Santa’s Sparkler

For the Mulled Wine Syrup: 

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons of Mulling Spices (use commercially prepared spice mix or make your own)
• ¹/₂ cup of sugar
• 2 cups Bricoleur Vineyards Alexander Valley Zinfandel

For the Sparkler: 

• 4 oz.  “Flying By The Seat Of your Pants” North Coast Brut
• ¹/₂ oz. mulled wine syrup
• 1 strip of lemon peel

Method:

1. Place the water and mulling spices in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and boil for 3 minutes.
2. Reduce to a simmer, then stir in the sugar.
3. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved, then add the red wine.
4. Keep at a simmer and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and syrupy.
5. Remove the heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve, then let cool fully.
6. Chill before using in the cocktail.
7. To make the cocktail, add the prepared mulled wine syrup to a flute.
8. Top with sparkling wine and a twist of lemon.

The leftover syrup will hold in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a week or so. Perfect for the Holidays!

Bon Appétit