Courtesy of Moshe B Zusman

Quaffing Close to Home

By Natalie Bovis-Nelsen (AKA: TheLiquidMuse.com)

The dining (and drinking) landscape is exploding in, and around, Northern Virginia. New hotspots, picturesque wineries—even a vodka distillery—make “clinking glasses” anywhere else seem like a wasted journey.

Passion Fruit Kir Royale
This is a popular refreshment in Southwestern Europe, where temperatures soar under the Mediterranean sun.

1 ounce passion fruit puree
4 1/2 ounces champagne (NV Janisson & Fils Tradition Brut)

Pour passion fruit puree into chilled champagne flute and top with champagne. Garnish with orange slice or a strawberry.

Vin de Fruit

2-3 torn fresh mint leaves
1 lime wedge 2-3 each: raspberries, blueberries and strawberries
1 strawberry, sliced
1/2 ounce simple syrup
4 ounces Francois Mikulski pinot noir rosé prosecco

Muddle fruit and simple syrup in mixing glass. Add ice and rosé, and shake. Pour into cocktail glass and fill with prosecco and garnish with a fresh strawberry.

(September 2007)