Ask Alpana
Ask Alpana
Can you hear the bells ringing? Wedding season is upon us. So raise your glass! "Check Please" Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh is here with advice for wedding gifting and toasting.
Wedding Wine and Gift Registries
- Bottle Notes: Allows you to create a registry of wines that you would like.
- Food Registry: Register for restaurant gift cards.
- My Registry: Aggregate registry of many stores. Allows you to register for everything from wine refrigerators to glassware.
Wedding Shower Cocktail
Aperol Spritz Recipe
- 1 ½ oz of Aperol
- 3 oz white wine: Pinot Grigio or Prosecco
- Club soda
- Orange
Fill wine glass with ice. Add 1 ½ oz of Aperol and 3 oz light white wine. Finish with a splash of club soda and garnish with an orange segment.
Alpana's Sparkling Wine Recommendations - Alternatives to Champagne
- Gruet Brut: "For the money this is one of the best sparkling wines out there."
- Segura Viudas Aria Brut: "This is a cava wine which is made in a similar fashion to Champagne. It's a good value when you're looking for a less pricy alternative."
Alpana's Recommendation for toasting Prince William and Kate Middleton
Pimm's Cup Cocktail Recipe
- 2 oz Pimm's No. 1
- Clear Soda - 7UP, ginger ale, lemon-lime
- Lemon
- Cucumber
Pour the Pimm's and soda into a chilled highball glass or metal cup over ice. Squeeze a slice of lemon and drop it into the glass. Then stir and garnish with a cucumber slice.
"Pimm's No. 1 was created in the mid-18th century by English oyster bar owner James Pimm. The recipe is still a secret; supposedly only six people know exactly how to make it."
Alpana's Recommendation for an Easter Brunch Cocktail
- Rossinni: Combine Prosecco and strawberry puree
- Cartlidge & Browne Pinot Noir: "If you're enjoying lamb, I would recommend Pinot Noir which is a classic pairing and will also go well with lighter brunch fare. This wine is light bodied with bright black cherry notes."
