New Year’s Eve is the perfect occasion to pop open a bottle of bubbly, but to really ring in the new year in style, raise a toast with this sophisticated sipper, a riff on the classic drink known as a Seelbach. Belle de Brillet is a liqueur made from Cognac infused with pears, which is how this festive sparkler gets its punning name.
A Pear of Brandies
1/2 oz. (15 ml) pisco
1/2 oz. (15 ml) Calvados or other apple brandy
3/4 oz. (20 ml) St-Germain elderflower liqueur
1/2 oz. (15 ml) Belle de Brillet
Dash of orange bitters
3 oz. (90 ml) Champagne
Orange twist for garnish
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, stir together the pisco, Calvados, elderflower liqueur, Belle de Brillet and orange bitters. Stir until chilled, then strain into a Champagne flute or coupe. Top with the Champagne, garnish with the orange twist and serve. Makes 1 drink.
Lynnette Marrero, consultant, The Llama Inn, Brooklyn, NY
