New Year's Eve and Champagne

It's New Year's Eve and at midnight people will be toasting the new year of 2010 with champagne. Now, if you're looking to do something with the champagne rather than just toast with a glass of the bubbly, you're in the right spot. Today, I have recipes that include champagne as one of the ingredients. For the designated driver or other non-drinkers (like those under 21), simply substitute sparkling grape juice.

Leading off on our menu this evening is the Bellini. As with most champagne drinks, you'll probably want to use a champagne flute. You'll first drop in 1 tbsp of pureed peach (or another fruit you like) into the bottom of the glass and then fill it with champagne.

Next on our list is the French Lift. Fill a champagne flute halfway with champagne. Pour in a dash of grenadine, and then fill it the rest of the way with sparkling water. Garnish it with 3-4 blueberries.

In the third spot in the order today is the Bird of Paradise. This time, you'll fill a wine glass 3/4 with ice and then fill that 3/4 with champagne. Fill the rest with pineapple juice leaving room for a dash of grenadine.

And in the cleanup spot in today's lineup is the Death in the Afternoon. Place a sugar cube in a champagne flute and drop 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters on it (the bitters are optional). Next, pour in 1 oz. of absinthe before filling the glass with champagne.

I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday and remember, please drink responsibly.