I don’t know about you, but I feel like summer has just flown by this year. I was just getting the hang of bike rides, farmer’s markets, spur-of-the-moment camping trips and long balmy nights around the fire pit, when I saw my first trees changing color over the weekend. Wait, Labor Day is already here?

I guess it makes sense because things at PBP headquarters have been BUSY! We’ve been having a blast working with our friends over at Caffé Umbria on a special project that we’ll be unveiling just in time for the cozy fall and winter beverage season. More on that soon!  

Until then, we’re at the height of summer’s bounty here in the Pacific Northwest, and I’m getting the most out of every moment and all of the delicious stone fruits, fresh herbs and gorgeous tomatoes you’d expect this time of year. Speaking of which, I hope you saw our new Garden Daiquiri recipe posted on Instagram earlier this week. I can’t help but think that drink would be lovely with some grilled peaches. 

But I know I’m not the only one feeling like they have a full plate right now. So if your Labor Day drink style calls for something quick and easy, I hope you’ll give this sparkling wine cocktail a try. I love this summer cocktail for its flexibility. It will work with your favorite sparkling wine, whether that’s on the sweeter side or something a little more dry. Add a few things you probably already have on hand – a few drops of PBP Lavender bitters, lime, simple syrup – and voila! 

It’s a simple summer cocktail that feels a little fancy, but takes mere minutes. It’s the perfect way to spend less time in the kitchen and more time in the hammock during summer’s last hurrah. 

SUMMER SPARKLE

3-4 oz sparkling wine

1/4 oz fresh lime juice

1 tsp Demerara syrup (1:1, sugar:water)

1/4 dropper PBP Lavender Bitters

Thin lime twist

Combine lime juice and syrup in a white wine glass. Stir well. Top with sparkling wine and finish with PBP Lavender bitters. Garnish with a lime twist.