pop the bubbly

As you're planning your New Year's Eve party, consider adding some of these yummy champagne cocktails to the menu.Ginger Sparkler(makes 8 cocktails)2 teaspoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger1/2 cup sugar1 bottle (750 ml) dry sparkling wine, such as Cava, Prosecco, or Champagne1. Set a fine-mesh sieve over a small bowl; set aside. In a small saucepan, boil ginger, sugar, and 1/4 cup water until syrupy, about 2 minutes. Pour through sieve into bowl, discarding solids. (To store syrup, refrigerate in an airtight container, up to 1 week.)2. Pour 1 tablespoon syrup into each of 8 tall glasses. Top with sparkling wine, and gently stir. Menning Mimosa(makes 1 cocktail)6 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice2 tablespoons orange flavored liqueur, such as Grand MarnierProsecco, chilledFresh mint leaf1. In a Champagne flute, mix together orange juice, lemon juice, and liqueur.2. Fill with Prosecco.3. Garnish with mint leaf and serve immediately.Pear-Lemon Fizz(makes 1 cocktail)Ice cubes1 tablespoon pear vodka1 1/2 tablespoons Lemon Verbena Simple Syrup1 tablespoon fresh lemon juiceChampagne, for topping off (about 1/2 cup)1 fresh lemon verbena leaf, for garnish1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, syrup, and lemon juice. Shake, and then strain into a glass. 2. Top off with Champagne. Garnish with lemon verbena.Southside Royale(makes 1 cocktail)4 tablespoons gin1 1/2 tablespoons simple syrup1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juiceChampagneSprig of mint1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, simple syrup and lime juice.2. Shake until chilled, then strain into a flute.3. Top with Champagne. Garnish with the sprig of mint.Champagne Mojito(makes 12 cocktails)3/4 cup sugar3/4 cup water1 1/2 cups packed mint leaves, plus 12 mint sprigs for garnish6 limes, cut into wedges2 cups light rumCracked ice3 cups Champagne or sparkling wine1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water and cook over high heat just until the sugar has dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.2. In a large pitcher, combine the sugar syrup with the mint leaves and lime wedges and muddle well with a wooden spoon. Add the rum and stir well. Strain the drink into another pitcher.3. Fill tall glasses with cracked ice and pour in the drink, filling them about two-thirds full. Top with Champagne, garnish with the mint sprigs and serve.MAKE AHEAD The mojitos can be prepared through Step 2. Refrigerate the mojitos in the pitcher overnight.ginger sparkler, menning mimosa, and pear-lemon fizz recipes and images via martha stewart. southside royale and champagne mojito recipes and images via foodandwine.com.