Recipe by Amy Eggers

One of the main reasons I get so excited about the holidays is because I get to entertain. Creating an atmosphere that's welcoming, relaxing and interesting extends to your home as well as what's served in your bar and kitchen. Whether it's a small get-together for four or a party for 30, this cocktail delivers sweet, savory and bubbly. It's my take on one of my favorite classic cocktails, the French 75. My version combines the bubbles of sparkling wine with cranberry rosemary simple syrup and citrus. If you're not a fan of rosemary, you can easily omit this ingredient. Do not shy away from making your own simple syrup. It's one of the easiest and most flavorful elements you can add to your cocktail game or even to iced teas and mocktails. It's uncomplicated, yet interesting and easy to make for a crowd. Enjoy! Cranberry Rosemary Simple Syrup (can be done in advance):

1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

1/4 cup rosemary leaves

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

In a medium saucepan, bring cranberries, rosemary leaves, sugar and water to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let cook for about 10 minutes, then remove from heat and let steep for about 20 minutes. Strain into vessel, leaving cranberries and rosemary leaves out. This can be refrigerated for up to one month.

VIP75 RECIPE

VIP Spritz

1 oz gin

1/2 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed is best (can be done in advance)

1/2 oz cranberry rosemary simple syrup

3 oz Champagne or other sparkling wine

Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup into cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled

Strain into a flute or coupe glass and top with Champagne

Garnish with lemon twist, rosemary sprig or fresh pomegranate arils