Sparkling Orange Cocktails

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/sparkling_orange_cocktails.html

From EatingWell:  March 1998

Homemade orange syrup makes a delicious addition to these sparkling cocktails.

8 servings | Active Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling)

Ingredients

Orange Syrup

• 2 seedless oranges
• 1 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 cup vodka

Sparkling Cocktail

• 1 orange
• 1 bottle chilled Champagne, or sparkling wine

Preparation

1. To make syrup: With a sharp knife, thinly slice oranges. Place in a medium nonreactive saucepan and toss with sugar. Let stand for 15 minutes.
2. Add orange juice and vodka to saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover and cook until liquid is syrupy and orange slices are translucent, about 20 minutes.
3. Strain syrup through a fine sieve into a bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
4. To make cocktails: With a vegetable peeler, remove 8 long strips of zest from the orange. Twist each strip and place in a champagne glass. Add 1 tablespoon bitter-orange syrup to each glass. Top with Champagne and stir gently. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Per serving : 196 Calories; 0 g Fat; 0 g Sat; 0 g Mono; 0 mg Cholesterol; 27 g Carbohydrates; 1 g Protein; 1 g Fiber; 0 mg Sodium; 130 mg Potassium

2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1 other carbohydrate

Tips & Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the syrup (Steps 1-3) for up to 1 week.