Mary Kay Andrews: The Newcomer Prosecco Sippers (Shark Bites)

I wanted deliciously beachy, no-fuss recipes that could be served poolside, packed into a cooler for the beach, or beautifully arrayed on a hostess’s table for your The Newcomer book club gathering (see menu). My book club besties usually bring LOTS of wine to our gatherings, but why not surprise everyone with a fun twist on the Prosecco Sippers from my Beach House Cookbook? Use frozen or fresh strawberries and raspberries instead of peaches, and macerate with a little sugar to transform this cocktail into an entirely new creation I call Pink Shark Bites—a fun reference to the sharks—real and symbolic, that seem to be circling our heroine Letty. -Mary Kay Andrews   Book Club Buzz: Author book club menu, note The Newcomer Recipe Party

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THE NEWCOMER Prosecco Sippers A beachy book club cocktail from author Mary Kay Andrews to accompany her novel, THE NEWCOMER. Course: Drinks Keyword: Cocktail, Prosecco, Prosecco Sipper Prep Time: 45m Servings: 1 quart – 1/2 cup sugar – 1-1/2 cups chopped fresh fruit such as peaches or berries – Thinly sliced lemons – Fresh herb sprigs, such as mint, basil and lemon balm – 1 (750 ml) bottle prosecco 1) Combine sugar with 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, and cook until sugar dissolves. Let cool. 2)  For each drink, pour about 1 tablespoon of sugar syrup into an old-fashioned glass, and add the desired amount of chopped fruit. Mash with a muddler or wooden spoon. Add a lemon slice and herb sprig, and muddle. Top with ice cubes and prosecco, and serve.