Washington, D.C. - December 26, 2008

A Cup o’ Kindness Yet

First Snow Champagne Cocktail Recipe

Baby, it’s cold outside — and you’re out of presents. Get in a New Year’s state of mind with a nip of the civilized stuff: this light, wintry champagne cocktail from Derek Brown of The Gibson.

First Snow
Serves one

Ingredients
½ oz. sweet or late-harvest muscat
¾ oz. premium vodka
½ oz. white cranberry juice
¼ oz. lime juice
3 oz. champagne (methode traditionelle)
Cranberries, for garnish
Mint leaf, for garnish
Powdered sugar

1. Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

2. Add muscat and reduce by half to create muscat syrup, then let the mixture cool to room temperature.

3. Mix together the syrup, vodka, and juices.

4. Shake vigorously in a martini shaker filled with ice.

5. Pour into a champagne flute and top with champagne. Garnish with cranberries and a mint leaf that has been dusted with powdered sugar.

6. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Taste more of Brown’s concoctions at The Gibson, 2009 14th Street NW, between U and V Streets (202-232-2156).