Lemonade Mimosas

Drescription

Fresh-squeezed lemonade perks up the citrus notes in sparkling wine in this twist on a classic mimosa. We like a dry sparkling wine like Champagne or even rosé in this refreshing summer drink to keep the sweetness subtle. For a nonalcoholic version, use lemon-flavored seltzer in place of the wine, or use an alcohol-free wine that has a hint of effervescence.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, plus 6 lemon peel strips
• 2 cups cold water
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from 6 lemons)
• 1 (750-milliliter) bottle chilled dry sparkling wine

Directions

1. Place sugar and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Using the back of a spoon, stir and crush the mixture until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add water and lemon juice; whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Transfer the lemonade to a small pitcher.
2. Divide the lemonade among 6 white-wine glasses (1/2 cup each). Slowly pour wine (about 1/2 cup each) into the glasses. Squeeze and rub 1 lemon peel strip over a glass to release essential oils. Gently drop the peel into the glass. Repeat with the remaining 5 lemon peel strips. Serve immediately.