Food & Wine | Every season is Chandon season

The summer has come to an end and my favourite season is settling in. During the next few months, we can all look forward to beautiful foliage & sweater weather. For the numerous dinner parties ahead, I am always in search of a classic cocktail that will leave my guests smiling and talking about it all night long. What I have quickly come to realize is that whether served on its own or in a beautiful cocktail, every season is Chandon season. Come and see our favourite recipes from 2015 thus far and a few new ones to try this fall!

Taking a look back at the photo above from the cottage, I am left smiling. I can’t decide if it is the beauty of Chandon against the rustic backdrop, or all the laughter I enjoyed while sipping the cocktails we created below. Either way, it became apparent to me back in the Spring that Chandon was a great way to enjoy beautiful cocktails any time of the year.

So… not ready to let go of the summer? The best way to keep it going is with a delicious Chandon cocktail!

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Pineapple Paradise

Nothing says the warmer months more than fresh pineapple, am I right? Seasonally, you’ll even be able to find mini pineapples (which are the cutest things on the planet) as pictured above. Using these as your base, or whatever seasonal melon you can find, try this iconic #DoTheDaniel summer cocktail!

Serves 4

4 mini pineapples (or seasonal melon of your choice. Larger melons just mean you will need to double the recipe)

2 oz fresh berry juice (your choice, though I would opt for strawberry)

4 oz Fresh pineapple juice

8 oz Brut Classic

1 jalapeño, seeded and sliced

Core the baby pineapple carefully as not to pierce the exterior of the pineapple itself. Carefully place jalapeño slices to taste in the bottom. Add berry & pineapple juice evenly between the four servings. Lastly, carefully add Chandon to each mini pineapple. This will cause the pineapple to fizz because of all the sugar, but what is created for your guests is a cocktail that is both aesthetically appealing but also incredible tantalizing. Sweet & spicy with just the right balance. This tops my list of summer cocktails!

Sparkling Julep

With bourbon AND Brut Classic, this julep is more than just a racing drink. Serve it at any party for a sure win.

Serves 1

2 oz mint simple syrup

1 oz bourbon

2 oz Brut Classic

Sprig of fresh mint

Pour the simple syrup and bourbon in a rocks glass. Stir to combine. Add the Brut and fill with crushed ice. Top with a sprig of mint and serve.

Cucumber Splash

Cool, calm and collected, this cucumber and lemongrass combination will provide refreshment after even the longest day.

Serves 2

3 oz cucumber juice (1 medium cucumber)

1/2 oz lemongrass simple syrup

1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

6 oz Chandon Brut Classic

Cucumber slices

Make the cucumber juice: Peel the cucumber and grate into a small strainer set over a small bowl. Let sit for 20 minutes. Using your hands, squeeze any remaining liquid out of the cucumber. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Pour the cucumber juice, lemongrass simple syrup and lemon juice into a shaker. Add ice, shake and strain into two rocks glasses. Add the Brut, ice and cucumber slices and serve.

Lime and the Coconut

A little bit of lime, a little bit of coconut and a little Brut Classic means a lot of deliciousness.

Serves 1

1/2 oz coconut milk

1/2 oz fresh lime juice

1/4 oz agave syrup

4 oz Brut Classic

1 lime wedge

Combine the coconut milk, lime juice and agave syrup in a shaker. Add ice. Shake. Strain into rocks glass. Add Brut and ice. Top with a lime wedge and serve.

As promised, here two NEW Chandon recipes to try for the fall and Thanksgiving!

Fall-Picks

Fall Picks

As apple season kicks into full swing, stop by a farm stand or your farmers’ market for some local unfiltered apple juice. Combined with cinnamon simple syrup and Brut Classic, this cocktail epitomizes autumn.

2 oz unfiltered apple juice

1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup

2-3 oz Chandon Brut Classic

Cinnamon stick

Combine the apple juice and simple syrup in a rocks glass. Fill the glass with ice. Top with the Brut Classic and add a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Autumn-Jewel

Autumn Jewel

When the weather turns cool, warm up with our Autumn Jewel with its layers of flavors and seasonal spice.

Serves 1

1 oz maple syrup

2 dashes orange bitters

4 oz Chandon Brut Classic

Rosemary sprig

Orange zest

With so many delicious cocktails to try for yourself, make sure to pick up a bottle or two of Chandon today. Try out the above recipes we loved and get inventive with some of your own. Remember that like cooking, cocktails are meant to be fun, playful and embody the sentiment you wish to convey. What better way to do that than year round with seasonal cocktails, or served chilled nestled together with those you love?

To stay up to date with all things cocktails no matter what the season, make sure to follow @ChandonUSA on Twitter and Instagram. While creating your delicious seasonal sips, make sure to tag us all so we can be a part of your spring, summer, winter AND fall!

For more behind the scenes of this and other amazing brands we love around the world, make sure to follow along with the#DoTheDaniel Instagram account. We’d love to have you join us in our day to day adventures!

Please remember to enjoy responsibly and never drink and drive

Photos: Moët HennessyChandon & Daniel Desforges

Cheers!

Daniel Desforges