CONCORD GRAPE ROYAL

Concord Grape Royal image

Provided by Alton Brown

Time 1h50m

Yield about 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 cups 100-percent Concord grape juice
One 8-inch sprig fresh rosemary
1 1/2-inch square cube crystallized ginger
1 teaspoon aged balsamic vinegar
One 750 ml bottle rose champagne, chilled
Orange bitters
Concord grapes, halved, for serving
Orange rinds, for serving

Steps:

For the Concord grape syrup: Combine the grape juice, rosemary and ginger in a 2-quart saucepan. Reduce the mixture for 1 hour over medium-low heat. When the mixture has reduced by half, add the balsamic and continue cooking until the mixture has reduced by half again, about 10 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes. Strain and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For the cocktails: Add 1 ounce of the grape syrup to each champagne flute. Top with 4 ounces champagne and 2 to 3 dashes of bitters. Top each glass with a skewered grape half and orange rind piece.