After a whirlwind Christmas week we arrived in Palm Beach just in time to celebrate New Years Eve. We're having some friends over for cocktails and then have a fun night on the town planned. (These images from the trailer of Baz Luhrmann's Great Gatsby movie are so glamorous and great New Year's inspiration! Originally planned to be released this month we'll now have to wait until next summer)
It wouldn't be New Years without a glass or two of champagne.
Festive and so delicious--a chilled flute of bubbly is the quintessential celebratory cocktail!
I love a classic champagne cocktail--a Kir Royal is my go to drink when I want something light and elegant
Champagne
Creme de Cassis
Pour chilled champagne into glass and add 1/2 oz. creme de cassis. Stir gently.
You don't have to be a Francophile to be enchanted with the French 75
4 oz. champagne
1/2 oz. simple syrup
1/2 oz. lemon juice
1.5 oz. VSOP cognac
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the cognac, simple syrup and lemon juice and shake well. Strain into martini glass and top with champagne.
But this year I'll be ringing in 2013 with A Kiss Goodnight!
4 oz. champagne
splash of Campari
dash of bitters
1 sugar cube
Pour Campari into flute followed by champagne. Drop the bitter onto the sugar cube and drop the cube into the glass.
With cocktails I'll serve a tray of my delicious Pimento Cheese canapes--a little spicy, definitely delicious!
Pimento Cheese Canapes
Ingredients6 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, coarsely grated (2 cups)
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
3/8 cup mayonnaise
1/8 cup finely diced bottled roasted red pepper (rinse and pat dry first)
1/2 baguette
- Preheat broiler.
- Stir together all ingredients, except baguette, plus 1/8 teaspoon pepper and salt to taste.
- Slice baguette crosswise 1/3 inch thick and spread bread thickly with cheese mixture.
- Broil 5 to 6 inches from heat until cheese is bubbling and browned, about 2 minutes.
Whether you're planning a fun night on the town or a romantic evening at home--I hope you have a fabulous New Year's celebration and wish you all good health and happiness for coming year!
