Get poppin’ with the best prosecco cocktails in paradise

The past few months have been tough, taste buds.

I’ve taken on the role of a caretaker, and no one prepares a caretaker for the lack of care you give to yourself. A good friend of mine shared advice worth repeating: “Airlines tell you in case of an emergency to put your mask on before assisting others. Remember to care for yourself first.”

So, the second I came back to Sarasota for a few days, I decided to practice the art of self-care in its highest form. A good caretaker deserves to feel like royalty (especially in the days leading up to her birthday).

I’m bubbling with excitement about this…

It’s time to treat yourself to paramount prosecco cocktails being poured in paradise (and pairing those boozy treats with amazingly appealing appetizers).

Jack Dusty

1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota; 941-309-2266; RitzCarlton.com

As a foodie you know that this marina-front Ritz Carlton-run seafood bistro offers luxurious cocktails and fresh seafood appetizers with local ingredients. Offering a unique dining experience for eaters of all likings (not just seafood fanatics), this modern café with indoor and outdoor seating makes men and women feel majestic. Don't blame yourself if you want to have “just one more” — whether it be bite or cocktail.

Let’s Get Fizzical: Please pause a moment for the prized prosecco pick any person would proudly devour, The Siren ($28). This Jack Dusty icon is made from your choice of Absolut Vodka or Tanqueray Gin and is mixed with St. Germain, lemon juice, prosecco topper, grapefruit ice, cranberry ice and incredible eye-catching orchid ice. You’ll always remember your first Siren. Mine was at a local event. My mother had her first Siren at a night on the town with her gal pals. My husband's maiden voyage was for this very article. Fun fact? Siren sippers can only have two servings of this boozy beverage per sitting, per house rules.

Photo by Emma Jolly

Appys That Make Me Happy: Set your eyes on the starter section as you slowly (or quickly, no judgment here) sip that scrumptiously seductive-looking Siren and your stomach will surely be supremely satisfied. My summer snacking choice? Oysters (market price) by the half dozen or dozen served with Mignonette cocktail sauce, horseradish and charred lemon. If you aren’t a fan of the briny shelled bites, place an order for the Ahi Tuna “nachos” ($23) packed with ponzu dressing, avocado, sesame, scallion and crispy wantons for a perfect prosecco pairing.

Grove

10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch; 941-893-4321; GroveLWR.com

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Opening its doors in 2018, Grove has positioned itself as a contemporary culinary mecca for East County residents and beyond. With a plethora of menus from bar bites offered in the bar area from 3-7 p.m. daily, happy hour in all dining areas from 3-7 p.m. daily, lunch and dinner, brunch (served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.), drinks and wine list, sushi and kids (for foodies 12 and under), there is something for everyone at this lively Lakewood Ranch dining destination.

Let’s Get Fizzical: Who put the pro in prosecco? The Tree Nymph ($16). This colorfully cool craft cocktail lives up to its libation name by being nothing short of attractive. The Tree Nymph is mixed with Grainger’s organic vodka, domaine De canton, prosecco, harmonious house-made sour and seasonal fruit cubes. Cheers to creators of this incredi-bubble concoction!

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Appys That Make me Happy: Pick up the prosecco refreshment with your pinky out and bite into these tasty brisket sliders ($9-$13) like the strong and selfless sovereign that you are. These spectacular sliders are stacked with smoked brisket, tangy sweet barbecue sauce, out-of-this-world bacon jam sandwiched between toasted house-made brioche buns. Feeling like a famous flatbread? Order the chimi chicken ($17) with seared chicken, both Goat and Manchego cheese, roasted red pepper, marinara, red onion and chimichurri.

Shore

800 Broadway St., Longboat Key, 941-259-4600; 465 John Ringling Blvd., #200, Sarasota, 941-296-0301; DineShore.com

One thing’s for shore: Nothing quite makes you feel like you’re indulging in the royal treatment like Shore Longboat Key. Come to the tip of Longboat Key and dine with a view that drives home our local saying, "We live where others vacation." Al fresco dining has never looked this good: crystal blue waters as an exterior backdrop match the mid-century designed interior. If Longboat Key is too out of the way for your travels, hop over to the casually glamorous St. Armands location.

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Let’s Get Fizzical: I have fond memories of drinking Aperol spritz with my family on the Champs-Élysées (I know, lah-dee-dah!). It was also the signature drink at my wedding. Needless to say, I like this Italian liquor-based cocktail and Shore makes a sensational Aperol spritz ($12). Mix Aperol (a sweet and bitter Italian aperitif), prosecco, a splash of soda and side of orange and cheers to you!. Fancy gin? Order the French 75 ($12), made with gin, fresh lemon, simple syrup and topped with prosecco as you situated yourself along the shore at Shore.

Appys that Make Me Happy: Place your order for Shore’s succulent shrimp ceviche and guacamole ($18) served with flavorful cumin corn tortillas and you’ll feel shrimply the best. The list of small plates and shares varies at locations, but regardless of which spot you sit at, this option is available! The summer heat making you feel like you can turn things up a notch more? Nosh on Kung Pao calamari ($18) served with napa cabbage, red peppers, toasted peanuts, black sesame, basil, mint and cilantro.