Happy New Year! Kumquat Champagne Cocktail

 Looking for a festive and slightly special cocktail to ring in the new year?  How about this incredibly easy and refreshing kumquat cocktail?  I picked this cocktail because kumquats are so pretty and cute and in dreary December I am always in the mood for bright citrus flavors.  Little did I know that the kumquat does hold special meaning for the new year  - Chinese New Year that is.  Kumquat represents prosperity and according to tradition (so says the internet), anyone who eats kumquat at the new year will be insured good fortune, prosperity and happiness.  With that in mind, this is the perfect cocktail to ring in 2014!  Happy New Year and I wish you good fortune, prosperity and happiness!

Kumquat Cocktail, adapted from Epicurious.com

Ingredients (for 4 cocktails)
1 and 1/4 cup thinly sliced kumquats, plus more for garnish
1/3 cup grand marnier
1/4 cup of sugar
1 750 ml bottle of chilled champagne (or other bubbly)
Directions:

1. In a small bowl muddle the first three ingredients together with the back of a spoon.  
2. Let sit for 10 minutes.  Strain liquid through a fine mesh strainer.
3. Pour two tablespoons of kumquat liqueur into champagne flutes and top with champagne.
4. Garnish with sliced kumquats.
5. Cheers!