page Six is reporting that Paris is headed to Berlin to promote the European launch of Rich, her new line of canned champagne. According to the folks at Rich, Paris is, "acting as a market ambassador in advertisements for the Rich pleasures."

The canned beverage reminds me of Sofia Coppola's canned Blanc de Blanc and I really wonder how it's going to taste. Canned wine is becoming more acceptable and I think the idea could be fun. The drink has yet to hit the US shores, but should be here sometime next year. I'm going to give it a spin — after all I love the bubbly! — how about you, are you going to try Rich?

Thanksgiving is a celebration that lasts half the day, so stock up on a variety of drinks for the different times. Start with a festive, champagne cocktail. Mix Prosecco with pear nectar and season with crushed black peppercorns. Let guests pour their own and have lots of bubbly on hand. Depending on your tastebuds, you could serve sparkling wine during the entire meal. Start with a light Cava and pair the turkey with a sparkling Shiraz.

For a more traditional take, reserve the bubbly for the appetizers and serve a Beaujolais Nouveau or Pinot Grigio with dinner. Think about offering multiple wines with dinner. A Chardonnay nicely pairs with the flavors of squash, while a Sauvignon Blanc complements gravy and stuffing.

Don't forget lots of water and sparkling apple cider for the kids. To take a look at the Prosecco pear cocktail, read more

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, read more