A Squared: Prosecco Lime Spritzer

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Prosecco Lime Spritzer

I love Prosecco. Prosecco or almost any variation of a Prosecco cocktail has become my go to drink order over the past few years and for good reason-- it feels fancy, but it's affordable. And it's like Champagne, but more laidback-- more light and frothy than straight up bubbly and slightly sweeter than the often harsh dryness of a good Champagne. Don't get me wrong, I love a good glass of Champs (that's a nod to my other Bravo watching readers out there), but my acid reflux can't deal and I'm usually paying for a night of Champagne with both a hangover and some killer indigestion. But, I digress...


So, Prosecco is my favorite which means I almost always have a bottle on hand to pop for a special occasion-- or just on a Tuesday night. In this case, we uncorked a bottle for the Fourth of July to make a light, festive and super easy cocktail. This is a great one for a casual summer get together-- especially if you're going to be hanging out in the hot sun or you're day drinking. In a situation like that, I am always looking for a cocktail that is more refreshing and slightly less boozy. This, my friends, is the perfect cocktail for such occasions.



The cocktail is a simple mixture of Prosecco and club soda. Adding a little club soda to the mix keeps things bubbly, but also a little more refreshing-- and it stretches your cocktail further than pouring in straight Prosecco. The real key component of this recipe is the fruity minty Key Lime ice cubes though. Each cube is a frozen mixture of fresh mint leaves, berries (or the fruit of your choice), and tart, slightly sweet Key lime juice. As the cubes melt into the Prosecco and soda mixture, they lend wonderful flavor to the drink. The flavors even change the longer you drink it as more of that tart lime flavor infuse into the drink and the soft raspberries break down in your glass.



I prefer my drinks on the less sweet side, so I love the tart Key lime juice component of this cocktail. If your like a vodka and soda with lime, then follow the recipe as is. It's slightly sweeter than that (because of the Prosecco), but not overpowering. If you're a fan of a sweeter cocktail, dissolve a little powdered sugar into the lime juice before pouring into the ice cube trays for freezing.


This recipe is so simple, but really pretty-- and versatile. Try it with a sparkling rose, with lemon juice cubes, or with other frozen fruit like sliced strawberries or peaches. You could even try other herbs like basil or thyme leaves for a refreshing twist. Serve this at your next summer gathering and your guests will be wowed and refreshed-- and only a little tipsy!


Ingredients:

  • 24 fresh mint leaves
  • 24 fresh raspberries 
  • 24 fresh blueberries
  • 3 cups Key Lime juice, fresh or bottled
  • 2 Tbs. powdered sugar (optional)
  • 1 bottle Prosecco 
  • 2 cups club soda
In two 12-slot traditional ice cube tray, add one mint leaf, one raspberry, and one blueberry to each compartment. Evenly pour the lime juice over the top of each compartment. If the lime juice is too sour for you, dissolve 2 Tbs. powdered sugar into the juice before pouring into the ice cube trays. Place in the freezer and keep there until frozen all the way through.

Once totally frozen, remove ice cubes and place 3-4 cubes into each cocktail glass. Pour 1/3 cup club soda into each glass after that. Top off with Prosecco (about 1/2 cup per glass). Serve immediately

Makes six cocktails.

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