6 Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes For New Years

By Crystal Baldwin

A New Years party seems easy enough, put out appetizers, buy some hats and noisemakers...don't forget your new dress and shoes!   But then there is the hard part...the show of the evening which is - your cocktails! 

Yes, alcohol is center stage at many parties...Fourth of July, summer cookouts, birthday celebrations and more.  But, New Years is the grand party when it comes to drinks.  People plan on drinking and usually stick with one drink for the evening (maybe a glass of wine to get started) so, what you serve is the show stopper of the evening.  Plan on giving them some more choices this year.

If you have some fun twists on old favorites it does spice things up and leave people talking about what a great party it was for sure.  Changing things up can be easier than you think and a lot of fun.  This is the time to get creative and have fun while wowing your guests. 

Remember to have mocktail options for the non-drinkers and also for a safe holiday... have NA options that people can switch to so that they can continue hanging and partying without getting past the safe driving zone (Ritual Zero Proof Alcohol mixers and Joyus NA Wines makes great NA drinks that allows you to continue the fun and avoid the jail time). 

Here are 6 fun Cocktails & Mocktails to add to the menu this year...

#1 Sparkling Champagne Margaritas

• 3 Ounces Tequila
• 3 Ounces Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
• 1 1/2 Teaspoon Orange Liquor
• 1 1/2 Ounces of Simple Syrup
• Champagne or Sparkling wine (I love Prosecco) to top
• Sliced lime
• Ice cubes
• Sugar/Salt for rim
• Cranberry or two for holiday cheer optional
• Rosemary Sprig or lime wedge for Garnish optional

For Simple Syrup

• 1 Cup White Sugar
• 1 Cup Water 

It doesn't get easier than this...place the water and sugar in a pan and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and stir until the sugar dissolves and the water turns clear.  Remove from heat and let it cool before storing in a pour bottle in the fridge.  Mark it as simple syrup (so your guest don't think its liquor).

For the Margarita

Directions: 

1. Prepare your glass by squeezing some lime juice to dip glass rims into, use salt or sugar or a mix of both for a twist.  Add ice cubes to glass.
2. Using a cocktail shaker add lots of ice.  Pour the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur and simple syrup over the ice, add the lid and shake vigorously. 
3. Strain into glass over the ice and top with your champagne or sparkling wine
4. Garnish with cranberries and/or rosemary spring or lime wedge & serve

Obviously if you are throwing a party you will want to make a larger quantity.  This is a easy one to make ahead and store the pitcher in the fridge.  leave out the sparkling wine and add when serving.

#2 Sparkling Champagne Margaritas NA Recipe

• 3 Ounces Ritual Tequila Alternative
• 3 Ounces Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
• 1 1/2 Teaspoon Orange Floral Elixir (or a squeeze of fresh OJ)
• 1 1/2 Ounces of Simple Syrup
• Sparkling Seltzer to top (cranberry flavored optional)
• Sliced lime
• Ice cubes
• Sugar/Salt for rim
• Cranberry or two for holiday cheer optional
• Rosemary Sprig Garnish optional

Follow Directions above, adding the sparkling seltzer at the end and stir 

#3 Warm Spiced Wine

 

I'm not going to give you directions to make your own spiced wine  mix because this is cheaper and so much easier!  We have used the Lush spiced wine mixes and from experience we know they are the absolute best. 

Lush makes their mixers from fresh, organic fruits and herbs that are freeze dried and powdered...you just add the wine and water (yes you need the water because the mix is strong and it won't dilute your wine)  and you are all set.  Pour your mix into a heat proof pitcher and go enjoy your party...its that easy! 

• 1 container of "Lush" brand Spiced Wine Mix 
• 1 Bottle of Red Wine
• 1 Bottle of Water
• Fruit and herbs for garnish optional 

Directions:

1. Pour the Lush Powdered mix into a large pan
2. Add 1 bottle of red wine of your choice, I like a nice red blend
3. Fill your wine bottle with water and add that to the mixture
4. Heat and stir until the mix is blended and warm, remove from heat
5. Pour into a heat proof pitcher and set it out for guests to help themselves
6. Add garnish if desired

#4 Warm Spiced Wine Non-Alcoholic Recipe

We love this lush spiced wine mixer but we have to tell you when you use the lush mixer with the Joyus NA cabernet sauvignon, you can't tell the difference from the real thing! 

The flavor is full and robust and it feels just like you are drinking a deep red blend with the spices! 

Follow the directions as above but replace the red wine with Joyus NA Cabernet Sauvignon. 

#5 Sparkling Cranberry Rosé

Super easy and another great way to use up those fresh cranberries!  All you need is some cranberry juice and a few fresh berries and rosemary for garnish and voila!  Instant cocktail 

• 4 Ounces Sparkling Rosé
• 2 Ounces Cranberry Juice
• 2 Dashes of Orange Bitters (we love our Strong Water Bitters) optional
• Fresh Cranberries for garnish, spring of rosemary optional

Directions:

1. Fill a wine glass half way with ice and add your orange bitters
2. Pour cranberry juice over ice and stir
3. Top off with Rosé and Stir 
4. Add cranberries or rosemary for garnish (optional)

#6 Sparkling Cranberry Rosé NA Recipe

• 4 Ounces Joyus Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé
• 2 Ounces Cranberry Juice
• 2 Dashes of orange floral elixir optional
• Fresh Cranberries for garnish, spring of rosemary optional

Directions:

1. Fill a wine glass half way with ice and add your orange floral elixir
2. Pour cranberry juice over ice and stir
3. Top off with Joyus NA Rosé and Stir 
4. Add cranberries or rosemary for garnish (optional)

 

There you have it, 6 fun recipes with and without alcohol.  Use these and add your own twist to the recipe.  Whatever you do have fun, enjoy and be safe.  Encourage your guests to switch to the NA drinks when it's time...give them a little taste so they know it will be good.  

Happy New Year Everyone! 

 

Print Recipes HERE 

---

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

---

Also in Recipes and Blog