Crimson Spice Champagne Cocktail  Ingredients:       2 quarts  cranberry juice cocktail    8 slices  (quarter size and about 1/8 in. thick) peeled fresh ginger       2 cinnamon sticks (about 3 in. long)    2 whole star anise       1/3 cup  cognac or brandy    8 cups  Champagne or other sparkling wine about 2 2/3 bottles chilled       32 to 48  fresh cranberries, rinsed, or frozen cranberries (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a 3 1/2- to 4-quart pan, combine cranberry juice, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Boil over high heat until reduced to 2 cups, about 1 hour. Let cool about 30 minutes, then pour through a fine strainer into a small pitcher. Chill syrup until cold, at least 1 1/2 hours. 2. For each serving, pour 2 tablespoons of the cranberry syrup and 1 teaspoon cognac into a Champagne flute (6 to 8 oz.). Add 1/2 cup (4 oz.) Champagne. Garnish with 2 or 3 cranberries if desired.

Comments:

For a nonalcoholic alternative, substitute lemon-lime or club soda for the cognac and Champagne. If making syrup up to 1 week ahead, chill airtight.

Categories:  Alcoholic drinks

Estimated Serving:  16

Estimated preparation time:  10 min.

Language:  English

Shared by:  Jilly    2009/12/30