I don't know about you, but I have an extreme weakness for bubbles. Generally, I'm a purist, but I do enjoy a mimosa or a champagne cocktail every once in a while. OK, really... I just love drinking sparkling wine — in any format. I recently had the immense pleasure of staying at the beautiful Graycliff Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas and they served the most delicious little champagne cocktail. At the time, surrounded by palms and blue skies, I wasn't particularly focused on the holiday season. But upon reflection, it would make a deliciously festive bubbly drink for any holiday occasion. [caption id="attachment_3103" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="The Graycliff Champagne Cocktail — photo courtesy of Graycliff Hotel"] [/caption] Here is their recipe: GRAYCLIFF CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL Makes 8 2 ounces apple brandy, such as Calvados ½ ounce orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier ½ ounce black raspberry liqueur, such as Chambord 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Simple Syrup 3 tablespoons chopped apple 2 dashes Angostura bitters 2 (750 ml) bottles dry Champagne 8 maraschino cherries, for garnish 8 orange wedges, for garnish 8 lime twists, for garnish 1. In a glass measuring cup, combine brandy, orange liqueur, black raspberry liqueur, simple syrup, apple, and bitters. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 2. Strain brandy mixture, discarding solids. Pour 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon strained liquid into each of 8 champagne flutes. Top with champagne. Garnish each glass with a cherry, orange wedge, and a lime twist. Serve immediately. Simple syrup is easy enough to make and is a great thing to have on hand for mixing cocktails. Just combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a saucepan, then bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Turn off the heat and let it cool. Are you a purist or do you enjoy sparkling wine in a mixed drink, too?