Weekend Cocktail: Fresh Strawberry Fizz

Down South where I come from, we are in the early weeks of strawberry season. This is one of my favorite times of the year... chilly mornings, dew on the ground and fantastic early strawberries on the shelves at the farmer's market. The guy I get fresh strawberries from sells them off the back of his pick-up truck...real old-school.

I wanted to make a strawberry something or 'nother for my first weekend cocktail blog post since leaving for Food Network Star back in January. I also wanted to make it with some sparkle since we are still celebrating the cast announcement for the show. (please forgive me, this could go on all summer) So.... here's what I came up with: a simple, elegant cocktail perfect for a brunch, wedding reception, bridal shower, or ladies luncheon. My Fresh Strawberry Fizz... similar to a Bellini but with strawberry puree instead of peach. Let me know what you think! Happy weekend, friends!   

FRESH STRAWBERRY FIZZ

1 pint fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced

1 750ml bottle Prosecco, chilled

2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

Add the strawberries, orange juice and Grand Marnier to a pitcher. Puree using an immersion blender (stick blender or you can do this in a regular blender) until very smooth. Taste. If the strawberries are very sweet, you won't need a sweetener, however, if the strawberries are not that sweet, add a bit of Agave Nectar or Confectioners' sugar and puree a bit more.

Fill champagne flutes 1/3 full with puree. Top with Prosecco. Serve with a strawberry garnish.

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Weekend Cocktail Recipe: Strawberry Pear Sangria

Are you entertaining a crowd this weekend? Here's a recipe that is not only delicious, it is inexpensive to serve for a large party. And it tastes as good as it looks! I had this as a cocktail at Ray's Boathouse in Seattle; a wonderful waterfront seafood restaurant. I've tweaked the original to make it for a crowd and included a some pomegranate and a little club soda.

STRAWBERRY PEAR SANGRIA

Serves 6-8

1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 teaspoon sugar

1 each lemon, lime, and orange, cut into thin slices

1 pear, sliced

2 cups Pear Vodka (Absolut or Grey Goose)

1 bottle White Wine (use something crisp)

1/2 cup Pomegranate juice (I often use Pama Liqueur instead if I have it)

Club Soda

Muddle the strawberry and the citrus fruit with the sugar in a large pitcher to release the juices. Add the remaining ingredients. You can serve this immediately but it's even better if it has a chance to sit for 4 hours or more. I like to chill it for at least 2 hours before serving but you can serve it over ice. Top with club soda to taste at serving.