Haute Couture Recipe

Time25m

Serves6

Make Haute Couture Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Chill glassware and bottle
Place the champagne flutes in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 10 minutes. Chill the bottle of sparkling wine in an ice bucket or refrigerator until very cold (ideally 30–60 minutes).
2
Make basil cordial
In a small mixing glass or jar, gently muddle 3 of the basil leaves with the lemon juice and simple syrup until the basil releases aroma and color (about 10–15 light presses). Avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness.

3
Combine liqueur and vermouth
Add the elderflower liqueur (3 tbs) and dry vermouth (2 tbs) to the muddled basil, lemon juice and syrup. Stir gently to integrate flavors and allow to macerate for 1–2 minutes.
4
Strain
Place a fine-mesh strainer or julep strainer over a chilled pitcher or mixing glass and strain the basil–liqueur mixture to remove solids. Press gently on the solids to extract the aromatic liquid but avoid forcing bitter herb components through the strainer.

5
Portion base into flutes
Divide the strained aromatic base among 6 chilled champagne flutes, pouring roughly 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each flute (aim for about 5–10 ml per glass). This provides a subtle herbal-floral framing without overpowering the bubbles.
6
Top with sparkling wine
Slowly top each flute with chilled sparkling wine, pouring gently down the side of the glass to preserve effervescence. Fill each glass nearly to the rim, leaving a slight gap to prevent overflow. Aim for about 4–5 ounces (120–150 ml) of sparkling wine per flute depending on flute size.
7
Garnish
Tear the remaining basil leaf into a small ribbon and float it on the surface of each cocktail. If using edible flowers, place one or two delicate petals on top for an elegant finish.

8
Serve immediately while the wine is lively and chilled. Advise guests to sip gently to enjoy the interplay of bright citrus, floral elderflower and fresh basil against the sparkling wine.
9
If preparing in batches, keep the aromatic base chilled and add sparkling wine to individual glasses just before serving to preserve effervescence.