Champagne Cosmo

Here is a tasty sparkling beverage that's easy to prepare and even easier to drink. The original recipe calls for Grand Marnier, but I didn't have any so I substituted Cointreau without any problems. I also didn't use the lime zests, and what do you know ... it still turned out fine. I found this in Fine Cooking. The recipe can be halved.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
• 1/2 cup Grand Marnier or Cointreau
• 3 Tbs. fresh lime juice
• 8 thin strips of lime zest (from 2 limes), each about 1/4 inch wide and 3 inches long
• 2 bottles (750 ml) brut sparkling wine or Champagne, chilled

Instructions

1. Combine the cranberry juice, Grand Marnier/Cointreau, and lime juice in a small pitcher and mix well. 
2. Hold a lime strip over a tall Champagne flute, twist or tie it into a single knot to release the essential oils, and drop the zest into the flute. Repeat for each flute. (optional)
3. Divide the juice mixture equally among the flutes, and top each flute with sparkling wine.

Serves 8 (or less!)