Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups thinly sliced kumquats
• 1/3 cup Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 750-ml bottle brut Champagne, well chilled

Instructions

1. Using back of large spoon, mash first 3 ingredients in bowl. Let stand 5 minutes. Strain mixture through fine sieve set over bowl, pressing on solids.
2. Pour 2 tablespoons kumquat syrup into each of four 6-ounce Champagne flutes. Fill each with 2/3 cup Champagne.