Champagne Ginger Cocktail

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup sliced ginger (about 2 ounces)
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 lemon, sliced into wedges
• 3 tablespoons candied ginger, cubed for garnish
• 1 bottle chilled sparkling wine

1. Simmer water, 1/2 cup sugar and sliced ginger in a small saucepan for 10 minutes.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vodka.
3. Chill for 2 hours or overnight.
4. When ready to serve, strain to remove the ginger pieces.
5. Spread the sugar into a thin layer on a plate.
6. Coat the rim of the glass with the juice from the lemon wedge and immediately dredge in the plate of sugar.
7. Add a few pieces of candied ginger to each glass.
8. Pour 1 tablespoon of the ginger-infused simple syrup over the ginger pieces and top with the sparkling wine until the glass is 2/3 full.

water, sugar, ginger, vodka, sugar, lemon, candied ginger, sparkling wine

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ted-allen/champagne-ginger-cocktail-recipe.html (may not work)