Raspbeery Champagne Cocktail - serves 8

2 1/2-pint baskets fresh raspberries
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp raspberry liqueur
1/4 cup cognac or other brandy
8 sugar cubes
1 750-ml bottled chilled brut champagne
Fresh raspberries
Lemon peel strips

Combine 2 baskets raspberries and 2 tbsp sugar in medium bowl. Mash berries lightly with fork. Let stand 15 minutes. Mix in liqueur and brandy. Pour into jar. Cover and let stand in dark cupboard 3 days. Strain raspberry mixture, pressing on solids with spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. (Can be made 1 month ahead. Cover; chill.)
Place 1 sugar cube in each of eight 6-ounce champagne flutes. Pour 2 tbsp raspberry mixture over each sugar cube. Pour champagne over to fill glasses. Garnish each with raspberries and lemon peel.