15 Cocktails to Bring into the New Year

A festive drink doesn’t always need a special occasion, but a new year’s day brunch seems like the perfect occasion for festive cocktails! I’ve begun planning our new year’s day gathering with family and friends and I realized I had no idea what tasty drinks to serve. Luckily, the holiday season isn’t over yet and there are plenty of ideas still floating around for the best drinks. A festive holiday drink would be fun, I think we need to step it up from a classic mimosa this year. Let’s keep the holiday spirit going with something extra fancy! Taking a holiday twist on signature cocktails seems like something we should dabble in.

Here are the best cocktail recipes to try out for your New Year’s Day or new year’s eve crew!

Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa

Now this is exactly what I’m talking about! Take a classic cocktail and make it more festive! I don’t think I’ve ever had vanilla extract, beans or flavored vodka in a mimosa, but that’s something I’m definitely interested in! Cranberries are a classic festive flavor for drinks, but I think it’s genius adding in that hint of vanilla. Garnishing it with vanilla beans makes it that much better, too!

Image/Recipe: Honey and Birch

Peppermint Espresso Martini

Espresso Martinis are so on trend right now. Coffee liqueur is the key ingredient to a tasty drink. I love the peppermint garnish around the rim of the glass, I know it feels Christmas related, but I think it truly works for all of winter. This is a great cocktail to serve for brunch because we all need a little bit of coffee after NYE, so why not add it to alcoholic drinks!

Image/Recipe: Inspired by Charm

The Dumpster Fire

The name of this one cracks me up! But seriously, how stunning is it? It has such a simple look and feel to it, so it’s definitely the drink to have if you’re dressed up. This fancy cocktail is made with gin, cointreau and bitters. Garnish it with an orange peel or lemon peel and you’re good to go!

Image/Recipe: Umami Girl

Sparkling Margarita

You had me at sparkling! The name alone makes it perfect for New Years Eve. It’s incredibly simple to make, too! Containing a few basic ingredients like, champagne, triple sec, lime juice and tequila, you can make these delicious drinks whenever you’d like!

Image/Recipe: Homemade Hooplah

Red Snapper

Move over Bloody Mary, the Red Snapper is here! If you like Bloody Mary’s then, I think you’ll like this variation. It’s basically the gin version and everything else is pretty much the same ingredients. But it makes for the perfect new year’s day pajama brunch cocktail!

Image/Recipe: A Couple Cooks

Pomegranate Gin Fizz

Anything fizzy is the perfect way to start the New Year! It’s made with pomegranate juice, limes, gin and club soda or ginger ale. This actually would be a great recipe to make a mocktail out of because all you have to do is leave out the gin and it’s still delicious!

Image/Recipe: Lemons for Lulu

Toasted Almond Cocktail

How is it possible something can taste so delicious and only have 3 ingredients in it?! Featuring amaretto, kahlua and cream. You can definitely substitute the cream for a plant based milk if you aren’t a milk drinker though.

Image/Recipe: Mix that Drink

Spicy Sweet Holiday Storm Cocktail

Tieghan has done it again! Everything she makes is phenomenal! This cocktail is so fancy and festive, while still being something that is not difficult to make. Wow your guests with this spicy honey, jalapeno and ginger based drink.

Image/Recipe: Half Baked Harvest

French Pear Martini

This is another really pretty drink! Here we have a martini that will impress everyone. It’s super simple to make and you can garnish it with any festive food or glass garnish to make it feel more sparkly for the holiday!

Image/Recipe: FreutCake

Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned fans, this one is for you! If you’re looking for a drink that will warm you up this winter, this is it! It’s the perfect balance between spice and warmth to ring in the New Year with!

Image/Recipe: Half Baked Harvest

Vanilla Plum Shrub

I’m loving vanilla for the New Year! This cocktail recipe is quick to make and another easy one to turn into a mocktail. You’ll have to have a bit of patience while simmering the vinegar and mixing it with the plum mixture, but I promise it is worth it!

Image/Recipe: The Modern Proper

The Last Word Cocktail

This sounds like an iconic NYE cocktail! You’ll feel like a true bartender making this one! It’s a mixture of gin, chartreuse, lime and Luxardo Marachino liqueur. The color of it is something that I think screams New Year’s.

Image/Recipe: Pinch and Swirl

Rosemary 75 Champagne Cocktail

This one is purple! Need I say anything else? It’s a great holiday cocktail and a fun drink to have on the table for your guests. The flower extract makes it change colors and the rosemary flavor is divine.

Image/Recipe: Goodie Godmother

Green Chartreuse and Pear Brandy Cocktail

How stunning is this option?! I love the pink tone and this it’s such a classy vibe for a nicer get together. Celebrating the new year is a time where we reflect on the past year and make goals for the new one. If you are planning a nice gathering, this is one of my top suggestions for you!

Image/Recipe: House of Hipsters

Confetti Champagne

Yes, you read that right! What this is, is champagne with sprinkles around the rim. This works for both NYE and New Year’s Day and it some extra added fun! I love this idea and cannot believe I’ve never seen it before! It’s simple and perfect for any budget.

Recipe/Image: Lena Abraham, Brandon Bales c/0 Delish

Happy New Year to all and have a safe and healthy holiday!

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