Ooooo that sounds tasty. Thanks!

We have FREE sparkling water springs, 7 of them, FREE to the public here in my little town. Just add koolaid or juice to get the flavor going. We take it all for granted and haven't done any mixing for years. :0)

But it is a great idea, if anyone appreciates that. It's just another day in paradise here...

When I'm having guests over, I often keep a chilled bottled of sparkling grape juice (never apple juice, too sweet), just in case.

Nicole....that's pretty cool about your springs! Huntsville has lots of springs, too, but none are bubbly.

But it's the fancy bottle that makes it perfect for fancy meals or special occasions. That's the point of it, IMO.

I'm gonna make my own, serve it in a pretty clear glass pitcher with a few apple slices. It will be special!

Interesting...I like sparkling juices. I prefer the grape over the apple since it's less sweet and reminds me more of wine/champagne. I like the Trader Joe's version ("Sparkling White Chardonnay Grape Juice" at $2.99) but dislike their apple version as it tastes like cough syrup to me.

You should do a trial run - apple juice is not the same as apple cider so don't expect the same taste as the bottled ones. Also if you don't have the long, narrow bottles it will go flat much faster. Might not be an issue if it's a fast dinner but over a few hours I think it will just become apple juice.

I know this dinner is important for you and it sounds like this drink is important to you as well so it might be good to try it out first and maybe buy a couple bottles as a back up in case it doesn't turn out how you'd like.

Glenda, with all the other special things on your menu, no one will notice if it's in a fancy bottle;)

That said, sushi, I do get where you are coming from!

While we're enthusiastic (but not snobbish) wine lovers, sparkling cider does have its place. I agree that apple juice is too sweet to drink with a meal.

If I were going to make my own concoction, I'd find a recipe for a fruity but not too sweet non-alcoholic beverage that uses sparkling mineral water. Most club soda products contain several yucky chemical additives. As an alternative, many of the mineral water bottlers also make carbonated juice flavors that probably would have a lighter touch on the palate than sugary apple juice.

That will be a pretty presentation, Glenda. Other fruits would be lovely with the apple juice, too. Strawberries come to mind, and little melon balls.

Just wondering....have you ever tried white grape juice instead of the apple?

Sounds good to me, Glenda. Thanks for sharing.

(Just between you and me, Glenda, this younger generation will never understand where we're coming fromâ¦ignore) LOL

I can't drink wine...one sip and it "hits" me...so for years, esp on new years, we've used white grape juice and ginger ale...neither are terribly sweet, and so close in taste...and no getting hit! lol....

That sounds easy and delicious! I love sparkling cider. It does make an occasion feel a little more special. I will have to try this when we get together with friends for a casual picnic.

I did change my mind, on the juice and gonna use Welch's white grape juice. I bought the apple, while ago, and after reading, it is the white grape that I've been buying in the sparkling cider bottles.

So white grape it is! I'll take back the apple for the Welch's.

Yep, will do it at the last minute, and thanks!

Regardless what a person serves to drink, bought or homemade, it is the companionship at the meal. I like the Cranberry sparkling drink as wine and I don't get along.
I know that each of us has preferences, but just being able to get together is a blessing.
Happy Easter

I'll take the wine.

Glenda, I am a wine drinker, but I also have friends that don't imbide.

Thus, at times I have sparkling grape juice on hand. Will try your recipe with grape juice.

Thanks.

Moni

And I will be serving plain old ice water.