Mixed Berry Bellini

It's time to celebrate all Mamas this week and I've got the perfect drink you can serve them that will make them feel special- Bellini!  This drink is a twist on the traditional Italian Peach Bellini but used with frozen mixed berries instead.  It's bubbly, sweet and refreshing (just like Mom, right?) with a bit of orange zest thrown into it.  So, if you're making brunch this weekend, instead of Mimosas, start your mother's morning off right with this feminine new drink instead.

What you'll need: serves 4 - 6

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1 pkg (16oz) frozen mixed berries no sugar added-thawed ( I picked strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)

1 tsp orange zest

2 bottles of Sparkling wine/Champagne

Fresh berries for garnish

 In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves to make the simple syrup (about 5 minutes). Let completely cool. In a blender, puree the mixed berries with 1/3 cup of the cooled simple syrup until smooth. Strain through a fine-meshed strainer.  Toss the seeds.  If you have any leftover simple syrup, save it!  It's great for other cocktails you can make for the evening or during the week.  In a champagne glass, pour in about 2 tbsp of the berry puree.  Top off the glass with the sparkling wine/champagne.  Stir together, garnish and serve!