Celery + Sage Sparkling Wine Cocktail with Gin

When it comes to cocktails, we often think of classic concoctions like Margaritas, Martinis, or Mojitos. But there’s a world of innovative and refreshing beverages waiting to be explored. One such hidden gem is the Celery + Sage Sparkling Wine Cocktail. This unique drink combines the earthy flavors of celery and sage with the elegance of California sparkling wine, resulting in a delightful and unexpected combination that will tickle your taste buds.

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What Does A Celery Sage Sparkling Wine Cocktail Taste Like?

This unique and savory wine cocktail harnesses herbal flavors, zesty lemon, and sparkling wine for a truly refreshing drink. It’s reminiscent of Thanksgiving stuffing with it’s celery + sage + thyme aroma and taste, but it’s not overpowering in any way. In fact this cocktail with gin (or without, you do you) would be the perfect way to kick off a Thanksgiving celebration!

Is There Such a Thing As a Wine Cocktail?

Yes, there are indeed wine cocktails, which are beverages that combine wine with various other ingredients to create unique and flavorful concoctions. These cocktails can range from simple wine spritzers to more complex mixed drinks. Wine cocktails are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility and ability to offer a refreshing twist on traditional wine or cocktail experiences.

Here are a few examples of popular wine cocktails:

1. Sangria: Sangria is a classic wine cocktail that combines red or white wine with a mixture of fruits, usually citrus, and sweeteners such as sugar, brandy, or liqueurs. It’s a refreshing and fruity drink, perfect for warm weather.
2. Wine Spritzer: A wine spritzer is made by mixing wine with carbonated water or soda, often served over ice. It’s a light and bubbly option, making it a great choice for those who prefer a less potent drink.
3. Kir Royale: This elegant cocktail is made by combining champagne or sparkling wine with a splash of crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur. It’s a simple yet sophisticated choice for special occasions.
4. Mimosa: A classic brunch favorite, a Mimosa blends champagne or sparkling wine with fresh orange juice. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for morning celebrations.
5. Bellini: The Bellini combines Prosecco with peach purée or nectar. It’s a sweet and fruity Italian cocktail that’s ideal for brunch or as a celebratory drink.

What’s Good to Mix with Sparkling Wine?

Mixing sparkling wine with other ingredients can result in delightful cocktails and variations that enhance the bubbly’s natural effervescence and flavor. Here are some excellent options for mixing with sparkling wine:

1. Fruit Juices: Fresh fruit juices like orange, peach, mango, or pineapple can be added to sparkling wine to create refreshing and fruity cocktails. A classic example is the Mimosa, which combines champagne or sparkling wine with orange juice.
2. Liqueurs: Various liqueurs can complement the flavors of sparkling wine. For instance, the Bellini combines Prosecco with peach liqueur or purée, while the Kir Royale blends champagne or sparkling wine with crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur).
3. Bitters: A few dashes of aromatic bitters can add complexity and depth to your sparkling wine cocktail. Angostura bitters or orange bitters work well in this regard.
4. Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint or basil can be muddled or used as a garnish to infuse herbal notes into your sparkling wine cocktail. You can also consider adding a few drops of herbal liqueurs like Chartreuse for a unique twist.
5. Syrups: Simple syrups or flavored syrups like elderflower, lavender, or rose can sweeten and flavor your sparkling wine to create elegant and aromatic drinks.
6. Fresh Fruit: Adding fresh berries, slices of citrus, or other fruit to your glass can provide visual appeal and a burst of flavor that complements the sparkling wine’s effervescence.
7. Cognac or Brandy: A splash of cognac or brandy can elevate your sparkling wine cocktail, creating a more robust and warming drink. Consider this for a richer and more complex flavor profile.
8. Aperitifs: Aperitifs like Aperol, Campari, or Lillet can be combined with sparkling wine to create vibrant and bittersweet cocktails, such as the Aperol Spritz or the Negroni Sbagliato.
9. Soda Water: For a lighter and less alcoholic option, you can mix sparkling wine with soda water or tonic water to create a wine spritzer. It’s a refreshing choice, especially on a hot day.
10. Spices: A dash of spices like cinnamon or cloves can add warmth and complexity to your sparkling wine cocktail. Experiment with spice-infused simple syrups or garnishes.

What is the Best Sparkling Wine for Champagne Cocktail?

The best sparkling wine for a cocktail depends on the specific cocktail you’re making and your personal preferences. Different types of sparkling wines have distinct flavor profiles, sweetness levels, and effervescence that can complement various ingredients and styles of cocktails. I love to pick sparkling wines from California. Here are the different types you’ll find:

1. California Champagne: While California winemakers cannot use the term “Champagne” due to its protected designation of origin (PDO), they do produce sparkling wines made using the traditional méthode champenoise or traditional method. These wines are crafted in the style of Champagne, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. They are often labeled as “California sparkling wine” or “California méthode champenoise.”
2. Brut Sparkling Wine: Brut sparkling wines from California are among the most popular. They are typically dry, crisp, and balanced, with bright acidity and a range of fruit flavors. These are versatile and can be used for a variety of occasions and cocktails.
3. Extra Brut Sparkling Wine: Extra Brut wines are even drier than Brut, containing very little residual sugar. They offer a crisp, clean taste and are favored by those who appreciate a bone-dry sparkling wine.
4. Blanc de Blancs: Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines are made entirely from white grape varieties, typically Chardonnay. They tend to have bright acidity, citrus notes, and a refreshing quality.
5. Blanc de Noirs: These sparkling wines are made exclusively from red grape varieties, often Pinot Noir or a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. They can have a fuller body and exhibit red fruit flavors along with the classic characteristics of sparkling wine.
6. Rosé Sparkling Wine: California is known for its delicious rosé sparkling wines, which can be made using a blend of red and white grapes or by allowing red grape skins to briefly macerate with the juice. These wines are known for their vibrant pink color and berry-forward flavors.
7. Sparkling Brut Rosé: These sparkling rosé wines are crafted in a dry style, offering the best of both worlds with the elegance of a traditional brut sparkling wine and the fruity character of rosé.
8. Sparkling Moscato: Some California wineries produce sparkling Moscato, which is a sweet and aromatic sparkling wine with notes of ripe fruits and flowers. It’s a popular choice for those who prefer sweeter wines.

How to Make A Sparkling Wine Cocktail with Celery + Sage

The Celery Sage Sparkling Wine Cocktail is a refreshing and innovative addition to your cocktail repertoire. Its unique blend of flavors – the crispness of sparkling wine, the earthy notes of celery, and the herbaceous depth of sage and thyme – come together to create a drink that’s both sophisticated and surprising. I like to serve these in a stemless wine glass, but any goblet will do. And be sure to use lots of crushed ice or small ice cubes. I just bought these ice cube trays for my cocktails and I love them! Here’s what you’ll need to make it.

Ingredients:

• Sage, thyme, celery, and sugar for the infused simple syrup
• Wilder Gin (optional) – this gin from Ventura Spirit Company tastes and smells like California sagebrush and is a great, aromatic addition to this sparkling wine cocktail
• Meyer (or regular) lemon juice
• California Sparkling Wine – I chose a sparkling wine with bright flavors and good acidity

Here are a few more cocktails with gin to try:

• The Perfect Gin Cocktail for Summer
• Must Make Lemon Lavender Summer Gin Spritz
• A Great Cranberry and Gin Cocktail

Whether you’re looking for a signature cocktail to impress your guests or simply want to indulge in something out of the ordinary, this cocktail with gin is worth a try. So, next time you’re in the mood for a Thanksgiving cocktail that breaks the mold, reach for the celery, sage, and a bottle of your favorite California sparkling wine, and raise a glass to the unexpected delight of this incredible cocktail. Cheers!

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