Summer Cocktail Du Jour

Here at BGG, we are all about springtime cocktails...er, anytime cocktails really...but we particularly love summery cocktails.  Today we are drooling over a lemon drop sparkling punch that has our names all over it.  This drink is perfect for brunches and parties, as it is so much lovelier than a keg.  The original recipe calls for Champagne, but we generally substitute in much-cheaper Prosecco or sparkling white wine.  Sweet and refreshing, the lemony flavor and the bubbles are a match made in heaven.

Lemon Drop Sparkling Punch 

Ingredients
3 lemons, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1 bottle (750 milliliters) Champagne, chilled -- we substitute much-cheaper prosecco or sparkling wine here
3/4 cup vodka, chilled
4 ounces candied lemon peels (optional but delish)

Directions
1.  With a vegetable peeler, remove zest from each lemon in a long, continuous spiral. Juice lemons, and strain pulp (you should have 3/4 cup juice). Set aside.
2.  Heat sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil.  Remove from heat. Add zest. Let syrup cool completely, about 2 hours.
3.  Pour Champagne, vodka, lemon juice, and syrup into a punch bowl; stir. Serve glasses of punch with candied peels.

Serves 6 to 8.

Originally discovered at www.marthastewart.com."