You'll Want One of These Cocktails in Hand on New Year's Eve
- 1/24
You'll Want One of These Cocktails in Hand on New Year's Eve
Along with making a bevvy of delicious appetizers, one of our favorite New Year's Eve traditions is mixing up a fancy cocktail or two and sharing it with our nearest and dearest as we welcome the new year—and see the old one out the door. So brush up on your Auld Lang Syne lyrics (and maybe learn at last what they really mean) and bookmark your favorite of these delicious New Year's Eve cocktails. It's nearly time to celebrate!
Katrin Sauerwein / EyeEm - Getty Images - 2/24
1) Poinsettia
Here's a cocktail worthy of its namesake: richly red, with an (unearned) reputation for being dangerous.
Becky Luigart-Stayner - 3/24
2) Cranberry-Ginger Shrub
Here's a party drink that's adult enough to please the grownups, but without the alcohol, so nondrinkers can enjoy. It's ideal mixed with just a little club soda on its own—or mixed with a bit of gin for those who prefer to imbibe.
Becky Luigart-Stayner - 4/24
3) Cranberry Mulled White Wine
If you find traditional mulled wine to be a little too heavy, try this lighter, white-wine version. Flavored with fall spice, cranberries, and a touch of honey, it's every bit as warming as its counterparts, but with a tart, clean taste.
Becky Luigart-Stayner - 5/24
4) Old Scholar
We not going to call this well-balanced concoction an instant classic—but it's the only thing we've been wanting when mixing up a drink all year, and we wouldn't be surprised if you feel the same.
Hector M. Sanchez - 6/24
5) Sparkling Cider and Bourbon Cocktail
Sometimes the best-tasting cocktails are the simplest. This one is apples, bourbon, bitters, and sider. Why complicate things? Just make a big batch and let guests serve themselves.
Becky Luigart-Stayner - 7/24
6) Grilled Orange Old-Fashioned
Want an over-the-top whiskey drink to ring in the New Year? Break out your winter grill. Charred oranges and toasted marshmallows take this classic drink to its smoky-sweet pinnacle.
Becky Luigart-Stayner - 8/24
7) The Sunflower
Lend your NYE party a touch of high-class elegance with this well-balanced gin drink. Served ice cold, the bright combination of liqueurs and lemon juice is hard to top.
Becky Luigart-Stayner - 9/24
8) Pink Grapefruit Margaritas
Is there ever a bad occasion to serve margaritas? We haven't found it. Fresh grapefruit juice lends this version a seasonal distinction.
Johnny Miller - 10/24
9) Ginger Greyhounds
Light, bright, and gingery, this easy drinker is a fun batch cocktail for New Year's Eve.
Becky Luigart-Stayner - 11/24
10) Woodchuck Warmer
This hot cider cocktail gets its name from an old nickname for Vermonters—where they really take their apples seriously. It's perfect for brisk country New Year's Eve celebrations.
Becky Luigart-Stayner - 12/24
11) Whiskey River
Sometimes whiskey can sound dark and heavy, but this citrusy aromatic cocktail has a real spring to it.
Becky Luigart-Stayner - 13/24
12) Pomegranate French 75
Casablanca fans know all about this classic gin and Champagne cocktail, which is perfect for hoisting at midnight. We give it a seasonal tweak with the addition of pomegranate.
Becky Luigart-Stayner - 14/24
13) Driven Snow Cocktail
If your tastes tend less toward Champagne and more toward creamy cocktails, toast the new year with this rum-inflected combo of white chocolate and ginger liqueurs.
Brian Woodcock - 15/24
14) Boulevardier (Bourbon Negroni)
If you'd rather toast with something stiff and bitter, you can't beat a Boulevardier. It's easy to make, exceedingly good, and oh, so very warming.
Brian Woodcock - 16/24
15) Warm Tea-and-Cider Punch
Meeting friends for an outdoor New Year's Eve gathering? Dress warm, gather around the nearest fire pit, and keep this spin on a hot toddy on hand.
Brian Woodcock - 17/24
16) Cider Sidecar
Cognac, Cointreau, and apple cider make this bright winter cocktail extra attractive. To make it even fancier, add an ounce of bubbly to the top before serving.
Brian Woodcock - 18/24
17) Cranberry Gin Fizz
Want to keep things light? This bubbly, festive gin drink has a nice cranberry twist. Serve it with the white chocolate truffle, pictured at the bottom.
Brian Woodcock - 19/24
18) Sparkling Pear & Orange Champagne Punch
You could toast with Champagne or you could toast with this fruity, sweet concoction that makes plenty to go around.
Brian Woodcock - 20/24
19) Sparkling Lavender Cocktail
Lavender is a calming and relaxing way to sweeten up sparkling wine for a chiller New Year's Eve.
David Tsay - 21/24
20) Lillet Spritz
A garnish of edible flowers will have your guests marveling over this cocktail all night long.
Brian Woodcock - 22/24
21) Death in the Afternoon Cocktail
This surprisingly strong, simple Champagne drink was invented by Hemingway and named for one of his novels—perfect for the literary-minded celebrant.
Brian Woodcock - 23/24
22) Rosemary Mimosa
Wintery rosemary and grapefruit give this classic Champagne cocktail a slightly bitter, herbal zing.
Jon Melendez - 24/24
23) Mango Mimosa
This cocktail recipe is not only delicious but simple thanks to its two ingredients—mangoes and Champagne.
Kana Okada