Champagne Toast to the New Year!

Happy new year everyone! I had a great little break in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I brought some adorable mini bottles of champagne back with me (had some trouble in customs, no big deal). Argentina is known for their wine, specifically Malbec, but I am not a big fan of red wine so I opted for some Argentinian sparkling wine.

Just an FYI, it can not be called champagne unless it comes from, well Champagne France! But, I like to break the rules. :)

I made three tasty champagne cocktails that would be a great addition to any New Years party or anything celebratory!

I'll start with the basics:

First you need to make a simple syrup.

Simple Syrup is equal parts water and sugar (or less water more sugar depending on how thick you want it to be) boiled until syrupy!

Then add your major flavor components.

For example, the sweet lavender champagne called for adding the the dried lavender once the syrup had formed.

With the orange ginger sparkler you boil the ginger and orange peel with the sugar and water.

Make sure you drain the ingredients out of the syrups and let them cool completely before adding to your beverage!

Another fun and great addition to these drinks are the details.

For the Orange Ginger Sparkler I added little swirls of orange peel and orange sugar rims to the glasses.

It's time to assemble:

Pour and enjoy!

Orange Ginger Sparkler:

Sweet Lavender Champagne:

This cocktail was my favorite. It had a delicate aroma and sweet taste of lavender. Just add lavender simple syrup to champagne. You can garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender (when in season)! A great way to add a boost to something traditional.

Can you imagine a glass of this aromatic champagne paired with my summer harvest roasted tomato cheese tarts? I think they would compliment each other really well!

Pear & Cranberry Bellini:

This recipe does not call for simple syrup. It's very easy to make and mix. Just use the syrup from canned pears and cranberry cocktail juice. Then add some champagne stir and enjoy.

Cheers to 2011!