Crushed Cherry Bellinis

December 30, 2010

5307480705 0cc51f605e z Crushed Cherry Bellinis

Can you believe 2010 has come and gone already? I feel like it was summer just yesterday. Really, blogging about a tomato-tasting bash and watermelon salsa. And not having a true winter here in California will forever throw me off.

2010 brought a lot of change into my life. I talk about some of those here . . . a new state, a new home, a new interest (blogging), new bloggy friends, and sadly, my grandma’s passing.

But I’m ready to embrace the new year with open arms. Although this new year will surely be filled with uncertainty, it will also be filled with adventure.

I’m glad I got the opportunity to connect with so many talented and passionate bloggers this year. You’re such an inspiration. I wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Healthy 2011!

Here is a light, celebratory drink to be enjoyed on New Year’s Eve or any other festive day. It’s a little bit lower in calories than many other mixed drinks. I know cherries aren’t in season right now but if you’re like me, you’ve got some frozen ones stashed away in your freezer.

It’s time to celebrate!

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A couple of notes:

I was out of fresh mint but wanted to garnish these lovely cocktails with mint. I recommend using your favorite fresh herb for a nice green pop.
I ran the frozen cherries under warm water before hand for two reasons (1) it helps gently defrost the cherries if you’re serving them right away (2) the added water helps to add a little bit of liquid to the cherry mixture to dilute it a little bit. You could also dilute them with a splash of club soda.

Enjoy! Happy New Year! Bonne année!

Crushed Cherry Bellinis

1 bottle prosecco, chilled
1 cup frozen cherries, unsweetened
4 teaspoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
4 tablespoons grenadine

Place champagne glasses in freezer for 10-15 minutes to chill. Place frozen cherries under running warm water for several seconds. In a medium bowl, crush cherries using a potato masher for about 2 minutes. Add lemon juice and grenadine and stir thoroughly. Place one tablespoon of cherry mixture into each of the glasses. Pour in prosecco and garnish with sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy!

Makes 6-8 bellinis.

5308069520 af4198d45a z Crushed Cherry Bellinis

5307480705 0cc51f605e z Crushed Cherry Bellinis

PinExt Crushed Cherry Bellinis

Tagged as: cherry

http://www.authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet }

WOW – now that is a drink to ring in 2011 with! I was just at Trader Joe’s and saw fresh cherries – I am sure imported from Chili, but I thought I would let you know. Great to meet you in 2010 and look forward to 2011~ Happy New Year!!!!

http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Thanks, Lisa. Happy New Year!! Look forward to getting together in the new year!

http://kitchen-confidante.com Liren

Happy New Year, Trish! I can’t tell you how happy I am that our paths crossed this year – so thankful for this blogworld for introducing me to people like you! Your photos are getting more and more stunning – now I want a bellini to ring in 2011!
http://www.garlicandseasalt.blogspot.com Amy

These are beautiful! I much prefer real fruit in drinks than simply using already prepared juices. Your drinks sound refreshing !

http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Yum. I’m checking out your delicious martinis as we speak…not too shabby. Love the vanilla snow martini. Happy New Year, Amy! Have fun tonight!

http://www.simplyhealthyfam.blogspot.com healthy mamma

Now we’re talkin!!! I just picked up a bottle of Prosecco at the store! It was ment to be! Awesome idea, thanks!
http://whatsfordinner-acrossstatelines.blogspot.com/ whatsfordinneracrossstatelines

How funny I have some stashed in my freezer, I’d bring them out for this! I have some prosecco too! Wishing you a Happy New Year! Let’s get together soon!
-Gina-
http://www.indiansimmer.com Prerna@IndianSimmer

Prosecco, cherries and lemons.. Got it!
Getting them tomorrow and making these for the night’s celebration!! Although the husband id THE bar tender in our house but I guess I’ll make him a li’l happy on the New Yr’s eve
Wish you a very Happy New Yr Trish!

http://www.eastbayfoodscene.com Angela Lazear

So that cocktail looks really enticing! I love cherries and would never have thought about trying them in a cocktail. I think I will play with your recipe when fresh stone fruit is out this next summer and muddle them into the bottom of a glass. I love, love, love playing with food and sharing ideas! Rock on, and cheers~
http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Happy New Year, Prerna! Hope 2011 is good to you!

http://gourmandeinthekitchen.com Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen

I do indeed have some cherries stashed away in my freezer from this summer What a wonderful use for them. I even have some sour cherries that I froze, although I’m not sure how those would work in this cocktail, I think I might stick to the regular cherries to try this out. This is awesome, I don’t even have to go to the store to pick anything up to try this out tomorrow night! Thanks, and have a wonderful New Year’s Eve celebration.

http://dishbytrish.com Trish

I thought about using sour cherries but then I just stuck with regular ones because I had them on hand. Perhaps next time I’ll give the sour ones a go. I bet the sourness would add a bit of complexity. Happy New Year, Sylvie!
http://flourdusted.blogspot.com/ briarrose

Mmm…wonderful drink. Happy New Year!

http://thatskinnychickcanbake.blogspot.com/ Liz

Gorgeous cocktail! Happy New Year~~~

http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Thanks, Lizzy. Happy New Year to you!

http://www.rosyandtart.com julie @ rosy + tart

Looks and sounds absolutely perfect! I might just have to run to the store and get this ready tonight… happy new year!

http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Happy New Year, Julie! Thanks for visiting my blog.

http://www.koreanamericanmommy.blogspot.com/ Lisa

Happy New Year Trish! I wish we could celebrate together. Loving the cocktail and you MUST call me when you’re visiting the east coast! Wishing the best 2011!
http://anecdotesandapples.weebly.com Monet

This looks just delicious. I wish I did have some frozen cherries in my freezer…I would be making this tonight. Thank you so much for sharing…and for your kind words on my blog. I wish you and yours a safe and happy New Year!
http://caffeiiina.blogspot.com Sara

Happy new year Trish! These bellinis are wonderful and I’m sure they will be perfect tonight, on any table, whether you are at a big party or on the sofa with your family. Big hugs!

http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Yup, I’ll be on the sofa with a bellini in hand Happy New Year, Sara!

http://ancientfirewineblog.blogspot.com/ Jason Phelps

These are sure to please! We’ll be experimenting with a few sparkling cocktails tonight and then a selection of 8 different ones for friends at brunch tomorrow. Lots of fun.

Happy New Year!

Jason

http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Thank you. And a very Happy and Healthy New Year to you! Happy cocktailing.

http://www.cooksbookblog.com Marisa

Perfect drink to ring in the new year! I love prosecco and bellinis are such a great way to add a little something more to it. Happy New Year, Trish!

http://agirlandhercarrot.wordpress.com Jen (A Girl and Her Carrot)

Hi Trish!
Happy Healthy New Year!
I wish I saw this recipe earlier! I wonder if I can replace the grenadine with pomegranate syrup. Yum and Cheers!

http://www.familyfreshcooking.com/ marla

Such a lovely cocktail Trish! Bright, happy & full of flavor – perfect for the New Year! Hope you have a great NYE xo
http://morethanamountfull.blogspot.com/ Chef Dennis

Hi Trish
I have a bottle of proseco waiting to be opened for tonite, it is one my weakness….sigh
I was lucky enough to sample it on New Years Eve in Venice, sitting on the grand canal as 2000 rolled in! It has been my favorite ever since, but I have never had it with crushed cherries, it sounds amazing!! I will have to run out and pick up a bag for tonite!
Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy new year!
Dennis

http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Wow, that sounds lovely, Dennis. I have yet to visit Venice but when I do I intend to do it Dennis-style, sitting on the grand canal with prosecco in hand. I’m so happy we connected this year. Wish you all the best in 2011!

http://dreamaboutfood.blogspot.com fooddreamer

Yum, these look great, wish I could raise a glass with you!
http://theurbanbaker.com susan

this is my kind of drink! happy new year to you and your family, Trish. May the new year bring only love and happiness!
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http://www.foodgal.com Carolyn Jung

A toast to you and all that you accomplished this year! You should be proud. In fact, I’ll drink to that with TWO of these beautiful cocktails.

http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Thanks so much, Carolyn! Wish you a fabulous 2011! So glad I found your blog this year…I’m a big fan.

http://www.anutritionisteats.com emily (a nutritionist eats)

Happy New Year! I wish I had some cherries and prosecco right now!
Lana Cook

Such a great recipe, Trish! Just wish we could have a toast together!
http://journeyofanitaliancook.blogspot.com Claudia

I have been looking at my unopened bottle of prosecco for a few days but didn’topen it.Now I know why – I was waiting for cherries! Stunning. Happy 2011! May it be as sweet and welcoming as your drink.
http://www.aspicyperspective.com Sommer@ASpicyPerspective

That sounds utterly amazing! And NO I cannot believe it’s 2011 already. I’m resolving to somehow SLOW DOWN this year. I’ll let you know how that goes.

http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Sommer, Happy New Year! Thanks for your support and friendship. Cheers!

http://foodtrainers.blogspot.com Lauren Slayton

talk about festive, love this. I also love your end of the year summary. Sometimes everyone is in a rush to look ahead and don’t mull over what the year has brought. Thanks for the food and the thoughts.
http://www.delishhh.com Delishhh

Great drink, wish i had one of these over new year, i guess i just have to run home and make one tonight. Great pictures. Happy New Year!
http://swankydietitian.com Kristen (swanky dietitian)

I have to agree with you about blogging. It is just so nice to have met so many wonderful bloggers over the course of the year.

Oh my gosh, the bellinis sound delish!! Although New Years may be over, I am going to have to make this at some point, just cause!
http://lakocinera.blogspot.com Kocinera

The color of those bellinis is so gorgeous! Perfect for a nice punch of holiday cheer.
http://lemonsandanchovies.wordpress.com/ Jean

I know I’ve probably already said it but I’m so happy I met you this year, Trish. You’re a beautiful person, both inside and out, and I’m happy to know you. Cheers to more get-togethers in 2011!

http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Thanks so much, Jean. You’re so sweet. I, too, am so glad we met. I love your blog and your writing style and have learned a lot and other Bay Area bloggers. Have a wonderful 2011. Let’s get together soon!

http://www.tasteofbeirut.com tasteofbeirut

This is one festive-looking drink! Love the addition of grenadine too; I have been fiddling with frozen cherries for a cake idea, I think next time I will pour me a bellini!
Cheers!
http://simplerecipes.me Juliana

Trish…what a nice bellini…love the idea of cherries…not only pretty but tasty. Happy New Year!
http://phdstrides.com Elise Nelson

i am definitely going to try this! it sounds delicious!
http://www.paulbyrondowns.com Paul Byron Downs

Besides being festive, they look really refreshing.

Paul

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