I am plotting a Mother's Day brunch and right now I have bubbly on the brain. I love having a little sip of something cool, bubbly, and sweet to start off a special weekend brunch. Here's my current favorite: crisp, inexpensive Spanish cava with a touch of elderflower syrup.

When it comes to refreshing, effervescent wines, there are many alternatives to pricey Champagne. I love prosecco, from Italy, and cava, from Spain. Mary our wine writer has written extensively on the joys of cava; you can check out her recommendations here:

• Cava: Sparkling Wines of Character, Versatility & Value

I love cava's crisp, dry fruitiness, and I usually don't try to gild the lily. But sometimes, as on Mother's Day, it's nice to add a little twist. Here I add elderflower (or elderberry flower) syrup, easily found at specialty grocers and at IKEA. I add a little lemon to make sure things don't get too sweet, and drop in some raspberries for sparkle and color.

It's a lovely sipper on a spring morning, or evening, or really any time you have something (or someone) special to toast.

More Elderflower Sippers:
• Blackberry Elderflower Spritzer with Mint - Non-alcoholic.
• Orange and Elderflower Spritzer - Also non-alcoholic.
• Elderflower Cordial Cocktail

(Images: Faith Durand)