Bucks fizz with a twist: a Christmas Champagne cocktail

Thanks go to Harvey Nichols’ bar at the Oxo Tower for introducing me to the idea of a Grand Marnier Champagne Cocktail (Cointreau will do just as well). Friends and family have been super-impressed with my hitherto unknown (and to be honest fairly basic) attempts at mixology.

I’m pretty sure this classy cocktail venue doesn’t dub theirs Bucks Fizz with a twist. Nor am I up to flaming my orange peel (click here for instructions for which, by the way, I take no responsibility!) But a neatly pithless pared strip or spiral works perfectly well, making for the perfect Christmas cocktail.

So far I’ve liked it best with Lanson Black Label – a drier Champagne which, according to Giles Fallowfield’s excellent low down on Champagne deals, is currently on offer at Waitrose, Asda, The Co-operative, Oddbins and Majestic. Click here for Fallowfield’s Fa – La – la– la lah— la, la, la lah Christmas and New Year fizz deals.

I won’t be decking the halls with boughs of holly, but The Wine Detective will be taking a break this week to be jolly, kicking off with lunch today at Alyn Williams at The Westbury, which so impressed me earlier this year.

Wishing one and all the happiest of holidays and jolliest of New Years.