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Come Party With Me: Oscars - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:00:36 -0800

There's only one thing to pour at an Oscars viewing party, and it's bubbly. While I'm a huge fan of sparkling rosé, sometimes it's fun to make your own pink champagne. It doesn't involve grapes, but simply your favorite sparkler and a little purple-hued liquor called Chambord. A splash of the raspberry elixir will turn a glass of bubbly into a blushing pink concoction that's slightly sweet. It's an easy-to-make, sophisticated cocktail that pairs well with gourmet pizza, so get the recipe after the jump.

Yum's March Must Haves

partysugar — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:30:17 -0800

Although it's still incredibly cold out, there's a light at the end of the Winter tunnel. It's the first day of March, and that means Spring is just around the corner! From St. Patrick's Day to the arrival of asparagus, this month is a celebration of being green. To help you make the most of it, we've rounded up the items we are currently obsessing about. Here are our must haves for March.

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Happy Hour: Blood Orange French 75

partysugar — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:11:34 -0800

All Winter I've been dying to make a cocktail with blood oranges. Their vibrant flesh releases a brilliant colored juice that is tart and sunny. Yesterday when I realized that Spring is around the corner, I knew I had to make one as soon as possible! A traditional French 75 is a classic cocktail that's made with gin and Champagne. This variation, that serves a crowd, infuses the gin with muddled blood oranges. Although the mixture has to sit for several hours, it's worth the wait; this is one spirited beverage that's potent yet refreshing. To make the most of blood oranges while they are around, get the recipe.

A Heart Healthy Valentine's Day Cocktail

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:30:03 -0800

Fruits and veggies can be slim pickings this time of year, but not when it comes to tasty blood oranges. Since the crimson color of the fruit's flesh makes it a perfect pairing for the month of February, putting it in a celebratory Valentine's Day beverage makes total sense. It's not bad for you either: it's a citrus fruit, which makes it a great source of vitamin C, and it also contains a good amount of vitamin B1 and folic acid.

If you're not a drinker, blood orange juice is good on its own or when added to bubbly water. I also love putting a few slices in a salad, and the juice makes a great ingredient for a tart vinaigrette. And if you're looking to freshen up your romantic cocktail repertoire, know that blood orange makes for a great mixer.

Check out this citrus twist on the champagne cocktail when you read more.

Blood Orange Champagne Sparkler
adapted from Bon Appetit

Ingredients

2 teaspoons black currant liqueur (crème de cassis)
1/2 cup strained fresh blood orange juice (from two blood oranges)
Chilled brut Champagne or dry sparkling wine
2 blood orange slices

Directions

Spoon 1 teaspoon each of the black currant liqueur into two Champagne flutes. Add 4 tablespoons juice to each glass. Fill each glass with Champagne, then stir gently.
Garnish each glass with a blood orange slice.

Makes 2 servings.

Print recipe with images | without images

Happy Hour: Bagrationi Sparkling Wine

partysugar — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:00:19 -0800

Did you know that Georgia produces sparkling wines? No, not the state Georgia, but the country. I didn't either until recently, when I had the chance to taste it's best-known sparkling wine producer, Bagrationi. Founded in 1882 by a Georgian Prince, Bagrationi nonvintage sparklers are fairly new to the US market. With a smooth effervescence, light body, and crisp minerality, Bagrationi is unlike any other bubbly. If you're looking for an affordable, exotic sparkling wine with an unusual clean taste and super-dry finish, I highly recommend you give Bagrationi a chance.

Have you sipped sparklers from lesser-known countries? Please share your stories below!

How Many Glasses of Champagne Did You Drink on NYE?

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:30:47 -0800

Happy New Year! We hope that you're enjoying a great start to 2010 and not nursing a hangover from all the champagne you drank. I decided to not imbibe on New Year's Eve - locked away in a Winter cabin, I chose mulled cider instead. But that's beside the point: I want to know how many glasses you drank while ringing in the New Year?

What Bubbly Will You Ring in the New Year With?

partysugar — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 07:00:35 -0800

Beyond Champagne: Picking a Great Italian Sparkling Wine!

yumtv — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:55:06 -0800

In this YumTV special, we meet with wine director & sommelier Jeff Porter of Osteria Mozza to show us the best Italian bubbly to ring in a sparkling New Year. Jeff gives his top picks of affordable choices and gives great tips along the way!

Yum's Ultimate Foodie Gift Guide!

yumtv — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:37:53 -0800

YumSugar's editor Katie takes us through the best gift ideas for all the food lovers on your holiday shopping list. From a gorgeous cookbook filled with tantalizing recipes to the perfect bottle of prosecco, we'll show you the top four foodie gifts you won't want to miss!

How Sweet Do You Like Your Champagne?

YumSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:45:28 -0700