These Vanilla Bean & Grapefruit Sparkling Cocktails are perfect for a festive brunch or holiday party. The simple vanilla bean & grapefruit syrup can be made ahead of time. To serve, just add sparkling wine.
In a small saucepan mix sugar, water, vanilla seeds and bean, and grapefruit juice and zest. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; set aside 1 hour to cool. Discard vanilla bean and strain through fine mesh strainer. Pour syrup into glass jar and refrigerate.
Cocktail
To serve, add 1 ounce syrup to a champagne flute; top with sparkling wine and garnish with a grapefruit wedge and sprig of fresh thyme.
Notes
This recipe will make enough simple syrup for about 10 cocktails. You can also add the syrup to sparkling water for a flavored soda water.