470876 Wed Dec 19 05:05:01 -0800 2007 1 34 Wine 0 3221233 I am hosting a small dinner party for Christmas Eve and wanted to serve a champagne cocktail with appetizers. I was thinking of creating my own, since I really don't want something fruity. My thought was a cinnamon/vanilla twist.. Maybe make a simple syrup with vanilla bean and cinnamon. 1. Does that sound like a feasible cocktail? 2. What champagne (under $15) would you suggest? I am not sure if I should go dry to counteract the sweetness, or a little sweeter so they will blend better. I have a World Market where I ususally buy my wines, but can go to other wineshops too. Wed Dec 19 05:05:01 -0800 2007 109826 aletnes 1 3221291 I don't find the idea of a cinnamon/vanilla drink with food very appetizing, though many in this day and age do. Lots of good ideas for champagne cocktails here: http://www.esquire.com/drinks/ Me--I'd rather drink straight sparkling wine, but if I chose a cocktail, it would be the French 75. If you serve Gruet, you'd be at around $15 and have something nice to serve unadulterated (once mixed, I think it doesn't matter what you use, within reason). Wed Dec 19 05:41:45 -0800 2007 3221233 138502 chefdilettante