Teatime with the Romanoffs

For the cocktail:

• 3/4 ounce vodka
• 1/2 ounce ginger syrup (recipe below)
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• dry Champagne (or other sparkling wine)

1. Shake all the ingredients except the Champagne with ice until chilled. Strain into a coupe or Champagne flute and top with the sparkling wine.

For the ginger syrup:

• 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup demerera sugar (regular sugar is fine, too)
• 1/2 cup water

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and allow to steep for at least an hour, then strain.