Head into the new year with a glass of something special! Cold and fizzy, hot or caffeinated: these 23 New Year’s Eve Cocktails have something for everyone. Or choose one to be the “signature drink” for your New Year’s Eve swaray.
A fun and festive beverage is essential to any New Year’s gathering, no matter what is on the agenda or who is on the guest list.
You might be pulling a California “East Coast Countdown” where you trick the kids into thinking it’s midnight when it’s only 9:00 pm, leaving plenty of time for the adults to relax after the hooplah. Or you might be hosting an appetizer-forward cocktail party with just your grown-up friends and some board games.
Whatever you’re up to, here are some fantastic cocktail ideas for your upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration.
You might have champagne on hand for midnight toasts anyway, so consider busting open a bottle earlier in the evening to mix with these fun and fizzy cocktails.
Aperol Spritz
The classic Aperol Spritz is a refreshing aperitif cocktail that combines bright orange Aperol liqueur and dry sparkling wine.
For a festive holiday drink recipe or to add some sparkle to any happy hour, try this easy Champagne Cocktail recipe. It's a showy yet remarkably simple low-alcohol cocktail idea.
Made with Champagne and crème de cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur), a Kir Royale (or Kir Royal) is a fruity French cocktail great for sipping before dinner.
While Gimlets and Martinis remind me of black tuxedos and glittering diamonds, a Long Island Iced Tea says “anything goes.” No matter what you’re planning for New Year’s Eve, a gin cocktail might be the perfect choice.
Gimlet
While the original Gimlet was made with Rose's Lime Cordial, you can update this gin cocktail with fresh lime juice and a touch of simple syrup. It's crisp, refreshing, and only 3 ingredients.
A classic dry martini is made with gin, dry vermouth, and olives or a lemon twist for garnish. It's one of the most well-known cocktails and remains popular more than 100 years after its creation.
Always a fan favorite, these tequila cocktails are simple, delicious, and inspired by festivities south of the border.
Charro Negro
Based on the "black cowboy" of Mexican folklore, the Charro Negro cocktail is made with tequila, cola, and lime juice and is ubiquitous at Mexican celebrations such as baptisms, weddings, and birthday parties.
Mexico’s national aperitif, the Paloma cocktail, is a simple tequila drink with a thirst-quenching, irresistible appeal. Move over Margarita, here comes something better!
Served in a small clay pot with the same name, a Cantarito is a classic Mexican cocktail from the state of Jalisco made with tequila, citrus juices, and soda.
If you don’t want to notice the alcohol you are tasting, the smooth, neutral flavor of vodka might be just what you’re looking for. And, it goes well with sweet or savory drinks.
Bloody Marys
This homemade Bloody Mary mix is super easy to whip up in advance; when it's time for brunch, load up with every pickled thing you can find.
A classic Greyhound cocktail is just vodka (or gin) and grapefruit juice, and it's just as fruity and refreshing as it sounds. Add a salted rim and you'll have a "Salty Dog."
For tailgating, holidays or any day you want to feel more festive, learn how to make colorful DIY Jello Shots. How can you not be in good spirits after shooting one of these mini cocktails?
Discover the secret ingredients to the Best Moscow Mule you’ve ever tasted! Developed by a bartender friend in Minnesota, this mule is miles ahead the rest of the pack and perfect for your next happy hour.
A favorite in hot or cold cocktails, whiskey is a favorite at the holidays. Choose a special cocktail to feature it or just set the bottle next to a pot of coffee.
Hot Toddy
Whether you’ve got a cold, cough, or just a case of the winter blues, a Hot Toddy will wrap around you like a warm blanket and soothe your weary bones. Here’s the classic recipe for a delicious hot cocktail you can make all season long.
Here are the secrets for the best Irish Coffee: Dissolve brown sugar in whiskey, add boiling-hot coffee, and float a layer of barely-whipped, frothy cream on top.
While sangria may feel a bit summery, it’s light and sweet flavors are a welcome addition on New Year’s Eve. Or, indulge in a hot pot of heady mulled wine (just set it out in a slow cooker with a ladle and some mugs so guests can help themselves).
White Sangria
Get the party started with this classic White Sangria. A pitcher of white wine sangria is the ultimate refreshing party drink recipe on a warm spring or summer day.
A cup of homemade Mulled Wine makes cheeks rosy and warms from the inside out. This delicious blend of wine, fruit, and fragrant spices will become your new holiday tradition.
Moscato Sangria is an easy cocktail recipe that's sure to get the party started. A bottle of white wine, fruit, and ginger ale team up in this refreshing wine-based pitcher cocktail (that is quickly becoming my signature drink!).
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.
Thank you for your comments! Please allow 1-2 business days for a reply. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am PST to 5:00 pm PST, excluding holidays. Comments are moderated to prevent spam and profanity.
