Every special occasion requires a toast. Something that brings a bit of light and life to an already lively affair. Something surprising to get tongues wagging and laughter ringing. TABLE Magazine Publisher Justin Matase concocted a very special drink for our Hanukkah celebration , and we think you will want to try it at home for any number of holidays and special occasions!

Hanukkah 75 Cocktail

Butterfly Pea Simple Syrup

1 cup of water

1 cup of Sugar

1/2 cup of butterfly pea leaves

Bring to a boil and let cool. Strain tea leaves. Can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.

To make the cocktail:

1 ounce of gin

1/2 ounce lemon juice

1/2 ounce of butterfly pea simple syrup

4 ounces of champagne or dry sparkling wine

Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to flute and top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Sip this drink just before a Hanukkah feast with Hélène Jawhara Piñer:

Sweet Fried Eggplant

Ifseng

Tortitas de Acelga

Makrūt and Neulas Encanonadas

Her book, Sephardi: Cooking the History, can be purchased through your favorite bookstore or online. For our article on Hanukkah and Sephardi, click here.

Story by Maggie Weaver / Photography by Scott Goldsmith/ Styling by Keith Recker / Cocktail by Justin Matase