Wine-based cocktails

October 19, 7:29 PMSF Wine and Drinks ExaminerLiza Zimmerman

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The finished cocktail.
Liza the Wine Chick

I have never been a fan of the soju or sake that is often used here in pseudo wine cocktails, but I do love combining wine and booze. I have been on the hunt for couple of wine cocktails I can do for another segment on View from the Bay, with a twist that they can't contain any hard alcohol. ABC is owned by Disney and I take  it that booze is a no no.

So while it has been challenging I have found a couple of good ones that passed the taste test at a friend's dinner party the other night. This was everyone's favorite:

Liza's take on the Chandon Cucumber Peel:

2 ½ ounces Chandon Brut Classic or other sparkling wine (this would probably be great with Cava or Prosecco)
4 inches of raw cucumber with peel, sliced thinly (the seeds give the drinks such a nice texture)
½ ounce simple syrup
5 to 7 spearmint leaves
Juice from one quarter of a lime
3 drops bitters
1 splash tonic watch

Muddle the cucumber and spearmint in a shaker, add ice and other ingredients (except the bitters and tonic water), shake and serve in a rocks glass. Add three drops of bitters and a splash of tonic water to each drink and serve.

I will have to make it without the bitters on TV. Oh well. Cheers,

Liza the Wine Chick