When considering a holiday beverage, my vote is for a Chambord and Champagne cocktail. I prefer to use a dry sparkling white wine with a sweet raspberry liqueur (Chambord). The combination of tart and sweet blends together to make a delightful flavor. This fancy and easy-to-make beverage is great for the holidays because the red color is quite festive. I recommend making a pitcher because it quickly disappears. 

When visiting my childhood friend Mimi in Spokane or Las Vegas, we have a traditional cocktail hour. On one mini vacation, I brought all the fixings for a Kir Royale Cocktail (aka Chambord and champagne). Enjoying a cocktail hour as a precursor to dinner adds a dash of flair to our time together and reminds me of Claire, Mimi’s mom,  who enjoyed a glass of white wine each day at 5 pm. I recommend turning your pre-dinner drinks into an experience. The cocktail hour is more than just a boozing it up; it can be liquid artistry with a dash of fun that sets the stage for a memorable dinner party. Cheers to that!

Ingredients

• 4 oz. Chambord 
• 1 bt. Champagne or sparkling white wine
• Lemon twirl (from the skin of a lemon) 
• Fresh Raspberries

Directions

• This is the easiest drink to make. First, add Chambord to a pitcher. 
• Then fill with champagne.
• Add three raspberries to the glass.
• Don’t forget the lemon twirl – that’s the essential part. It adds a bit of acidity to the sweet champagne cocktail, so it’s perfectly balanced. Drag the lemon peel around the glass for a bit of lemon in every sip.