mimosas in the sun

june is the very last month of the mystery box cupcake challenge, and the theme is fizzy! please vote for me!

to be honest, it took me a while to decide which way to go on this. i thought about creating a volcano or using word play (something about phys. ed.)... but none of that really motivated me. finally, i found the answer: booze.

in life, booze is so rarely the answer. in my baking, however, it's becoming more common! pina colada muffins, mojito cupcakes, and eggnog fudge... oh, my! even though - and perhaps because - i don't drink very often, i find playing off cocktails to be a wonderful creative outlet.

i have to say, though, that i took things up a notch with these champagne and citrus cupcakes, inspired by the mimosa-esque buck's fizz! the staple of fancy brunches and afternoon weddings, the mimosa evokes light, lightheadedness, and joy.

and, if i do say so myself, so do my mimosa in the sun cupcakes!

let me walk you through the process:

the lemon cake base was infused with champagne and a touch of freshly-squeezed orange juice.

post-bake, champagne syrup was drizzled over the still-warm cupcakes and allowed to soak in.

the following day, after marinating, a champagne frosting was applied along with a twist of orange peel as garnish.

these tasty, refreshing desserts now only awaited the final touch: sugar bubbles representing the effervescent celebration that champagne has come to connote.

my participation in these challenges has pushed me to work on my technique, rather than rely on my puns. it has introduced me to piping technique, filigree, creative ingredients (jell-o!), unexpected flavour combinations (chocolate and cheese, anyone!), and - this month - sugar work.

so, while those i live with won't necessarily miss the sticky fridge handle and the whir of the handheld blender, i'll miss these little adventures, jamieanne. thanks for inspiring me to come up with my own!

The winner of June’s Mystery Box Cupcake Challenge will receive prizes from:

• Angela's Images; a selection of handmade crafts
• Bake It Pretty; a $5 online gift card
• Beanilla; a $7 online gift card
• cupcakewrappers.com; 2 packs of cupcake wrappers
• Miss Kitty Creations; a handmade cupcake charm of your choice
• Simply Caked; 600 brown greaseproof cupcake liners
• Sweet Cuppin Cakes; a $5 online gift card
• Tundra Books; 3 children's books

Thank you to all our prize sponsors!