Millenium Cocktail

More About This Recipe

• Don't get me wrong...I love Champagne. I mean, I really, really love Champagne. I think that Champagne is one of those little indulgences that never really needs a reason. That's why it's nice to do something even more special than just cracking open a bottle of bubbly for New Year's Eve. And what could be better than a special cocktail to mark the turning of the New Year? Thank goodness cocktail master Dale Degroff of King Cocktail was around to dream up this beautiful libation to ring in the new year. The garnish, a flamed orange zest, adds depth and complexity to the cocktail. Flaming orange peel? Why, yes. Flaming orange peel is one of those things that look mysterious and impressive, until you do it yourself and realize exactly how easy it is. First, use a wide vegetable peeler or long paring knife to slice off a good sized chunk of peel (you want just the skin, though, and little of the bitter white pith). Then, using a long match or a lighter, warm it lightly. This will make the essential oils come to the surface, which is what you're actually going to be setting on fire. Then the moment of truth. Working over the cocktail (you want to catch all those delicious bits of aroma!), hold the flame between the drink and the peel, and then squeeze the peel sharply, rolling it between your fingers. You really need to squeeze it hard enough so the oil shoots out in a little mist, which the flame will then ignite in a spectacular display that never ceases to amaze the uninitiated. (Note: practice safety with this. The ER is no fun for anyone on NYE!) Hope you enjoy this fabulous cocktail. Happy New Year!