Full Bloom - HBO Max & Moët Hennessy

It's Apéritif Time

Take Your First Sip

DRINK

In the heat of summer, nothing is more refreshing than a sparkling apéritif, 100% chilled and ready to share. Bubbling with the flavor of Valencia oranges, Chandon Garden Spritz is naturally delicious, with no added sugar or artificial ingredients. Pair this exceptional sparkling wine with an array of garnishes for the perfect start to a picnic or at golden hour and take your first sip of summer!

FRESH ROSEMARY SPRIG

GARNISH with this aromatic herb that accents Chandon Garden Spritz's citrus notes, while adding a deeper woody element.

CITRUS

GARNISH with oranges, grapefruits, or Meyer lemons, highlighting the zesty citric tension of Chandon Garden Spritz.

EDIBLE
FLOWERS

GARNISH with dried rose petals or fresh pansy blossoms. Edible flowers not only create layers of depth in your drink but also elevate its presentation.

FRESH
TARRAGON

GARNISH with the delicate licorice flavor of tarragon, highlighting Chandon Garden Spritz's spiced character, while adding a fresh spring taste.

CRYSTALIZED
GINGER

GARNISH with crystallized ginger by dropping a slice in a glass. Watch the bubbles fizz. The subtle heat of ginger compliments the natural Valencia orange flavors.

EAT

Nibbles are essential to any apéritif hour, be it in the afternoon or early evening. Make your apéritif hour special by exploring fresh ingredients and recipes that pair perfectly with Chandon Garden Spritz. Herbs picked from your kitchen garden can invigorate any bite. Fruits from your local farmer's market can offer a cooling retreat. And as day turns to dusk, take your first sip, sit back, and relax.

Dominican-style Pastelitos a.k.a. Empanadas

CITRUS SALAD

This refreshing salad is a delight on a hot summer day. The light dressing, infused with a touch of rosemary, elevates the natural sweetness of the citrus — the perfect side when Chandon Garden Spritz is served.

PREP TIME

15 MINS.

COOK TIME

0 MINS.

TOTAL TIME

15 MINS.

SERVING

6 - 8

CITRUS SALAD

Infused with a touch of rosemary, this refreshing salad elevates the natural sweetness of the citrus. Mix up your fruits. Tart grapefruits, Meyer Lemons, and mandarins also make great additions. Use what you have locally and have fun.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 Valencia Oranges or Navel Oranges
• 2 Pink Grapefruits
• 1 Blood Orange
• Garnish: Baby Basil Leaves (optional)
Dressing:
• 1 Sprig Rosemary
• 4 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. Amber Honey
• 2 Tsp. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• Pinch of Salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare dressing by whisking oil, vinegar, honey, lemon juice and salt together.
2. Add rosemary sprig and muddle with whisk into dressing. Let sit 10 minutes.
3. While waiting for the dressing to infuse with rosemary, segment fruit by removing peel and pith and slicing into 1/2"" rounds. Arrange on platter.
4. Remove rosemary and any needles that have come off the sprig from dressing. Give it a final whisk to combine all ingredients. It should look thick and creamy.
5. Generously drizzle dressing over citrus segments. Garnish with optional baby basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Pro Tip:

The longer the infusion the stronger the rosemary flavor. You can leave the dressing to infuse in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure to whisk until creamy and thick before serving.

SMOKED SALMON TOAST

These light sandwiches, with the crunch of zesty red radishes and the silky texture of smoked salmon, are filling but not overwhelming.

PREP TIME

15 MINS.

COOK TIME

0 MINS

TOTAL TIME

15 MINS

SERVING

6 - 8

SMOKED SALMON TOAST

Turn off the grill and bring out some lighter fare like these Smoked Salmon Toasts. Your guests will appreciate the break from summer's grilled meat options.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 oz. package of Smoked Salmon
• 8 oz. package cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 radishes, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts
• 8 slices of asiago cheese bread (alt: pumpernickel, Russian black bread, or your favorite nutty bread)
• 1/2 lemon (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Lightly toast slices of bread. Let cool for a minute to prevent cream cheese from melting.
2. Spread on cream cheese and layer on one slice of smoked salmon, a few slices of radishes, and a pinch of sprouts.
3. Optional, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the finished toast slices.
4. Serve immediately.

PRO TIP:

These make excellent finger sandwiches. Just cover with another slice of toast and cut into quarters diagonally.

THE BEST CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Charcuterie boards are an easy way to feed a crowd, especially when time is limited and no one wants to light the stove.

PREP TIME

15 MINS

COOK TIME

0 MINS

TOTAL TIME

15 MINS

SERVING

8 - 10

THE BEST CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Building a board is all about playing with combinations and adding unexpected elements. Don't feel trapped by convention. Serve a variety of different milk cheeses, combine Italian and Spanish meats, add chocolate covered fruits — let your imagination be your guide.

INGREDIENTS

Quality Crackers and sliced French Bread — try a variety of flavors and textures

Cheese:
• 1 French Soft White Rind Cheese — Brie, Camembert or Langres
• 1 Fresh Cheese — Feta or Goat Cheese
• 1 Semi-hard Cheese — Comté or Chavignol

Meats:
• 2 oz. Prosciutto
• 2 oz. Parma Salami

Enhancements — pick your favorites:
• Red seedless grapes
• Sliced sweet apple — Honeycrisp or Pink Lady
• Membrillo
• Green pimento olives
• Cornichons
• Roasted almonds
• Truffle infused honey
• Red pepper jam or jelly
• Dark chocolate pieces

DIRECTIONS

Arrange your board in a whimsical manner, letting elements cascade over the edges. Resist the urge to match everything up in tidy assortments. Instead, set cheeses, meats and fruits together. The board should invite experimentation, encouraging guests to try different combinations. Do not precut your cheeses or preassemble crackers with toppings. Take care to have a cheese knife and spoon for every element.

Pro Tip:

Most cheeses are best served at room temperature, too cold and the flavors are muted, too hot and the textures will melt or sweat. Arrange the board 15 mins before your guests arrive and keep lightly covered in a cool, indoor space until it's ready to eat.

DARK CHOCOLATE CANDIED CITRUS

These bittersweet confections are a pleasant ending to a light picnic.

PREP TIME

10 MINS.
(24 HRS. DRYING TIME)

COOK TIME

60 MINS.

TOTAL TIME

70 MINS.
(24 HRS. DRYING)

SERVING

APPROX. 12 PIECES

DARK CHOCOLATE CANDIED CITRUS

Citrus and dark chocolate are a marriage made in heaven. The bitterness of chocolate alongside the sweet and tart flavor notes of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits make the perfect ending to an apéritif hour, especially paired with a last glass of Chandon Garden Spritz.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

Arrange your board in a whimsical manner, letting elements cascade over the edges. Resist the urge to match everything up in tidy assortments. Instead, set cheeses, meats and fruits together. The board should invite experimentation, encouraging guests to try different combinations. Do not precut your cheeses or pre assemble crackers with toppings. Take care to have a cheese knife and spoon for every element.

Pro Tip:

PLAY

An apéritif is a drink meant to stimulate the appetite and conversation at the beginning of a gathering. Bring the elegance of this French tradition home with you by hosting an apéritif hour of your own.

GARDEN PICNIC APÉRITIF

ADD WHIMSY

Forget the paper plates and pull out the china, silver, and cake stands. Nothing has to match and you will get points for creativity.

PLAY DRESS UP

This occasion calls for wide-brimmed hats, seersucker cotton, and as much color as your layers will allow.

BRING WONDERLAND HOME

Set up a game of croquet or play a round of cards, like Hearts.

POOLSIDE APÉRITIF

GET PLAYFUL

Not just for kids — add some fun to your pool with some novelty inflatable floats.

KICK IT UP A NOTCH

A good host is prepared — a spectacular host is a mind reader. Have extra towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water bottles in baskets ready for your guests poolside so they won't have to ask. And don't forget the shatterproof glasses for your Chandon Garden Spritz.

MASTER YOUR PLAYLIST

Set the tone of your pool party with a curated playlist, whether it be energy-pumped pop or laid-back jazz.

MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE

Offer your guests a variety of seating — in the shade, in the sun, and, for the non-swimmers, away from the splashing.

FIREFLIES AT DUSK

ADD A CONVERSATION STARTER

As the hors d'oeuvres and Chandon Garden Spritz are served, introduce a playful element by stargazing through a telescope.

TWINKLE LIGHTS

Not just for the holidays, these lovely strings of light will make your outdoor gathering magical.

GET COZY

The afternoon heat will keep guests in tanks and shorts, but as the sun goes down so does the temperature. Have some shawls and throws about to keep them warm.