Well, it’s been another weird year. Not much has been normal, but we got through it. And for that we all deserve a nice cocktail (with or without booze).
As you watch the ball drop this New Year’s Eve, have a drink worth cheersing. Whether it’s just you and your partner, or an all-out New Year’s bash, here are five great cocktails for saying goodbye to the old and hello to the new.
From left: House Punch, Moscow Mule, Espresso Martini, Aperol Spritz, and Bubbles and Blooms.
This is the perfect party-drink recipe, making eight cocktails. Its name is fitting, as your guests will love it so much, they’ll want it every time they come over. Originating in a tiki bar, this rum-based cocktail has it all: sweet, tart pineapple and lime juice; cinnamon- and allspice-flavored Spiced Syrup; and nutty orgeat. It’s smooth and goes down easy. It’s sure to get the party going. [GET THE RECIPE]
The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail, and for good reason. Most famously seen in its signature copper cups, it’s the perfect cocktail for novice mixologists, or if you’d rather just enjoy the party rather than mix drinks all night. It only contains four ingredients (vodka, lime juice, Ginger Syrup, and seltzer), and is insanely easy to make. Our Ginger Syrup adds that signature spiciness to complement the vodka. Finally a splash of lime adds brightness and enhances the ginger flavor. [GET THE RECIPE]
If you, like me, have a tough time staying up until midnight, it may be worth adding an espresso martini to your cocktail spread. After a hiatus, this cocktail has made a major resurgence, and for good reason. Traditionally made with vodka, we swapped in aged rum, and also added Bénédictine for additional notes of warm spices, honey, and vanilla. When rounded out with the espresso and coffee liqueur, this dessert drink becomes the perfect pre-midnight pick-me-up. [GET THE RECIPE]
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Typically associated with summertime and al fresco enjoyment, this elegant classic is perfect for New Year’s too. Bubbly, bright, and elegant, this drink is stunning in a glass and is meant for toasting. Aperol, a mildly bitter liqueur, is obviously the star of this cocktail, complemented by seltzer and a signature New Year’s staple: sparkling wine, preferably prosecco. Balanced, but also complex, finish this cocktail off with a garnish of orange peel. You can even add green olives for a salty twist. [GET THE RECIPE]
Not only is this cocktail beautiful, boasting a stunning pink color, but it’s refreshing and tastes great too. Vodka-based, to allow the other ingredients to tell the story, Bubbles and Blooms will be the talk of the night. Muddled blueberries and simple syrup contribute to the sweet-but-not-too-sweetness of the drink. Elderflower liqueur adds complex floral notes to add to the sophistication, followed by the brightness of lemon juice. Finally topped with sparkling wine, this cocktail perfectly encapsulates the fun and festive nature of New Year’s Eve. [GET THE RECIPE]
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