As you know, I am fond of celebrating and a delightful way to do it is with Champagne.  It is delicious alone but I love that it's palette is so amenable to adding yummy ingredients to enhance the bubbles.  One of my favorites features the diverse vanilla bean.  

Cheers!

Vanilla Bean Champagne Cocktail

8 ounces Bourbon

8 Madagascar vanilla beans

1 bottle of Champagne, chilled

8 chilled Champagne flutes or tall pilsner glasses

In a small saucepan bring Bourbon to a simmer. Add the vanilla beans and let simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until soft and tender.

Remove vanilla beans from Bourbon, shaking off the excess, and let the beans cool.

To serve, split beans in half lengthwise with a knife and place in Champagne flutes; top each flute with Champagne.