It’s
time to give champagne a makeover. Although the bubbly has quite a
following, there’s no reason to avoid jazzing it up for your next
holiday party. With a few extra ingredients, you can turn the standard
Brut into several creative and classy concoctions that will stand out
in a crowd.
M consulted with local bartenders at three of the city’s hippest
spots to share insider tips for impressing your guests with exotic
champagne drinks this New Year’s Eve. Trust us — it’s not your
mother’s Mimosa.
X-Mas in Pink Martini
Drizzle Raspberry Sauce inside a large martini glass
Pour over ice in a martini shaker:
1 1/2 ounces Pink X-Rated Vodka
1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
Shake until chilled. Strain into martini glass. Fill the rest of
the glass with your favorite champagne. Top it off with a few frozen
raspberries for a festive touch.
— Submitted by Amber Rose, Mantra Lounge
Cham-politan
Over ice in a martini shaker, combine:
1 1/2 ounces Grey Goose Orange
1/2 ounce Cointreau
1/2 ounce cranberry juice
Two squeezes lime
Shake well and strain into champagne flute; top off with champagne.
Garnish with a twist of orange peel
— Submitted by Jack Teich, Palms
Holiday Lava Lamp
1 package red or green Jello
1 cup boiling water
1 cup Zygo or Peach Stoli
Champagne
In a medium bowl, stir together Jello and boiling water until
dissolved. Stir in vodka. Pour into small paper cups. Chill until set.
Pour champagne into glasses. Break up Jello with a fork and pour into
the champagne glass. Stir to fizz.
— Submitted by Andrea Ammend, Carnevor
