What a great way to start the summer. Prosecco cocktails. Yes, learn how to make these for July 4th and practice all summer. 
I am spending July 4th in the Berkshires, watching the local parade, then off to Tanglewood for an outdoor BYOB  concert featuring Jackson Browne. These cocktail recipes were sent to me to try.
Why not?
Summer, the season where we spend our days outdoors, dining al fresco and soaking up the sun.
This Fourth of July, drink “Sunny Weather” cocktails to ward off storms and rain for your celebration. It looks like 90+ in NYC on July 4th.
A GREAT summer drink featuring  Prosecco cocktails may be the real solution from the heat.
Mixologist Troy Sidle of Manhattan's Pouring Ribbons has shared some ideas regarding Prosecco, He likes Ruffino Prosecco for all of his drinks.
Sunny Weather is a refreshing cocktail, ideal for those basking in the summer sun, while Brioso is an impressive summer treat that will keep you Lively (the meaning of “Brioso”).
 
Sunny Weather, a cocktail as bright and delicious as the name, is a refreshing libation perfect for sipping with friends pool-side or at your July 4th picnic. In this cocktail, the sweetness of the St. Germain and Ruffino Prosecco is perfectly balanced with the more bitter Campari and Grapefruit juice.
Sunny Weather (LO)
Sunny Weather – Servings: 3
 
Ingredients
1 bottle        chilled Ruffino Prosecco
5 oz      Grapefruit Juice
2 oz         St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
1  oz     Campari
 
Make it
1.       Pour Prosecco over ice in a collins glass until half way full
2.       Add Grapefruit juice, St-Germain and Campari
3.       Top off with more Prosecco as needed
4.       Garnish with a grapefruit twist
 
Brioso combines Prosecco and gin with seasonal ingredients like raspberry and lemon,topped with a kick of angostura bitters for a revitalizing experience that will impress even the most demanding guests at your summer soiree. 
 
Brioso (Lively) – Servings: 1
 
Ingredients
3oz          Ruffino Prosecco
1oz          London Dry Gin
.75oz      Lemon Juice
.75oz      Simple Syrup
3pc         Raspberry
1 dash    Angostura Bitters
 
Make it
1.       Pour gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, raspberries and bitters into a shaker with ice and shake
2.       Strain liquid into a cocktail glass
3.       Top with  Prosecco
4.       Garnish with a raspberry

Please try these cocktails and let me know what you think.
Ruffino Prosecco is actually a perfect mixer for these drinks and retails for under $12 a bottle.
Happy 4th and Enjoy the Summer (Cocktails)

Philip S. Kampe
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com