Botanical Aperitif, Anyone?

If you are in search of unique cocktail options for your wedding (or any other party), we have recently discovered Jardesca California Apertiva.

Jardesca has two wonderful apertiva options:

White: a blend of 3 artisanal white wines from California, with Viognier at the heart, that is fortified with a double distilled eau de vie (fine grape spirit), using a Bordelaise still (the only of its kind in the Americas); also includes botanicals inspired by California, including Pink Grapefruit, Bay Leaf and Pink Peppercorn. (I love the Jardesca Garden Martini) 

Red:  a blend of 3 artisanal red wines from California, with Zinfandel at the heart, fortified with a double distilled eau de vie using a Bordelaise still; also includes botanicals like Tangerine, Ginger and Cardamom. (the Jardesca Red Mule is a great fall/holiday cocktail!) 

The Sonoma-crafted aperitifs are extremely versatile, and they can be used to create a refreshing spritz, a twist on the traditional cocktail, large batch punches, or simply be served with a garnish over ice. And, of course, a few iced bottles of Jardesca paired with a garnish bar creates an easy way to allow guests to create their own custom drink. 

Here are a few recipes to try out:

Jardesca California Spritz Punch

makes approximately 24 drinks

Ingredients:

• 3 bottles of Jardesca White Aperitiva
• 2 bottles of Prosecco
• 4 oranges, cut in slices
• 1 large bunch of mint
• 1 20lb bag of ice

Directions:

1. Place 6-8 orange slices and 1 bunch of mint in the bottom of a pitcher or dispenser
2. Pour in Jardesca White Aperitiva
3. Gently stir the ingredients together
4. Place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours
5. When you are ready to serve, add the prosecco

To serve, fill wine glasses with ice. Pour over ice. Garnish with an orange slice and bruised mint sprig.

Jardesca California Spritz

• 3 oz Jardesca White Aperitiva
• 2 oz Prosecco
• 1 orange wedge and mint sprig

Serve over ice.

Jardesca Holiday Spritz for a Party

serves 10-12
2 -- 5 oz drinks per guest

Ingredients:

• 3 bottles of Jardesca White Aperitiva
• 2 bottles of your favorite prosecco
• 12 oz pomegranate syrup
• 2 pomegranates, cut in half
• 1 large bunch of rosemary (approximately 10 sprigs)

Directions:

1. Place pomegranates and half of rosemary sprigs in the bottom of a pitcher or dispenser
2. Pour in Jardesca White Aperitiva and pomegranate syrup
3. Gently stir the ingredients together
4. Place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours
5. When you are ready to serve, add the prosecco

To serve, fill wine glasses with ice. Pour over ice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and rosemary sprig.

Click here to read more cocktail suggestions.