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Epicurious

Golden Hour

A golden champagne drink on a blue background
Photograph by Suzanne Saroff, food styling by Maggie Ruggiero, prop styling Linden Elstran

Keep this three-ingredient aperitif in your back pocket for festive occasions—it’s as easy to drink as it is to make. Suze, a bitter-floral gentian liqueur, pairs very well with Champagne and candied ginger, which dyes the drink a sunny golden color. For garnish, drop a piece of candied ginger into each coupe, where it will fizz and bubble from the bottom of the glass like the sugar cube in a classic Champagne cocktail.

To make a larger batch of Golden Hour ahead of time, combine the Suze and ginger syrup and chill until ready to serve. Give the mix a stir before adding 1 oz. to each glass, then top with sparkling wine and garnish.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    10 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 4

Ingredients

1 4" piece ginger, peeled, cut into large pieces
½ cup (100 g) sugar
2 oz. Suze
Champagne or sparkling wine (for serving)
4 pieces candied ginger

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring one 4" piece ginger, peeled, cut into large pieces, ½ cup (100 g) sugar, and ½ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring or swirling occasionally to dissolve sugar. Let ginger syrup cool. Remove ginger and discard.

    Step 2

    Stir 2 oz. Suze and 2 oz. ginger syrup in a measuring glass to combine. Divide among 4 flute glasses, then top off with Champagne. Drop 1 piece of candied ginger into each glass.

    Do Ahead: Syrup can be made 1 month ahead. Transfer to an airtight container; cover and chill.

TagsCocktailAlcoholBeveragesGingerHerbs & SpicesSuzeLiqueurChampagneSparkling WineWineBon Appétit

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