About Vanessa Muri
Montreal City Editor Vanessa Muri has lived in London and Tokyo, but finds the charms of her hometown irresistible. From the latest scoops to the best deals in Montreal and everything in between, don't miss her weekly take on life in the fair city.
Pink Bubbles
Montreal Musings: Piper Heidsieck canada, Montreal
(Dec.21.11)
Last week’s post was a champagne cocktail recipe designed with a man’s palate in mind. This week, it’s all about the ladies. But don’t let the pink colour fool you: this drink may be pretty to look at but offers an unexpected, spicy kick!
Bulles en folie is made with Piper Heidsieck Rosé Sauvage, a remarkable champagne that brought me back to the pink side. (Most of the rosé I’ve had recently has been way too sweet.) Bright citrus notes make way for the wild berry flavours characteristic of this full-bodied bubbly.
4 pieces of fresh ginger root
½ ounce of lemon juice
½ ounce of rose syrup (available at Atwater Market or Intermarché)
1 ounce of aloe vera juice
1 bottle of Piper Heidsieck Rosé
For this recipe, Fanny used a unique martini glass that keeps drinks nice and cold. If you have one, start by placing ice in the bottom portion and garnish with four or five slices of ginger root on the sides.
Cut a slice of ginger root, peel it and cut into four or five pieces. Place them at the bottom of the shaker. Top with the rose syrup and lemon juice.
Use a pestle to crush the ginger and liquid together. (Don’t purée it! – You want the pieces to stay in the shaker when you pour it out later.) Then using a small sieve to eliminate the fine bits, pour the aloe vera juice into the shaker. Add ice and shake.
Using an ice filter, pour into the martini glass, and then fill to the top with champagne. Garnish with a ginger wedge if using a traditional flute or martini glass, otherwise admire the bubbles and deep pink colour.
There you have it: a delicious, bubbly drink with an exotic, spicy aftertaste.
Maybe one or both of these inspired cocktails will make it into your holiday celebrations (let me know if they do!), but the key is to get creative behind the bar and enjoy yourself. Mistakes are half the fun!
Happy Holidays!!
Photo credit: Marc Muri Photography