‘Tis the season and the sparkling wine and champagne is flowing for Christmas and the New Year. And really, what better way to start a family gathering than by uncorking a bottle of bubbles? But a good bottle of champagne can be costly, and the cheaper, bulk process sparklers are often only good for a few of the big bubbles that the French refer to as “Toads’ Eyes.” But never fear. Hailing from the Veneto region of Italy, the sparkling wine known as Prosecco represents a perfect middle-of-the-road selection. Prosecco has a fresh, fruity characteristic on a Brut body. Best of all: a good prosecco will cost around $14, and a recent surge in popularity has made it readily available. Recommended proseccos are Zardetto, one of Italy’s most popular; and Bisol Desiderio ‘Jeio Valdobbiadene.’ Recently prosecco sourced from the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene region was elevated to DOC status to protect the quality. Always look for the Denominazione di Origine Controllata on the bottle, which guarantees 100% prosecco grape within. Prosecco first became famous as being the main ingredient in a Peach Bellini. And while it would be a sin to mix drinks using a quality Champane, prosecco makes a great medium for all sorts of celebratory holiday cocktails. Here’s a selection.

• The Poinsettia is a classic holiday mixer that is simple to concoct. This recipe serves one but can also be made in quantity as a punch.
3 oz prosecco, well-chilled
3 oz cranberry juice, chilled
1 oz St. Germain elder flower liqueur
Mix ingredients, stir and serve. Cranberries may be added as a garnish.

• For an even more seasonally cheerful drink, try a Prosecco and Pomegranate Cocktail
1 sugar cube
1 oz pomegranate juice, chilled
3 oz prosecco, chilled
½ oz St. Germain elder flower liqueur
Drop the sugar cube in a champagne flute, pour in the pomegranate juice and top off with prosecco. This can also be garnished with frozen pomegranate seeds when in season.

• The prize for the perfect holiday cocktail might have to go to a Crimson Spiced Prosecco Cocktail. This one requires a bit of preparation so do start ahead of time, the trade-off being that the process of preparing the cranberry syrup will fill your house with fabulous Christmastime aromas.
1/3 liter of cranberry juice
1 fresh, peeled ginger root, sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
5 star anise
1 tsp brandy or cognac
3 oz prosecco
To prepare the cranberry syrup, combine cranberry juice, ginger, cinnamon and anise in a quart pan and gently reduce until slightly thickened. Chill until cold.
To assemble, pour a small amount of your cranberry syrup into a champagne flute, then gently layer cognac on top, and top off with prosecco. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries.

Whichever way you go, a bottle of prosecco makes a great way to get a celebration started, whether served with a splash of St. Germain, starring in one of these holiday cocktails, or just enjoyed on its own. Cheers!

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