It's hard to believe that 2009 is almost here! For those of you planning to ring in the new year with a little bubbly, here are some fun recipe ideas for serving up your midnight champagne toast with a twist:

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1. POMEGRANATE CHAMPAGNE

Ingredients:
4 oz champagne
1 oz pomegranate juice
1 teaspoon cassis

Directions:
Pour chilled champagne into a flute, then add pomegranate juice and cassis. Enjoy!

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2. BLOOD ORANGE FRENCH 75
{recipe via Epicurious}

Ingredients:
3 blood oranges (about 1 pound)
1 1/2 cups gin
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon angostura bitters
2 750-ml bottles chilled Champagne

Directions:
Cut 1 orange in half through stem. Cut each orange half crosswise into 6 slices; reserve for garnish. Using small knife, cut peel and white pith from remaining 2 oranges; chop oranges. Transfer chopped oranges with juices to bowl; mash with potato masher or wooden spoon. Stir in gin, sugar, and bitters. Strain into 2-cup measuring cup, pressing on solids to release liquid. Chill 4 hours.

Pour scant 2 tablespoons gin mixture into each of 12 glasses; fill with Champagne and garnish with orange.

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3. CHAMBORD AND CHAMPAGNE

Ingredients:
4 oz chilled Champagne
1/2 oz Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur

Directions:
Pour the champagne into a champagne flute.
Add a healthy splash of Chambord, and serve.

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4. STRAWBERRY CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

Ingredients:
.5 oz strawberry liqueur
1 oz vodka
Pink Champagne

Directions:
Combine strawberry liqueur and vodka in an ice-filled shaker. Shake well and strain into a champagne glass. Top with chilled champagne.

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CHEERS! Wishing you many more reasons to celebrate in 2009!