| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 1 hr 50 min |
| Prep: | 10 min |
| Inactive: | 30 min |
| Cook: | 1 hr 10 min |
| Yield: | about 8 servings |
Ingredients
- 4 cups 100-percent Concord grape juice
- One 8-inch sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 1/2-inch square cube crystallized ginger
- 1 teaspoon aged balsamic vinegar
- One 750 ml bottle rose champagne, chilled
- Orange bitters
- Concord grapes, halved, for serving
- Orange rinds, for serving
Instructions
- For the Concord grape syrup: Combine the grape juice, rosemary and ginger in a 2-quart saucepan. Reduce the mixture for 1 hour over medium-low heat. When the mixture has reduced by half, add the balsamic and continue cooking until the mixture has reduced by half again, about 10 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes. Strain and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For the cocktails: Add 1 ounce of the grape syrup to each champagne flute. Top with 4 ounces champagne and 2 to 3 dashes of bitters. Top each glass with a skewered grape half and orange rind piece.
Reviews
OMG! What a hit it was. We used seltzer water for a non-alcoholic version instead of champagne for the kids. Everyone loved it! Making it again right now for this Xmas!
This drink is amazing! I made it last year for a Christmas party, and the host is begging me to bring it back. Is definitely a holiday must for my family now.
I’m always looking for yummy brunch cocktails, but this wasn’t quite it. I love rosemary, but it was just too strong for a drink once the mixture reduced. I might try this again without the rosemary because I like the grape and ginger flavors.
What a lovely idea! This was completely different than the beverages usually served and everyone loved it. I will be making this again for Christmas Eve dinner but may add fresh orange zest during the reduction process. Thanks Alton!
This was an awesome cocktail for Thanksgiving dinner. So easy to make and such a hit with everyone. I suggest making at least 3 batches for about 12 people and 3 bottles of the rose’ champaign. Boiling this drink creates such an aromatic fiesta in your house. Excellent drink Alton!
This was such a change from the usual fizz cocktail. Very tasty. Highly recommended!!