Sure, you can always just toast each other with traditional champagne, but if you want something a little more exciting for your countdown, these drinks will certainly fit the bill. Even people who don’t like cocktails will find something to try on this list. There are plenty of sweet and then lots of sour recipes. Plus, quite a few that will knock your socks off. Let’s get mixing!
20 New Year’s Eve Drinks You’ll Want To Stay Up For
1. Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa
I should start this with a warning: this is not a cheap cocktail to make, and that stands whether you use Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava. The reason this will be expensive is that lovely stick of black gold. Vanilla pods are crazy-expensive right now, though you can’t say they’re not worth it. Luckily, this will still be tasty if you leave those out!
2. Red Snapper Cocktail
If you ever take a sip of your morning Blood Mary and think, “I wish this had a floral twist,” you’re in luck. This red snapper cocktail offers just that, swapping out vodka for botanical gin. Of course, the blend of tomato juice, horseradish, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce is quite potent, so choose the gin carefully to compliment all those intense flavors.
3. Pomegranate Mimosas
The classic orange mimosa is, well, a classic! But it can get a little boring, and on New Year’s Eve, that’s the last thing you’ll want. Not only is this cocktail bright and beautiful, but the flavor is to die for. Plus, it looks extra fancy with pomegranate seeds floating in the glass.
4. The Dumpster Fire
This might not have the most inviting name, but it sure is worth making. The dumpster fire cocktail is made to celebrate the end of a dumpster fire of a year, and one that won’t be missed. It’s strong, easy to whip up, and will make you forget all about any drama or disappointment in your life, if only for one night.
5. Fresh Bellini Cocktail
Mimosas are a mixture of orange juice and sparkling wine or Champagne. The bellini, on the other hand, uses peach, making it slightly sweeter. If you want this to be as good as possible, use fresh (or frozen peaches) and blend them into a puree. Peach juice will work, but it won’t taste quite as fresh. Serve it with fresh raspberries for a colorful garnish.
6. Cranberry Martini (Crantini)
Martini cocktails are typically quite strong and not overly sweet. As a result, they’re not the best drink to serve a crowd, as they’re more of an acquired taste. But when you add orange liquor and sweet-tart cranberry juice to the mix, I’ll bet your guests will fight for a glass.
7. Classic French 75 Cocktail
Have you noticed the gin revolution of the last few years? I didn’t think it would last this long, but you can’t go anywhere these days without seeing some new, fancy gin cocktail. For those looking for something more traditional, you can’t go wrong with this French 75. Around since the early 1900s, this is just as popular as ever. With that kind of staying power, you know it’s a winner.
8. Champagne and St. Germain Cocktail
St. Germain is an elderflower liqueur from France that’s made with hand-picked elderflower blossoms. I’m not a massive fan of that flavor, but I know plenty of people that are. When you mix it with Champagne, you’ll get lovely bubbles and a touch of wine taste without it overpowering the principal flavor.
9. Holiday Champagne Punch Recipe
This four-ingredient Champagne punch is the ideal way to serve a crowd. Just mix everything in the bowl, garnish, and let your guests help themselves. I adore ginger beer (the dark & stormy is one of my favorite cocktails), and it gives this a pleasant warmth. If you want it a bit sweeter, try using pomegranate instead of cranberry juice.
10. Toasted Almond Drink
As you might’ve guessed, one of the key ingredients for this cocktail is amaretto. You can’t have a toasted almond drink without almond liquor, right? There’s also a dash on Kahlua, which adds coffee and chocolate notes, but not too much that it overpowers the nutty goodness. That said, I find this is best served over coffee ice cubes. That way, even as they melt, the drink isn’t watered down but rather enhanced with the flavor.
11. Pomegranate Margarita
I know I said that the dark & stormy (ginger beer, lime juice, and dark rum) is one of my favorite cocktails, but I have to admit that I’ll always be a margarita gal. There’s something so satisfying and nostalgic about the marg, and I love it in all its forms and flavors. Pomegranate juice gives this a kick of sweetness and adds lots of festive color.
12. Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
For many, bourbon is such an under-used cocktail spirit. I know it’s strong, and it can be expensive, but it’s also sweet, smoky, and terrific in plenty of recipes. I happen to love bourbon, and it pairs perfectly with orange. Throw in a bit of cranberry, and you’ll have one tasty evening drink.
13. Pomegranate Gin Fizz
If you hear a Brit say they want “a glass of fizz,” it usually means Cava or Prosecco. But they’ll also say that soda is fizzy, so you can use the word with tonic or club soda, too. So, for this gin fizz, you’ll use club soda or ginger ale to make the pomegranate and gin sparkle.
14. Mind Eraser Shot
Even if you don’t usually do shots, New Year’s is the time to try new things. And no doubt, your guests will love the chance to relive their 20s. For this three-ingredient drink, you’ll need to carefully pour one liquid over the next, using the back of a spoon to keep them from mixing. I like to use whipped cream vodka for a sugar kick, but salted caramel also works well.
15. Sparkling Margarita
Someone has given this old girl a makeover, and I think you’ll agree she’s classier than ever. I drink margaritas because I love the taste, and though I usually like them simple and on the rocks, this bubbly version hooked me after one sip. Don’t worry about finding expensive Champagne for this. It mixes with tequila, so you’ll be just as happy with something cheaper.
16. Espresso Martini
Espresso martinis are classy, sophisticated, and, well — strong! The main thing to remember is that you need to give it a good shake to get that foamy finish. Like a cafecito, you’ll need to blend the sugar and coffee really well to create the lovely light foam that floats on top.
17. Classic Sidecar Cocktail
Here’s another traditional cocktail that has stood the test of time. People go back to this recipe over and over, and after one sip, you’ll see why. The simple blend of brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice is potent, zesty, yet quite clean. It’s super refreshing, provided you remember to sip and not glug!
18. Kir Royale
You know that the mimosa uses Champagne and orange juice while the bellini goes for peach flavor. So now, here’s a French cocktail that’s as light and elegant as it is scrumptious. If you’ve never tried Creme de cassis before, I can’t recommend his enough. It has such a deep berry flavor, but the bubbles keep it pleasant and light.
19. Cranberry Gin and Tonic
I’ve never been a fan of the gin and tonic and that’s all down to the tonic. I don’t enjoy the bitterness of tonic water, and when it’s mixed with the botanical flavors of gin, I find it even sourer. Still, I had to give this a try, and I’m so glad I did. It’s crazy easy to make, and that little touch of cranberry juice makes all the difference.
20. Spiced Winter Sangria
Sangria is one of those drinks you’ll see during the summer. It’s sweet, rich, and full of fruity goodness. But have you ever tried a winter version before? It’s still full of red wine and deep flavors, but there’s also seasonal spices, like cinnamon, anise, and clove. Serve it with lots of cranberries and orange slices. Click on a star to rate it!
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