Pear Mimosas

(recipe from Real Simple magazine)

Makes 8 servings:

2 bottles Champagne, chilled
4 cups pear nectar
1 lime, cut into 8 wedges

For each serving, pour 3/4 cup of Champagne into a flute or wine glass and top with 1/2 cup of pear nectar.  Squeeze and drop in 1 wedge of lime.

(Pear and lime mimosas are nice.  These were sampled in Vermont, while visiting my dear friend for her father's birthday.  We sipped these at the party, and the day before.  It was a lovely weekend, and so, in my mind, these will always be lovely cocktails.)

Poinsettias

(recipe from Nigella Lawson)

1 bottle champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
1/2 cup Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or other orange liquer, chilled
2 cups cranberry juice, chilled

Mix all together in a large pitcher and serve!

(These are lovely and easy.  My cocktail for Christmas 2011.  Served with cheese and crackers and appies for Joann, Alison and Josie the Thursday before Christmas.  Served Christmas day with Ben, Laura, and Justin.  Served the day before New Year's with mom, dad, and Sage.  A hit! - Nigella will never lead you astray.)