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East Bay Bartenders Mix It Up With Champagne

Champagne holds an appeal that cannot be beat. The word alone stirs up visions of romance, celebration and high living. Champagne arouses our senses like no other drink can, and all with good reason; it tastes delightful, mixes well with other alcohols and its shimmering color is truly alluring. And of course there are those bubbles -- those tiny bubbles surely tickle our noses and make us laugh. Here two local mixologists share their versions of the best champagne drinks in the East Bay.

Josh Brown of Martini Sky (Courtesy of Martini Sky) Josh Brown of Martini Sky (photo credit: Martini Sky)

Brian McGuirk (Courtesy of Martini Sky) Brian McGuirk (photo credit: Martini Sky)

Martini Sky
416 Sycamore Valley Road W.
Danville, CA 94526
(925) 838-7611
www.martinisky.com

Martini Sky is a popular, in-style spot in Danville, a town well known for its outstanding quality of life. As a restaurant, Martini Sky captures the passion of life shared with friends and loved ones, enjoying the simple appreciation of delicious food served in a comfortable ambiance with a friendly, attentive staff.

Related: Unique Nights Out In The East Bay Area

Martini Sky bartenders Josh Brown and Brian McGuirk truly are mixologists, as the two study the field and the alcohols they experiment with to create and refine innovative cocktails that showcase their talents. Martini Sky manager Jeffrey Dunum says the two men are unique in the business, and they exhibit as much passion in their craft as a winemaker making fine wine or a celebrated chef with his food. Here are five signature champagne cocktails from mixologists Josh and Brian.

Note: a champagne float means to pour champagne on top of a drink.

Martini Sky martinis (Photo Credit: Martini Sky)

Martini Sky's Champagne Martinis:

1. Sass with Clas
s
(numbered as pictured from left to right)

Combine in a mixing tin: 1 1/2 ounces vodka, 1/2 ounce Elderflower Liqueur, 1/2 ounce fresh lemonade and 1/2 ounce white cranberry juice. Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Add a champagne float and finish by slowly pouring a splash of pomegranate juice down the rim of the glass so that it settles on the bottom.
(Mixologist: Brian McGuirk)

2. Sweet Tooth

Combine in a mixing tin: 1 1/2 ounces coconut rum, 1/2 ounce pineapple juice and 1/2 ounce pink grapefruit juice. Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Add a champagne float and top with a splash of sweet tea vodka.
(Mixologist: Brian McGuirk)

3. Fresh Pear

Combine in a mixing tin: 1 1/2 ounces pear vodka, 1/2 ounce Elderflower Liqueur, 1/2 ounce Triple Sec, 1/2 ounce pineapple juice and 1/2 ounce white cranberry juice. Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Finish with a champagne float.
(Mixologist: Josh Brown)

4. Sweet B

Combine in a mixing tin: 1 1/2 ounces cherry vodka, 3/4 ounce Triple Sec and 1 ounce cranberry juice. Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Top with champagne and a squeeze of lime.
(Mixologist: Brian McGuirk)

5. Flirtini

Combine in a mixing tin: 1 1/2 ounces vodka, 3/4 ounce peach schnapps and 3/4 ounce peach nectar. Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. To finish, top with a champagne float.
(Mixologist: Josh Brown)

Related: Best Secret Bars In East Bay

Head to CBS San Francisco's Best Of page for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!

Melanie Graysmith is a freelance writer and artist based in San Francisco. She writes on adult education, art and lifestyle topics, and enjoys writing short stories and poetry. Melanie is a member of an independent filmmaking group and aims to spin her stories into film. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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