Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
I think not.
And let’s not ignore the bubbles, either.
Champagne and sparkling wine have long been staples of New Year’s celebrations. They’ve also helped inspire a range of classic cocktails. Here are three great ways to bring them into the mix as you raise a glass to 2022.
The French 75
Dating to the early 1900s and named for a French artillery field gun, this classic originally featured Cognac. In today’s iterations, gin gives it extra kapow.
1 ounce London dry gin
1/2-ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
4 ounces, Champagne, or dry sparkling wine, chilled
In a shaker combine gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake well and strain into a Champagne flute. Top with chilled Champagne and garnish with lemon curl. This could also be served in a highball glass with ice.
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The Champagne Cocktail
Low in alcohol, high in deliciousness, this refreshing favorite almost needs no introduction.
5 ounces Champagne, chilled
1 small sugar cube
3 dashes Angostura bitters
1/2-ounce Cognac (optional)
Start by placing a sugar cube in the bottom of the Champagne flute. Add three dashes of bitters, followed by the Champagne. Stir gently with a mixing spoon.
The sugar cube will dissolve slowly, encouraging more carbonation in the cocktail. This adds to its allure. If you wish, add Cognac for extra punch.
The Bellini
Widely linked to summertime and Sunday brunches, the combination of Prosecco and lush, white peach purée is welcome any time of year.
Look for Prosecco with DOCG on the label. That stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, and it means it’s legit.
2 ounces white peach purée
4 ounces Prosecco
Sliced peach for garnish
Add purée to a Champagne flute then pour in Prosecco. Gently stir twice and garnish with peach slice.
Some recipes call for peach schnapps or peach liqueur. Listen, if you want to put wheels on your dog and call it a Datsun, have at it. I’m not going to stop you. But this is the original, and I recommend it.
Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy year ahead.