No, this isn’t turning into a cocktails-only blog (although that wouldn’t be the worst idea ever from a test-kitchen standpoint). At the moment, it’s turned into an “I have an incredibly high-maintenance dog who I can’t be more than three feet from because he just had surgery and keeps trying to rip his sutures out even with a cone on” blog. (Just a friendly warning to those of you considering ever owning a dachshund: they’re very long and very persistent. Our little Houdini can reach his backside even ensconced in his cone.)
Having to be practically attached at the hip to a dog sort of takes cooking out of the equation. And by the time I’m “relieved” from my dog-watching shift, I just want to lie down (and maybe cry a little). According to our vet, because of our dog’s very high-strung and anxious nature, it makes this sort of ordeal about three billion times worse than with a “normal” dog. (That number may have been my approximation, but I swear it’s not an exaggeration.)
Since no cooking means no new material, I’m pulling this cocktail from my archives and taking the easy way out.
Blueberry-Pineapple Champagne Sparklers
1 cup blueberries
1 cup pineapple juice
2 teaspoons chopped mint leaves
superfine sugar, as needed
1 bottle champagne
Puree blueberries, pineapple juice and mint in a blender. Taste for tartness. If needed, blend in sugar to taste. Strain.
Pour 2-3 tablespoons juice into flutes and slowly top with champagne.
As you’ve probably figured by now, I adore champagne in most any form. And this sparkling cocktail doesn’t disappoint. It’s got a bright, refreshing tropical flavor and amazing color...you couldn’t ask for more out of a champagne cocktail.
Oh the color of this is just stunning! How beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLooks yummy! But oh no poor doggie :( hope he stops trying. I figure it's because it itches, can the vet give him something?? Maybe talk to the vet about a little baby Benadryl. It will make him a bit sleepy, so you can take a break & he won't be trying to get to the stiches. Sending you love!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like the perfect summer cocktail!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so refreshing! I love the combination of ingredients too. Best of luck dog sitting!
ReplyDeleteAwe poor little doggie! This drink looks fabulous!! Perfect for this great spring weather we're having!
ReplyDeleteAw!! I swear those cones do more harm than good! It sounds like you need a glass of this blueberry sparkler! It looks delicious!
ReplyDeletePoor dog :( Good luck with everything. This drink sounds like a wonderful segway into this warm weather we are getting!
ReplyDeleteHope your pup is feeling better soon! This drink looks fabulous...seriously! Fruity champagne drinks are right up my alley...a Kir Royale is my all-time favorite fancy-pants drink!!!
ReplyDeleteWow this looks beautiful and so refreshing! I have to try. Love the fresh mint too!
ReplyDeleteKaren...can I come over? I'll help you babysit the dog in exchange for a cocktail. :) Looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteSounds perfect for a summer celebration!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so beautiful - I may not be allowed to drink it for another 2 years but I can certainly appreciate its beauty :D
ReplyDeleteCheers
Choc Chip Uru
Latest: Layered Double Nutella Cheesecake Brownies
Oh..the drink looks so refreshing..perfect for any time!
ReplyDeleteOh I need to make this! Love the pineapple in it!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely gorgeous looking cocktail! I had an easier time with my pup but, either way, it will pass soon enough. Although, drinking instead of cooking is not so bad :)
ReplyDeleteThat is the most stunning color! Very pretty - I do not like pineapple, but just for the color I'd want a sip of this :)
ReplyDeleteI love the color on this! I can't wait til blueberries are in season, what a perfect breakfast cocktail (like I need an excuse, right? ;))
ReplyDeleteThis looks positively divine and you deserve it. We have a westie puppy. She had surgery a few months ago and had to wear the cone of death too. She literally hurled herself into every object in her path in an attempt to remove it. I ended up taking it off after she smacked herself (on purpose I add) into our dresser half a dozen times. I thought she was going to kill herself after the first day. Which meant having to watch her like a hawk if it was off. I put it on at night so we could sleep. I woke up one morning to her having both her front paws caught up under it trying to get it off. Poor thing. I feel you pain and think you should have a dozen of these. xx
ReplyDeleteI love champagne in any form too. This sounds like the perfect cocktail to unwind with after a crazy day. It is such a beautiful color...the photos are so tempting. Hope your dog feels better soon!
ReplyDeleteHi. How many does this recipe makes?
ReplyDelete@Yvette - I don't remember exactly how many flutes, but it's enough juice for the bottle of champagne.
DeleteI'm concerned about the mint blended up. would it show up in little pieces in the drink, or do you mean just put a mint leaf in the drink??
ReplyDeleteHi Heather, The mint goes into the puree, then when you strain it, the blueberry and mint solids get mostly strained out. But as you can see in the pictures, a little bit does remain behind.
DeleteIt is similarly as furious to stock your own liquor bureau from the close by liquor store. Liquor store near Clinton mo
ReplyDelete