bridge of sighs

2 oz Marco Bonfante Brachetto d'Acqui Sparkling Wine
1 oz Angostura Bitters
3/4 oz Crème de Cacao
1/2 oz Lemon Juice

Shake the bitters, cacao, and juice with ice. Strain into a wine glass with the sparkling wine and gently stir to mix.
After the Martin Miller event, I made my way over to No. 9 Park where bartender Ted Kilpatrick greeted me. The drink he suggested was the Bridge of Sighs featuring an intriguing sparkling wine from the Piedmont called Marco Brachetto d'Acqui. The recipe was spawned from two guests at the bar who had studied at Cambridge University in England. They had described to Ted the Bridge of Sighs -- a covered bridge built on campus in the early 19th century. Often, the sighs came from the students who crossed the bridge to get their grades from the tutor's office. The brooding aesthetic of this academic landmark set the tone for the drink. The wine itself is a lightly effervescent, raspberryish red wine that traditionally is paired with chocolate and often spoke about around Valentine's Day. Besides the link of the wine with the cacao ingredient, Ted also found similar notes with Angostura Bitters which helped to fortify the drink with its hefty proof.
The Bridge of Sighs offered up an allspice, cherry, and chocolate aroma. The lightly carbonated lemon and chocolate sip had an intriguingly dry and thick mouthfeel. When chilled, the swallow showcased the Angostura's spice followed by a clean finish; as the drink warmed up, the clean finish transitioned into a lingering clove and allspice one.