Most people think nothing of popping a bottle of Champagne on New Year’s Eve. Yet after that first celebratory glass, few consider taking an extra step and using the wine as the foundation for a cocktail or two.

“They’re bright and crisp and delicious,” said Meaghan Dorman, a bartender at Raines Law Room in the Flatiron District. And ideal for New Year’s Eve. “They are usually low in spirit, so if I’m out having a few drinks, I would have French 75s. It’s wine and spirit, so I’d feel I wasn’t overdoing it on superstrong spirit drinks.”

She and her fellow bartender Lauren Davis call this judicious drinking tactic the Champagne Maintain. “It’s our theory on lasting all night and still staying a lady,” Ms. Dorman said.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 ounce gin or Cognac
  • ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 2 ounces Champagne
  • Lemon twist

    1 drink

    Preparation

    1. Make simple syrup: In a saucepan over low heat, warm sugar in 1 cup water until dissolved. Cool to room temperature before using. (There will be extra syrup; refrigerate if not using immediately.)
    2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake gin or Cognac, lemon juice and 1/2 ounce simple syrup.
    3. Strain into chilled flute or cocktail coupe. Top with Champagne. Garnish with lemon twist.

    Dining and Cooking