Sparkling Ginger Cocktails

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We will be toasting one another and our friends this New Year’s Eve with ginger-infused champagne cocktails.

The Gourmet Holiday issue this season was filled with inviting cocktails and hot boozy drinks. The sparkling ginger cocktail recipe caught my eye and I tucked it away, determined to try it during the holidays. Down to the wire as the calendar year comes to a close, we chose it for our cocktail tomorrow evening for a small gathering of friends from our neighborhood.

So seldom do we drink sparkling wine that I usually opt for the best champagne I can afford when we do enjoy a bottle. The Gourmet recipe recommends Prosecco, which would work well for a large crowd of folks, but we will be an intimate gathering this year, so our sparkling ginger cocktails will be a fun splurge.

I have modified the recipe to serve 4 generous cocktails but kept the ginger syrup proportions as originally suggested. Any extra syrup can be mixed with sparkling water for a refreshing and non-alcoholic ginger soda that rivals commercial ginger ale. I am a huge fan of ginger ale, my favorite non-alcoholic drink.

TIP: The syrup can be made in advance and keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge.

Yields: 4 generous cocktails

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup peeled and thinly sliced ginger root
  • 3/4 cup white sugar, divided use
  • 1 tablespoon crystallized ginger, finely chopped
  • 1 Meyer lemon wedge
  • 1 bottle best quality champagne

1. Using a small saucepan, simmer the water, ginger root slices and 1/2 cup of the sugar for 10 minutes, uncovered.

2. Remove from the heat and allow mixture to steep for 15 minutes.

3. Using a fine sieve, strain the mixture into a small bowl. Chill until cold.

4. Using a food processor, grind the crystallized ginger with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and pour into a small plate.

5. Use the lemon wedge to wet the rims of 4 martini glasses. Dip each glass into the ginger sugar.

6. Spoon one tablespoon of chilled syrup into each glass.Fill each glass with champagne. Serve immediately.

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17 Responses to Sparkling Ginger Cocktails

  1. Trevor Sis. Boom December 30, 2011 at 9:23 am #

    I”ve made something similar to this many times and I LOVE it! This will be a great way to usher in the new year!

    • lizthechef December 30, 2011 at 9:40 am #

      Thanks – the ginger syrup makes a great homemade ginger ale too.

  2. Sunchowder - Wendy Read December 30, 2011 at 6:38 pm #

    Have printed this one off, I always keep both fresh and crystallized ginger at the house. This looks to be a delightful drink! Would love to have a cocktail with you dear. Have a beautiful New Year’s, I am wishing you the most peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year, loads of happiness and laughter.

    • lizthechef December 30, 2011 at 6:45 pm #

      Looking forward to our next reunion.Thinking IFBC in Seattle next August – Elizabeth picked it. X0 Thanks for everything.

  3. midnitechef December 30, 2011 at 7:59 pm #

    This sounds refreshing!

  4. TasteFood December 31, 2011 at 7:18 am #

    I love the idea of ginger and champagne. Luckily I have all the ingredients necessary to try it this evening. Happy New Year, Liz!

    • lizthechef December 31, 2011 at 8:13 am #

      Happy New Year – will toast you this evening 😉

  5. Jayne December 31, 2011 at 8:25 am #

    This sounds so good! Have a wonderful, happy, healthy 2012!
    Happy New Year!! xxx

    • lizthechef December 31, 2011 at 10:04 am #

      Happy New Year to you both X0 Liz

  6. Winnie December 31, 2011 at 3:22 pm #

    Beautiful! Happy New Year Liz- hope 2012 is just fabulous 😉

    • lizthechef December 31, 2011 at 3:43 pm #

      So happy to hear from you – Happy 2012 to you. Look forward to more chats next year. X0

  7. Rustic Garden Bistro January 1, 2012 at 11:31 am #

    Hi Liz! I like your choice in the champagne! The yellow label was the first thing I sipped after I eloped to San Francisco last year. We sharted some at the Top of the Mark on a Friday afternoon.

    Hope 2012 brings you much joy, health and happiness. It was good to catch up last month!

    [K]

    • lizthechef January 1, 2012 at 11:56 am #

      Absolutely great to see you and chat – love your most recent post. Your photos are so lovely! And I loved the chicken-egg color trivia!

  8. sippitysup (@sippitysup) January 1, 2012 at 4:19 pm #

    This is a super flavorful version of a Champagnr Cocktail. Happy 12 2 U! GREG

    • lizthechef January 1, 2012 at 8:22 pm #

      Happy New Year to you – thanks again for a lovely holiday party.

  9. The Wimpy Vegetarian January 2, 2012 at 11:47 am #

    This looks lovely, Liz! I love the idea of the ginger sugar too!!

    • lizthechef January 2, 2012 at 3:14 pm #

      Let’s make a date to share some in the new year 😉

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