As I've mentioned before, I really do love Twitter.  Simply by using it, I have managed to meet so many new people this year, many in the world of (not shockingly) food and cocktails.  Although I have met many in person, there are some I've only interacted with virtually, at least so far.  One such person is Kara Newman, author of Spice & Ice: 60 Tongue Tingling Cocktails.  Kara is hosting a virtual cocktail party, and I'm taking part by making her Sparkling Ginger Daisy.  I made this zippy cocktail to start off a Friday night with two close friends, who both loved the mix of ginger and bubbles sparkling together.  It made an ordinary Friday night seem downright festive!  Thanks, Kara, and cheers!

Sparkling Ginger Daisy Yield: 1 drink

A daisy is a classic juice-based cocktail sweetened with grenadine or a red liqueur, and often topped with sparkling wine. Here, the bright spice of ginger plays against a backdrop of bubbles for a festive holiday sparkler. And if you feel like gilding the lily, try one or both of the optional special touches below.

1 ounce Plymouth Gin

1 ounce Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur

2 Tablespoons Lemon juice

1 teaspoon grenadine

Brut champagne

Combine gin, ginger liqueur, lemon juice and grenadine in an ice-filled mixing glass. Stir until well chilled, and strain into a Champagne flute. Top with champagne.

Optional touch #1: If desired, rim the flute with sparkling sugar before pouring in the drink. Optional touch #2: Garnish with a cherry at the bottom of the flute.