Champagne. Strawberries. Champagne & Strawberries... ahhh, YUM!


Ingredients
2/3 oz / 2cl Grand Marnier
Dash brandy
Dash champagne
5 to 6 strawberries, minus stems and cut in half

And…
Chilled champagne flutes
Sharp knife to slit in strawberries
Extra strawberries and small sprig of fresh mint for garnish

Advance preparation: Blend the strawberries, Grand Marnier and brandy for a few moments, or until smooth. Place in a covered container in the refrigerator for a few hours to chill.

  1. Pour the chilled fruit mixture into each chilled champagne flute until about a quarter full, and then add the champagne in a measured way so that each drink is level
  2. Stir gently, almost lifting the liquid: You don’t want to create a froth. Garnish with a strawberry and a small sprig of mint set on the rim.

Reprinted with permission from Cocktails for Wimps, © 2002 by Salvatore Calabrese, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Photo © istock/Nick Free