Sparkling Julep Cocktail

One of my favourite things to do is test out cocktails. Curtis and I enjoy drinking cocktails and experimenting at home. Curtis is a nut and loves to make bitters, syrups, infused liquors and more. So I’m ok with that and enjoy tasting his creations. Recently we made a sparkling julep with pinot noir.
This might sound strange but it’s freakin’ delicious! Generally a julep is made with cognac, but we didn’t have any on hand so we used Haywire Pinot Noir instead. I prefer that more than the cognac. It was delightfully fruity, actually too good, the kinda good you end up drinking 2 or 3 before feeling it.
I’m also a sucker for a cocktail in crushed ice. It’s not just the flavour profile but brings me back to being on vacation if I’m not. Anyone else?
This sparkling julep was an easy cocktail to make, you just need the ingredients on hand and a good champagne or prosecco. Again we had prosecco on hand, not champagne. I prefer prosecco, it’s easier to drink for me. Anyone else feel that way? Don’t get me wrong, I’ll drink champagne, but the Italian in me prefers the other.
I hope you enjoy this sparkling julep cocktail! It’s really easy to make, I recommend drinking it whenever! Haha, seriously, drink it on any occasion. And don’t pay $14-$18 at a bar or restaurant, make it at home.

Sparkling Julep Cocktail

Makes 1

• 6 Mint Leaves
• 3/4 oz Simple Syrup
• 1/2 oz Pinot Noir (or any red wine)
• 3 oz Prosecco (or champagne)
• Dash of bitters
• Lemon Twist for garnish

1. Muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup in a large goblet or julep cup.
2. Add the pinot noir, prosecco and bitters.
3. Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice. Stir gentle to combine ingredients.
4. Mound more crushed ice on top.
5. Garnish with lemon twist and mint leaves.
6. Enjoy!