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Bubble Up in 2013

New Years Eve may have come and gone, but 'tis still the season for light and refreshing winter cocktails with a bit of fizz.

By Allison Jones December 31, 2012

Two sparkling cocktails from Tasty n Sons, the Figgy Stardust and Golden Delicious.

While the popularity of bubbles in a flute reaches its peak on December 31st, sparkling winter cocktails don't go out of style in January. Whether you want to hold on to the holiday season a bit longer, or are craving some lighter sips to pair with your New Years resolutions, these bars and restaurants are serving up sparkling cocktails fit for toasting any night.

Tasty n Sons: Bar mavens Dori Prange and Christina Markowski have crafted several original cava cocktails at this North Williams brunch staple. The Golden Delicious (featuring Clear Creek apple brandy, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, angostura bitters, cava, and candied ginger) is a warming winter charmer, and the Figgy Stardust showcases Imbue Petal and Thorn aperitif wine, black cherry juice, Presidente brandy, cava, and Brooklyn Hemispherical Black Mission Fig bitters. 

Beaker & Flask: My pick for the best sparkling cocktail of the season is Beaker's Coming Attractions, a playful and way-too-drinkable creation filled with housemade pinot noir grenadine, Bonal, Herbsaint, and French sparkling cider. Who said all bubbles needed to come from grapes? 727 SE Washington St; 503-235-8180

Secret Society: This Victorian-era music hall and cocktail serves up a wide selection of equally old-world sparkling classics like Hemingway's bubble creation Death in the Afternoon (with absinthe and champagne) or the Spritz (an Italian stand-by combining prosecco and Aperol). 116 NE Russell; 503-493-3600

Clyde Common: The talented team behind the bar at Clyde swap bottled bubbles for custom carbonation in their sparkling cocktails, but if you prefer your effervescent sips alongside a plate of eggs? The new list of brunch cocktails features the Bowie Knife, with gin, lemon, and sparkling brut rosé. 1014 SW Stark St; 503-228-3333

Sapphire Hotel: You'll find a reliable selection of $7 bubbly concoctions at this SE Hawthorne date night go-to, from the traditional Bellini to the Seven Sins (with bourbon, Chartreuse, lemon, and honey) or the Sleep Over (made with Strega, Aperol, grapefruit, and bitters). 5008 SE Hawthorne Blvd; 503-232-6333

Cocotte: For a masculine take on the sparkling cocktail, head to this NE Killingsworth French bistro and order up the L'Assurance, spiked with Manmousseau Brut Etoile, Eliser M.P. Roux, lemon juice, and angostura bitters. Almost savory, this one-of-a-kind cocktail is bursting with spice and warmth. 2930 NE Killingsworth St; 503-227-2669

The Driftwood Room: This retro-chic hideaway anchors its entire Happy Hour around Champagne cocktails like the Portland ‘85 (with Clear Creek pear brandy, Clear Creek pear liqueur, and Champagne), the Springtime in Paris (St Germain elderflower liqueur, rhubarb bitters, and champagne), or the Elizabeth Taylor (featuring crème de violette and Champagne). Every night from 3 to 6 pm and 9 pm to close, each bubbly cocktail is available for just $6 in one of the swankiest settings around. 729 SW 15th Ave; 503-820-2076 

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