Cheers to Champagne & Mint

Do you like champagne? Do you like mint? If the answer is yes with a smile, this drink is for you.

I already know it’s a good one for me. The recipe is from a book called GRUB: Ideas for an Urban Organic Kitchen by Anna Lappé and Bryant Terry. The title says it all; I’ve tried several of their healthy and delicious recipes and this drink is one of them.

No bartender skills required, I promise. It’s a simple drink and yet it has the glamour that any bubbly wine evokes… with a twist. The mint and lime make it green (hence the name, which I’m not crazy about it, by the way, I prefer to call it Mint Champagne). Mint is always better fresh and handy and that’s why I grow mine outdoors in a container but any mint you buy is fine, as long as it’s fresh. That’s the key ingredient.

Also, I never made it with Curvé Jean Louis but it worked well with champagne or any other sparkling wine of my choice. Tip: it goes fast, get two bottles!

Enjoy this beautiful and refreshing drink. Oh Là Là, Bohemians!

Money Green Champagne

Preparation time: 5 minutes

• Leaves from 8 fresh mint sprigs
• 2 tablespoons organic raw cane sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 bottle chilled champagne

In a mortar or suribachi, pulverize the mint with the sugar and lime juice.

In a large bowl combine the mint mixture with the champagne (add the champagne slowly) and stir well.

Strain the champagne into a large pitcher and serve immediately in champagne flutes.

Note: Curvée Jean Louis from Charles de Fère, a luscious, creamy Blanc de Blancs Brut, is great for this drink.

GRUB: Ideas for an Urban Organic Kitchen

Anna Lappé and Bryant Terry