Wednesday Weekend Warm Up

It's hard to believe that 2010 is almost here! For those of you planning to ring in the new year with a little bubbly, here are some fun recipe ideas for serving up your midnight champagne toast with a twist:

1. Pomegranate Champagne
Ingredients:

• 4 oz champagne
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 1 teaspoon cassis 

Directions:

Pour chilled champagne into a flute, then add pomegranate juice and cassis. Enjoy!

2. Blood Orange French 75

Ingredients:

• 3 blood oranges (about 1 pound)
• 1 1/2 cups gin
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon angostura bitters
• 2 750-ml bottles chilled Champagne

Directions:

Cut 1 orange in half through stem. Cut each orange half crosswise into 6 slices; reserve for garnish. Using small knife, cut peel and white pith from remaining 2 oranges; chop oranges. Transfer chopped oranges with juices to bowl; mash with potato masher or wooden spoon. Stir in gin, sugar, and bitters. Strain into 2-cup measuring cup, pressing on solids to release liquid. Chill 4 hours. Pour scant 2 tablespoons gin mixture into each of 12 glasses; fill with Champagne and garnish with orange.

3. Chambord and Champagne

Ingredients:

• 4 oz chilled Champagne
• 1/2 oz Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur 

Directions:

Pour the champagne into a champagne flute. Add a healthy splash of Chambord, and serve.

4. Strawberry Champagne Cocktail

Ingredients:

• .5 oz strawberry liqueur
  
• 1 oz vodka
  
• Pink Champagne

Directions:
Combine strawberry liqueur and vodka in an ice-filled shaker. Shake well and strain into a champagne glass. Top with chilled champagne.

CHEERS!

by: Jennifer Sbranti - Real Simple