brandy
orange
drinks
mothers day
john cusimano
cocktails

As John says, this is really an orange-flavored spritz made with Lambrusco, an Italian red sparkling wine. But today, in honor of Mother's Day, we're calling it "Mama Knows Best." "It has a bit of a sparkling sangria vibe to it," he adds. Rach approves. "Wow," she says after a sip. "That is really one of your best, honey. It's beautiful. It's really fragrant, too!" 

John created the drink to go with Rachael's Mother's Day menu, which includes Penne with Sweet Vermouth and Cream Sauce and Limoncello Parfaits. 

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces brandy
  • ¾ ounce orange liqueur
  • ¼ ounce simple syrup*
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • 3 to 4 ounces Lambrusco
  • 1 orange twist, for garnish
  • 1 rosemary sprig, for garnish

Yield

Serves: 1

Preparation

*For the simple syrup, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved, then let cool to room temperature. Syrup will keep, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Makes about 1 ½ cups. 

Add the brandy, orange liqueur, simple syrup and orange bitters to a cocktail shaker. Add ice, shake to chill and strain into an ice-filled wine goblet. Top with Lambrusco and garnish with orange twist and rosemary sprig. 

Always Drink Responsibly.