Hedgerow Velvet cocktail

A country take on the classic Kir Royale, 
this delicious cocktail looks so pretty and 
is perfect for the festive season.

Serves 6
175g blackberries or blackberry liqueur 
such as Bramley and Gage's
50g caster sugar, plus 1 tbsp
6 tbsps brandy
1 bottle chilled champagne or sparkling wine

Step 1) Place the blackberries and 50g caster sugar in a saucepan (reserve some for decoration if liked).

Step 2) Heat gently until the sugar has dissolved then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened slightly and is syrupy. 


Step 3) Sieve the blackberry syrup into a bowl, pressing the fruit with the back of a spoon. Discard the fruit pulp. Chill the syrup. If you want to decorate the rims of the glasses, place a little of the syrup on one saucer and 1 tbsp caster sugar on another.

Step 4) Dip the rim of each of 6 champagne glasses first in 
the blackberry syrup, then in the caster sugar.

Step 5) Blend the brandy with the remaining blackberry syrup and pour a couple of tablespoons of this into each champagne flute.

Step 6) Top with chilled champagne or sparkling wine. Serve immediately.

Looking for more New Year's Eve cocktails? Visit New Year's Eve 2011 - the essential guide for more mouth-watering cocktails and New Year's Eve party ideas.  

Chosen by Country Homes & Gardens