Ginger Champagne Cocktail
November 30, 2007 by Julie Bonner
Filed under Christmas, Dinner Parties, Food and Drink, Holiday Parties
Are you looking for a cocktail to serve at a Christmas party or New Year’s Eve bash that not only taste good, but may have health benefits as well? If so, then you may be interested in the Ginger Champagne Cocktail recipe that I found in the December issue of SELF magazine.
They say that “ginger may help prevent cancer halting abnormal cell growth”. It also only has about 150 calories per serving. You know what though? I think I would try this drink if it had 1000 calories per serving! It sounds delicious! Here’s the recipe and directions for you:
1/2 cup chopped fresh ginger
2/3 cup plus 2 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. Chinese five spice powder
3 Tbsp. chopped crystallized ginger
8 whole star anise
1 bottle (750 ml) Champagne or sparkling wine
Bring ginger, 2/3 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup water a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce to a simmer; cook until liquid thickens to maple syrup consistency, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool. Strain syrup; discard ginger. Combine Chinese five-spice powder and remaining 2 Tbsp. sugar on a shallow plate. Moisten rim of Champagne flutes with water and dip in sugar. Drop 1 tsp crystallized ginger and 1 star anise into each glass. Add 1 Tbsp syrup and about 3 oz. Champagne.
This makes a beautiful drink and one I think your guests will enjoy. Also, if you are not familiar with Chinese five-spice powder, here’s a recipe for it and you can make it yourself.
Let me know if you make this and how it turns out!
Image source: Set of 12 Champagne Flutes 5-1/2-ounce Glasses
