Champagne Cosmopolitan

I meant to have this recipe out before New Year's Eve, I found it on Fine Cooking.com ... but since I have a half bottle of Champagne leftover, it is still appropriate (for me!). Happy 2011 - Relax and Eat Well!

Champagne Cosmopolitan

• 3/4 cups chilled cranberry juice
• 1/4 cup Grand Marnier
• 2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
• 3 thin strips of lime zest (from 2 limes), each about 1/4 inch wide and 3 inches long
• 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled Brut Champagne

Combine the cranberry juice, Grand Marnier, and lime juice in a small pitcher and mix well. Twist or tie the lime strip into a single knot to release the essential oils, and drop the zest into a champagne flute. Fill the flute half full with the cranberry mixture and top flute with the sparkling wine. Serve immediately.