Lemon Drop Champagne Punch

By japaulson

Refreshing lemon drop with a splash of champagne makes for a delightful cocktail for a special occasion, or just because.

Ingredients

• 3 lemons, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 (750-milliliter) bottle Champagne, chilled
• 3/4 cup best-quality vodka, chilled
• 4 ounces candied lemon peels

Preparation

Step 1

With a vegetable peeler, remove zest from each lemon in a long, continuous spiral. Juice lemons, and strain pulp (you should have 3/4 cup juice). Set aside.

Heat sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Add zest. Let syrup cool completely, about 2 hours.

Pour Champagne, vodka, lemon juice, and syrup into a punch bowl; stir. Serve glasses of punch with candied peels.