Thirsty Thursdays: Fizzy Bitch Edition

That's right, I said it - but not for shock value. Take a closer look at that picture ... Bitch Bubbly is the name of this sparkling rose from Southern Australia.

With its polka dot label and soda-style bottle cap, you might think this whimsical sipper is not to be taken seriously ... and you'd be wrong. Its actually quite delicious. Its got a fruity, yet not too sweet, finish and you just can't beat that rich red color. Plus, the bubbles!

We made this bitch part of our New Year's celebrations by turning it into a little champagne cocktail. Well, sparkling wine cocktail to be more precise, but you get the picture.

The Fizzy Bitch:

• 1 teaspoon lavender syrup*
• 2 or 3 drops orange bitters
• sparkling rose

Pour the lavender syrup into the bottom of a champagne flute and to it add the orange bitters. Fill remainder of the glass with sparkling rose. Garnish with a festive orange twist. Serve and enjoy, repeat as necessary!

* No lavender syrup? No problem: you could use some ginger syrup, Creme de Cassis, or even some Grand Marnier. The point? Its just as fun to play with your champagne - er, sparkling wine - as it is your food.

Not up for experimentation? Fine, just pop the cap and drink this sassy little bubbly all on its own. Careful palates will detect notes of fresh strawberries, cranberries and a just a hint of rose. The subtle berry flavors really do play well with the lavender syrup, but this bubbling beauty goes down smooth all by itself.

The holidays may be over, but there's no need to put the champagne flutes away. When the offering is this much fun, who needs an excuse to celebrate?

Cheers!

p.s. - I was unable to locate a website for R - Wines of Australia, the makers of Bitch Bubbly. Its widely available for purchase online, Google it, and sells for less than $10 per bottle. We picked ours up at a local wine shop.