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

Makes 8 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 25 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 3 hours (includes chilling)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

Orange Syrup
2 seedless oranges
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup freshly squezed orange juice
1/2 cup vodka

Sparkling Cocktail
1 orange
1 bottle chilled Champagne or sparkling wine

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 INFORMATION: Per serving: 196 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 27 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber; 0 mg sodium; 130 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (61% daily value).

2 Carbohydrate Servings

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Cover and refrigerate the syrup (Steps 1-3) for up to 1 week.