Flowering Tree Cocktail Featuring Grapes From California Recipes

Steps:

• For the Concord grape syrup: Combine the grape juice, rosemary and ginger in a 2-quart saucepan. Reduce the mixture for 1 hour over medium-low heat. When the mixture has reduced by half, add the balsamic and continue cooking until the mixture has reduced by half again, about 10 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes. Strain and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• For the cocktails: Add 1 ounce of the grape syrup to each champagne flute. Top with 4 ounces champagne and 2 to 3 dashes of bitters. Top each glass with a skewered grape half and orange rind piece.

Steps:

• Place a sugar cube in the bottom of a champagne flute. Pour the pomegranate juice over it, then the sparkling wine. Drop a few pomegranate seeds into the glass. Serve.
• Yield: 1 drink

Steps:

• Add lemon juice, agave, grapes and mint springs to a cocktail shaker. Muddle everything together with a muddler or the base of a wooden spoon until the grapes have released their liquid and the mint is fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add in the vodka and fill the shaker with ice. Place the top on and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds.
• Fill an 8- to 12-ounce glass with ice and strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with mint, if using, and serve.