New years eve is here and if you are seeking a fun, easy, last minute cocktail recipe here is the perfect drink. This Chinese inspired champagne cocktail is made up of just a few simple ingredients. It starts with an infused syrup made with sugar, fresh ginger, star anise, and water, which is then mixed with your favorite champagne. This is quick and easy and makes a great drink to start off the New Year, enjoy!

2½ inch piece of fresh ginger
¾ cup water
1 cup white sugar
1 star anise plus more for decoration

1. The first step is to make the infused syrup. Start by peeling the ginger. The easiest way to do this that I have found is to use either a knife or a peeler. However, some chefs say that using the back of a spoon is the best way for them.


2. Once the ginger is peeled cut it into rough slices.


3. Then in a small pot combine the water and sugar and heat this on medium to medium high, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just starts to boil.


4. As soon as it starts to boil add the ginger slices and star anise. Then turn the heat down to low and give it a quick stir. Let this simmer for 5 minutes.


5. After 5 minutes turn the heat off and strain out the ginger and star anise from the syrup. The best way to do this is to place a heat proof bowl or cup under a strainer and then carefully pour the syrup through the strainer into the bowl or cup.


6. Then place the ginger slices on a plate and let the syrup and ginger slices come to room temperature. The ginger slices will be used in the cocktails as well as the syrup. The star anise that was boiled can be tossed or saved for a future recipe.


7. Once they have cooled place 1 to 2 slices of ginger, depending on how many people you are serving, in each of the champagne flutes.


8. Then add 2 teaspoons to a tablespoon of the syrup to each glass. I prefer using a whole tablespoon of the syrup, since I like it to be slightly sweet. However, you can adjust the amount of syrup to you and your guests taste.


9. Then fill the rest of the glass with your favorite champagne. I usually use Veuve for this, but any champagne will work in this recipe. Then add a star anise (that has not been boiled) to the top of the champagne. This will float as decoration. Note that the boiled one will not float. Then they are ready to serve, enjoy.

To watch a video on how to make a ginger champagne cocktail without the star anise click here.