Drink Up, Chow Down

Let's face it, we're going to be social distancing for a while, so we might as well make the most of it. Here are a few picnic-friendly favorites you can enjoy outside with or without a meal. So, grab a bottle and remember to sit at least six feet away from your drinking companions. Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio, Terre Siciliane IGT You can find this refreshing tipple for under 15 bucks a bottle. It is great on its own (although some goat's cheese and crackers would be an ideal picnic pairing.) Notes of peach, citrus and mango coupled with bold acidity and a clean kick of alcohol on the finish make this wine deliciously easy to drink. And drink. And drink. Chill before serving. Bunan Moulin Des Costes, Bandol I adore Bandol wines and I'll proclaim it to anyone listening. It's one of the most underrated yet quality-producing regions in France, which means you can actually still get a decent bargain for some stellar wines. This inky beauty exudes...

If you've read my blog before (hi Mom!) (jk, she doesn't read my blog) you might recall my love of Nino Franco Rustico NV Prosecco . It's a lively and lovely sparkler on its own, but it also makes a mean brunch cocktail, like the cherry-almond-flavored Summer Kir . So, what else can we mix it with? The leaves are turning (except in LA) and the weather is getting cooler (except in LA) so I experimented with a warm fall flavor. Presenting the Maple Cinnamon Sparkler. Grab your favorite sweater and start mixing. You'll need: Sparkling wine Maple Cinnamon simple syrup A Champagne coupe Pour the bubbles into your glass, spoon the syrup (I used a generous two spoonfuls) over it and serve with a cinnamon stick as a stirrer. Fall in a glass Why Nino Franco Rustico NV Prosecco ? It's fresh and elegant with light peach, citrus and honeysuckle notes and a wonderful creamy quality. It finishes tight and clean and it's one of my sparking go-tos....

See ya mimosa? Bye bye bellini? Meet your favorite new bubbly cocktail, the Summer Kir. Sip sip hooray! You'll need:  Sparkling wine Cherry almond simple syrup A Champagne coupe For the bubbles, I prefer the mouthwatering Nino Franco Rustico NV Prosecco . It's fresh and elegant with light peach, citrus and honeysuckle notes and a wonderful creamy quality. It finishes tight and clean and it's one of my sparkling go-tos. Founded in 1919, Nino Franco is one of the oldest estates in Valdobbiadene, and they have definitely perfected their prosecco over the last 100 years. (I used Root 23 Cherry Almond simple syrup in this recipe.) Pour a generous splash of the simple syrup into your glass, then top slowly with the wine. Garnish with a cherry or an orange slice. Repeat every day until winter... Cheers!