#BrunchWeek: St-Germain & Prosecco Cocktail + Day Five Links

May 9, 2013 - For the Food Blogger #BrunchWeek, I signed up to post beverage today. There are two things that say 'brunch libation' to me: bubbles and fruit.

Last year, when I went to Edible Monterey Bay's pop-up brunch at Ventana Inn and Spa [click to read my blogpost on the event], I was dazzled by their selection of morning cocktails. I have to admit that I have never seen such a unique selection of brunch libations; I had a tough time deciding. There was, of course, the de rigueur bellini and ubiquitous mimosa. But it was the more innovative offerings that intrigued me. I vacillated between the St. Germain Royal—Roederer Brut with St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and a lime wheel—and the Hair of the Dog Punsch—lemon-infused Zaya rum with spiced black tea.

In the end I opted for the Hair of the Dog Punsch; punsch—with its seemingly errant “s”—is not actually a typo. I was initially reluctant to order it because rum cocktails are notoriously syrupy sweet, but I couldn’t resist the name. The concoction turned out to be surprisingly spicy and slightly bitter. It was quite enjoyable but a vivid contrast to the chilled, effervescent St. Germain that I sampled by sneaking a sip from my friend’s champagne flute. Thanks, Ulla.

St. Germain is a sweet, artisanally-crafted liqueur from elderberry flowers. The distinctive flavor reminds me of a blend of peach, grapefruit, pear and lychee. The liqueur recipe dates back to a Parisian company from 1884. 

I poured 1/2 ounce into the bottom of a champagne flute, topped it off with an Italian prosecco, and garnished it with fresh strawberries from Fogline Farm.

Cin cin!

Jake asked, "What are we celebrating?" 

Life, my love. Just life.

Here's the collection of recipes for Day Five of #BrunchWeek...

Brunch Drink Recipes

St-Germain and Prosecco Cocktails by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Strawberry Lemongrass Martinis by White Lights on Wednesday

Breads, Grains, Cereals and Pancake-type Yums

Granola, Yogurt and Walnut Cups by Cook the Story
Banana Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal by Big Bear’s Wine
Apple and Beecher's Flagship Reserve Cheddar Wheat Belly Crepes by Vanilla Lemonade
Garden Squares by {i love} my disorganized life
Maple Sausage French Toast Bake by Real Housemoms

Brunch Egg Recipes

Mediterranean Frittata by Spontaneous Tomato

Potato Recipes for Brunch

Potato and Bacon Hash by Cravings of a Lunatic

Meat, Poultry, Fish and Legume Brunch Recipes

Key Lime Shrimp Salad by The Domestic Mama & The Village Cook
Black Bean Breakfast Tacos by Sweet Remedy Fruit for Brunch
Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing by Kokocooks

Brunch Dessert Recipes

Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Muffins by Rachel Cooks
Rustic Apple Cake & Tea with Mom by The Vintage Cook
Toasted Almond and Chocolate Muffins by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Crumb Cake Parfait by Take A Bite Out of Boca
Rum and Raisin French Toast by Noshing With The Nolands
Cinnamon Raisin Banana Stuffed French Toast by Katie’s Cucina
Breakfast Cookies by Cooking In Stilettos
Berry Parfaits by Love and Confections
Rhubarb Vanilla Yogurt Parfaits by Kelly Bakes