Time for some Cocktails! So, champagne is always on my NYE agenda, but I like to mix it up with some Spirit(s) too! This year I will probably drink an Andre Clouet, Paul Roger or Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rose champagne. Maybe I'll even treat myself to some great truffles...I only eat chocolate when it's really, really good. :) But I will start the night with some sort of bubbly cocktail.

Last year I talked about Wine-tales, so on that same wave length I want to talk about champagne cocktails and spirits...There is nothing more elegant next to a glass of true champagne then a champagne cocktail. Soft light bubbles paired perfectly with a complimenting spirit or liqueur. They are great drinks to serve when you've got a mix and mingle crowd and they are really easy to make....you just need bubbles and cordials/spirits.

As far as bubbles go, it's always good to have some well made champagne for sipping, but try some other sparkling wines for mixing or when pouring for a crowd. Prosecco is a dry sparkling wine made from the grape of the same name and usually hails from Northern Italy. Cava is a dry white or rose sparkling wine that is produced in Spain. Both are great alternatives to champagne and even sparkling wine from California, which has gotten to be pricey.

Then you need the spirits...there are so many cool and groovy new cordials as well as classic favorites that the possibilities of champagne cocktails are truly endless. Mathilde makes a gorgeous lineup of liqueurs (pear, raspberry, peach, blackberry) which when added to bubbles create yummy treats. You can use Amaretto, Limoncello, Flavored Vodkas and even Tequila and a twist! Just about anything will work, except for maybe heavier cream based liqueurs.

So, invite over a handful of friends, tell them all to bring a bottle of sparkling wine, like a Cava or Prosecco. And, as the host you can supply the spirits/mixers/cordials/liqueurs.
Of course I have my favorite sparkling cocktails that are easy to make and are absolutely delicious...take a looksie...I have something for everyone at  your party!

Recipes featured on KXAN, on Saturday morning news, 12-26-09

For the Sweet Classicist
KIR ROYALE, an ounce of Chambord and 4 ounces of sparkling wine. garnish with a raspberry

For the Rich Palate
VELVET AMBER, an ounce of Grand Marnier, a half ounce of cranberry juice and top with sparkling wine. garnish with a raspberry or twist.

For the Sweet Hipster
ST GERMAIN & CAVA, just how it sounds...a shot of St Germain and top with Cava...you can even serve over ice with a lemon twist

For the Spicy Cool Cat
CANTON COCKTAIL, a shot of Canton, ginger liqueur and top with sparkling wine. garnish with a lime twist.

The sky's the limit on all the cool sips you can make...find your favorite liqueur and just add it to sparkling wine...it's really that simple.

Salute. Sláinte. Prost. Privet. Salut. L'chaim. Salude. Kampai. Skal.
and from me to you...cheers to everyone all over the world...here's to 2010!

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