Kentucky Derby Champagne Mint Julep

If you love champagne, this is the Kentucky Derby cocktail for you ... The Champagne Mint Julep! This recipe sounds expensive as it calls for Cavicchioli Malvasia Sparkling White 1928, but we found an on-line source for $10-15.

To make:

• 3-4 fresh mint leaves
• 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
• 3 ounces of Cavicchioli Malvasia Sparkling White 1928 Champagne or Moscato, very well chilled

1. In a champagne flute, add the mint leaves (twisting them as you add to release their flavor and aroma)
2. Add the bourbon
3. Muddle with the end of a spoon or muddler
4. Top with the chilled Cavicchioli or Champagne and enjoy.

A bottle of Cavicchioli 1928, is under $15 per bottle, and pours up a luscious and creamy bubbly with a peach nectar perfume.

If you can't find Cavicchioli, try a sparkling Moscato as a substitute.

Source:  The Kitchn