Oscar Cocktails

The most glamorous award show of the season calls for celebrity-worthy sips to enhance your viewing delight. As you’re A-List friends arrive to your red carpet event, greet them at the door with this Oscalicious libation (fyi – this recipe is a sneak peek from my next book due out Fall 2009…)Oscalisiousness1/2 ounce Chambord1/2 ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur1 edible hibiscus flower in syrup (could be bought at Whole Foods)3 ounces very chilled dry sparkling wine Pour champagne into a chilled champagne flute. Slowly add St. Germain, then gently drizzle in Chambord. Drop in edible hibiscus. (a raspberry could be substituted if edible hibiscus can’t be found)Also check out Moët & Hennessey’s signature cocktail:Red Carpet Fizz1/2 ounce Pomegranate Juice1/3 ounce Crème de Peche1/4 ounce Fresh Lemon JuiceDash of CampariTop with Moët & Chandon White Star And, be sure to have some sumptuous hors d’oeuvres for your guests. Avoid the usual hummus-and-pita chips or salsa-and-tortilla chips. This is the Oscars – not the Superbowl! “Class it up” but stick to a budget at Trader Joe’s (for example) with some easy-to-prepare puff pastry chicken bites; steamed vegetarian dumplings with sweet-n-sour dipping sauce; and a platter of shrimp with cocktail sauce. To me, a perfect cheese platter has at least 3 cheeses: one goat cheese (I like the kind rolled in herbs), a creamy blue cheese (a blend of brie and Roquefort) and a Spanish Manchego with a drizzle of honey. Serve that along with a basket full of mixed crackers – wheat, multi grain, poppy seed – and a thinly sliced baguette.I look forward to shaking up some drinks in time for the show – and toasting my top Oscar picks... (Go Kate Winslet!)