Lovely Lavender

I love this Martha Stewart recipe for lavender champagne. While it may be a bit premature for a winter soirée, I'm thinking it would be perfect for my friend Sarah's upcoming bridal shower. To indulge..take a sip, close your eyes, click your heels, and perhaps you'll suddenly materialize in the South of France...here's hoping!

Lavender Champagne
Makes 16

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender
• 4 bottles (750 mL each) dry Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
• Fresh lavender sprigs, for garnish
  

Directions

1. Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Stir in dried lavender. Remove from heat. Let cool completely. Strain out lavender. Refrigerate syrup until ready to serve (up to 1 month).
2. Pour about 6 ounces Champagne and 1 1/2 teaspoons syrup into each flute. Garnish each with a lavender sprig.

recipe and photo/Martha Stewart