65 New Year’s Eve Cocktails to Keep the Party Going

Few nights beg for something sparkling quite like December 31. Whether you prefer champagne-forward sippers, bold stirred classics, or playful modern riffs, the right drink sets the mood for countless countdown selfies and midnight toasts. Below you’ll find sixty-five festive cocktails—each easy enough for a home bartender yet impressive enough for a packed house. Grab your shaker, queue the playlist, and let the bubbles, spirits, and good cheer flow until long after the ball drops.

1. Classic Champagne Cocktail

A soaked sugar cube and a couple dashes of Angostura bitters transform plain bubbly into a timeless toast. Drop the cube, top with well-chilled brut champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist for fragrant oils that dance with the rising bubbles. The drink stays light yet carries just enough depth for serious cocktail fans. It’s hard to imagine a simpler way to impress a room.

2. French 75

Gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup shake up to form a zesty base, then champagne stretches everything into a celebratory spritz. The drink dates to World War I Paris cafés yet feels completely current. Serve in a flute or coupe; either way, it goes down almost too quickly. Keep extra chilled gin on standby because refills arrive the moment the clock nears midnight.

3. Kir Royale

One splash of crème de cassis is all it takes to tint dry champagne a regal shade of ruby. Blackcurrant’s dark fruit sweetness balances the wine’s acidity without turning the drink cloying. It’s a two-ingredient wonder you can build right in the glass. For extra flair, drop in a berry or two just before serving.

4. Aperol Spritz

Equal parts prosecco and Aperol topped with a splash of soda create a lively balance of bitter and sweet. The bright color instantly perks up a winter party, while the low alcohol lets guests pace themselves. Serve over plenty of ice to keep things crisp. An orange slice does double duty as garnish and aromatic accent.

5. Negroni Sbagliato

“Sbagliato” means “mistaken” in Italian, yet swapping gin for sparkling wine feels like a stroke of genius. Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco combine for bittersweet complexity with a festive fizz. Stir directly in the glass over ice for an easy batch option. The orange peel brings everything together with bright citrus oils.

6. Bellini

Invented at Harry’s Bar in Venice, the Bellini blends ripe white-peach purée with chilled prosecco. The result is summer-sweet yet elegant enough for black-tie affairs. If peaches aren’t in season, thawed frozen slices puréed smooth work beautifully. Serve ice-cold so the purée suspends in the sparkling wine like a painted sunrise.

7. Poinsettia

Take equal parts cranberry juice and brut champagne, then fortify with a short pour of orange liqueur. The drink tastes like grown-up sparkling cranberry sauce—tart, refreshing, and totally seasonal. Because the base is juice, guests can keep sipping without worry of overproof spirits. Garnish with a trio of fresh cranberries for instant holiday polish.

8. Midnight Martini

Vodka meets coffee liqueur and a whisper of orange liqueur for a drink as dark as the night sky. Shake hard with ice and strain into a martini glass for a silky texture. The subtle citrus lifts the coffee notes, keeping the drink from feeling heavy. It’s an ideal pick-me-up right before the countdown.

9. Espresso Martini

Born in 1980s London, this modern classic marries vodka, freshly pulled espresso, and coffee liqueur. Shaking hot espresso with ice chills the drink and builds a luxurious crema cap. The caffeine jolt helps anyone fading after a long dinner. Float three coffee beans on top for prosperity, health, and happiness in the new year.

10. Winter Margarita

Swap summery lime for wintry blood-orange juice and suddenly the margarita feels right at home in December. Tequila, orange liqueur, and a hint of agave keep the drink familiar yet seasonal. A half-salt half-sugar rim adds flair and balances the citrus’s tang. Garnish with a thin blood-orange wheel for extra drama.

11. Cranberry Moscow Mule

Vodka, lime juice, cranberry juice, and spicy ginger beer shake up the classic mule template. The bright red hue looks stunning in a copper mug against twinkling string lights. Fresh cranberries add tartness while crushed ice delivers frosty refreshment. Serve with a sprig of mint to perfume every sip.

12. Rosemary Gin Fizz

Infuse simple syrup with fresh rosemary to lend piney depth reminiscent of a winter wreath. Shake it with gin, lemon juice, and egg white (or aquafaba) for a pillowy head, then top with club soda. The drink lands somewhere between herbal and citrusy, perfectly bridging savory snacks and sweet desserts. A toasted rosemary sprig releases fragrant smoke when gently tapped.

13. Manhattan

Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters create a smooth, warming sip that predates electric lights. Stirred over ice and strained, it offers balanced spice and gentle sweetness. Use quality vermouth stored in the fridge to keep flavors bright. One brandied cherry delivers just the right touch of decadence.

14. Old Fashioned

Just whiskey, sugar, bitters, and citrus oils—proof that minimalism can be luxurious. Muddle a sugar cube with bitters, add bourbon, and stir over ice until chilled. Orange peel expresses lively oils over the surface, while the large cube keeps dilution slow. It’s a steadfast companion for late-night toasts.

15. Boulevardier

The whiskey cousin of the Negroni swaps gin for bourbon or rye, blending sweet vermouth and Campari into a bittersweet symphony. Stirred and served over fresh ice, it offers winter-appropriate warmth with Italian aperitivo flair. A lemon twist brightens the rye’s spice and Campari’s herbal bite. Perfect for guests who claim they never like sweet drinks.

16. Sidecar

Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice shake into a sophisticated sour that dates to 1920s Paris. A light sugar rim offsets the cocktail’s tart backbone without turning it into candy. Strain into a chilled coupe for silky texture. It feels upscale yet requires only three bottles.

17. Champagne Paloma

A base of reposado tequila and grapefruit juice receives an effervescent crown of brut champagne. A pinch of flaky sea salt brings out juicy citrus flavors while keeping sweetness in check. The drink reads like a cross between brunch mimosa and patio paloma. It disappears quickly, so consider batching a pitcher.

18. Sparkling Pisco Sour

Take the classic Peruvian pisco sour—pisco, lime, simple syrup, egg white—and lengthen it with a small pour of sparkling wine. The carbonate kick lightens the velvety foam while enhancing the grape brandy’s floral notes. Dash bitters artfully on top to scent every inhale. It’s equal parts exotic and approachable.

19. Raspberry Mojito

Muddle fresh raspberries with mint and lime before adding white rum and simple syrup. Top with club soda for fizz and vibrant pink color. Crushed ice chills the drink while encouraging gentle dilution. A mint bouquet doubles as garnish and aroma.

20. Lavender 75

Steep dried culinary lavender in simple syrup, then use it in place of sugar in your usual French 75. The floral element pairs naturally with botanical gin and bright champagne. Keep the syrup dosage light to avoid perfume overload. A thin lemon peel curls elegantly along the glass.

21. Gin Basil Smash

Created in Hamburg in 2008, this modern classic shakes gin, fresh basil, lemon juice, and simple syrup into an herb-forward refresher. Strain over ice so bright green micro-fragments remain suspended. The flavor lands somewhere between lemonade and a garden breeze. It’s a crowd-pleaser for gin skeptics.

22. Rum Punch

Blend dark and light rums with orange, pineapple, and lime juices, then sweeten gently with grenadine. Serve from a big bowl so guests can help themselves throughout the night. Freshly grated nutmeg on top nods to Caribbean tradition. The recipe scales up effortlessly for a large party.

23. Sazerac

New Orleans’ official cocktail blends rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, and a touch of sugar in an absinthe-perfumed glass. Stir to silkiness, then garnish with a wide lemon peel expressed over the top. The anise aroma lifts every sip without overpowering the rye. It’s a potent yet refined choice for seasoned drinkers.

24. White Lady

Equal parts gin and Cointreau meet fresh lemon juice and egg white for a silky, slightly sweet sour. Shake once without ice to whip the foam, then again with ice for chill. The result is delicate yet unmistakably gin-forward. It suits appetizers just as well as dessert.

25. Bee’s Knees

This Prohibition-era cocktail sweetens gin with honey syrup instead of sugar. Lemon juice balances the richness, making the drink taste like a liquid cough drop—in the best way. Use a light, floral honey so botanicals remain front and center. A thin lemon wheel drives home the citrus aroma.

26. Blood Orange Mimosa

Swap everyday orange juice for freshly squeezed blood oranges to give the standard mimosa a jewel-tone makeover. The juice’s subtle raspberry notes pair beautifully with dry cava or prosecco. It’s as simple as half juice, half bubbles, built right in the glass. The color alone will have guests snapping photos.

27. Spiced Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Warm apple cider simmered with cinnamon, clove, and star anise becomes the sweetest partner for smooth bourbon. Serve chilled over ice or warmed in a mug depending on your venue’s vibe. A cinnamon stick does triple duty as garnish, stirrer, and aromatic accent. It tastes like liquid apple pie with a kick.

28. Dark & Stormy

Bermuda’s signature drink stacks dark rum over spicy ginger beer and fresh lime juice. The trademark “storm cloud” effect appears when rum is poured gently over the top. Stir before sipping to marry flavors. It’s bold, refreshing, and dead-simple to batch.

29. Ginger Pear Fizz

Vodka or gin joins pear nectar, ginger syrup, and lemon juice, all topped with sparkling wine. The combination offers gentle sweetness and warming spice perfect for chilly nights. A thin pear slice fans across the surface for an elegant garnish. Keep extra ginger syrup on hand—it disappears quickly.

30. Hibiscus Royale

Hibiscus syrup lends color and tangy floral flavor to dry champagne, producing a show-stopping hue. Drop a rehydrated candied hibiscus flower into the flute for edible garnish that slowly unfurls. The drink feels tropical yet classy enough for black-tie affairs. It also pairs beautifully with soft cheeses.

31. Cranberry Gin Smash

Muddle cranberries and mint with simple syrup, then shake with gin and lemon. Double strain over crushed ice for a rosy snow-cone effect. The tart berries keep sweetness in check, while mint freshens each sip. It’s a sip and a snack in one glass.

32. Passionfruit Caipirinha

Brazil’s national drink, the Caipirinha, gets a tangy twist from fresh passionfruit pulp. Muddle lime wedges and sugar, add cachaça, then stir in the fruit for exotic aroma. Crushed ice chills the drink and balances the sweetness. Bright, zippy, and far less predictable than a mojito.

33. Black Velvet

First poured to mourn Prince Albert in 1861, this unlikely union of dry stout and champagne is surprisingly elegant. Tilt the glass and slowly add stout to float atop the bubbles, creating a dramatic two-tone effect. The creamy beer head melds with crisp wine for a velvety texture. It’s a conversation starter in any crowd.

34. St-Germain Spritz

Elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and soda water create a floral, lightly sweet spritz that feels like sipping early spring even in midwinter. Build right in the glass over ice for endless top-ups. A lemon twist brightens the elderflower perfume. It’s low-proof enough for long evenings.

35. Maple New York Sour

Bourbon, lemon juice, and maple syrup form the base of this riff on the classic sour. Shake hard, then carefully layer a splash of dry red wine on top for dramatic contrast. The maple’s earthy sweetness pairs beautifully with oaky bourbon. Use a cinnamon stick to stir if you want extra spice.

36. Sparkling Mai Tai

Combine aged rum, orgeat, orange curaçao, and lime, then finish with a splash of sparkling wine instead of the usual rum float. The bubbles lighten the drink without sacrificing the almond-citrus backbone. Serve in stemware for a dressier vibe than the classic tiki mug. A mint sprig cools each sip.

37. Grapefruit Rosé Paloma

Blushing grapefruit soda and dry rosé wine team up with blanco tequila for a colorful riff on Mexico’s favorite highball. A salted rim underscores the fruit’s juiciness. Top with a rosemary sprig to echo the wine’s herbal notes. It’s as photogenic as it is refreshing.

38. Champagne Mojito

Replace club soda with brut champagne and suddenly the classic Cuban highball turns party-ready. Mint, rum, lime, and a hint of sugar remain the backbone. The fine bubbles lift aromatics higher than soda ever could. Serve with a straw so guests can stir as they sip.

39. Fig Bourbon Smash

Fresh or jammy figs muddled with thyme create a rich, almost jam-like base for bourbon. Lemon juice and a touch of honey lighten the profile. Shake hard, strain over crushed ice, and garnish with an extra fig slice. The earthy sweetness feels perfect for sweater weather.

40. Cucumber Elderflower Collins

Gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and muddled cucumber shake into an aromatic refresher. Top with chilled soda water for a lively spritz. The drink tastes like a high-end spa in cocktail form. A long cucumber ribbon doubles as garnish and flavor infusion.

41. Caramel Irish Coffee

Hot, strong coffee meets Irish whiskey and a spoon of caramel syrup for a dessert-worthy warmer. Crown with lightly whipped cream so the first sip blends hot and cold. The caramel accent softens the whiskey’s bite without masking it. Ideal for chocolate desserts or chilly patios.

42. Pomegranate Margarita

Fresh pomegranate juice gives the margarita a jewel-tone glow and subtle tannic edge. Shake with tequila, lime, and a touch of orange liqueur. A salt-and-sugar rim enhances both sweet and tart notes. Pomegranate arils sprinkled on top provide extra crunch.

43. Snowball

This U.K. holiday staple blends creamy Advocaat with fizzy lemonade and a squeeze of fresh lime. Despite its custardy base, the drink remains surprisingly light thanks to the carbonation. Serve in a chilled coupe for a nostalgic nod that still feels fresh. A maraschino cherry brings a pop of color.

44. Chocolate Martini

Vodka, crème de cacao, and a dash of cream combine for the adult milkshake of your dreams. Shake with plenty of ice to keep the texture silky, not heavy. Rim the glass with cocoa powder for extra indulgence. It doubles as dessert once the dessert table runs out.

45. Lychee Bellini

Puree canned or fresh lychee, then strain to remove fibers before topping with prosecco. The exotic fruit lends floral sweetness and faint rose aromas. Serve icy cold to highlight delicate flavors. Garnish with a peeled lychee for an unmistakable cue.

46. Applejack Punch

America’s historic apple brandy, Applejack, stars in this crowd-pleasing punch along with lemon juice, dry hard cider, and spiced syrup. Build in a large bowl over an ice ring dotted with cranberries for visual flair. The combination tastes like sparkling apple pie. It’s easy to top up with more cider as glasses empty.

47. Mezcal Mule

Smoky mezcal steps in for vodka, giving the familiar mule a campfire twist. Ginger beer’s spice and lime’s snap balance the spirit’s earthy notes. A smoked-salt rim amplifies aroma with every sip. The cocktail is fiery, refreshing, and undeniably memorable.

48. Yuzu Gin Tonic

Swap standard lime for fragrant yuzu juice and peel to give a beloved classic an East-Asian accent. Use a floral gin and high-quality tonic so citrus oils shine. Build directly in the glass for maximum fizz retention. Garnish with a thin yuzu wheel for eye-catching contrast.

49. Coconut Rum Sparkler

Light coconut rum and pineapple juice get topped with brut champagne for a beach holiday meets black-tie mashup. A rim dipped in coconut flakes adds texture and tropical aroma. Keep juices chilled so the drink remains crisp, not cloying. Tiny umbrellas optional—but encouraged.

50. Blackberry Bramble

Gin, lemon, and simple syrup form the base; rich crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur) is drizzled over crushed ice to create a cascading effect. The tart berry syrup slowly threads through the drink as the ice melts. Garnish with fresh blackberries for an extra burst. It’s both visually striking and refreshingly tart.

51. Smoked Rosemary Old Fashioned

Light a rosemary sprig, capture the smoke in the glass, then build a classic Old Fashioned with bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters. The herbal smoke clings to the spirit, delivering campfire aromatics without needing special equipment. Express an orange peel to add brightness. It’s theater and flavor in one step.

52. Sloe Gin Fizz

Sloe gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup shake with egg white for texture, then club soda adds fizz. The drink’s blush color comes from sloe berries, a type of small wild plum. Light and tangy, it reads almost like an adult raspberry soda. Serve with a straw to pierce the foam.

53. Mandarin Spritz

Fresh mandarin juice and zest combine with Aperol, prosecco, and soda for a sweeter, more aromatic take on the classic spritz. The citrus’s gentle acidity keeps the drink bright without extra sugar. Drop peeled segments into the glass for edible garnish. It pairs beautifully with salty canapés.

54. Tequila Sunrise à la Champagne

Bartenders layer tequila, orange juice, and grenadine in a flute, then top with brut champagne in place of the usual heavy pour of juice. The bubbles lift grenadine slowly, creating a sunrise effect. It’s lighter and livelier than the 1970s original. A slim orange peel finishes the look.

55. Watermelon Mint Cooler

Puree and strain fresh watermelon, then shake with vodka, lime, and muddled mint. A splash of soda lifts the flavors while keeping the drink sessionable. Even in winter, watermelon’s bright sweetness feels like a welcome palate cleanser. Crushed ice maintains frosty temperatures until the final sip.

56. Irish Espresso Martini

Add a half-ounce of Irish cream liqueur to the standard vodka-espresso-coffee liqueur formula. The cream enriches texture and contributes subtle chocolate notes. Shake hard for a thick crema, then strain into a chilled coupe. It’s equal parts pick-me-up and nightcap.

57. Limoncello Spritz

Italian lemon liqueur, prosecco, and soda water build a dessert-like spritz that still feels refreshing. Pour over plenty of ice to temper the liqueur’s sweetness. A fresh mint sprig introduces herbal depth. It tastes like Amalfi Coast sunshine even in the depths of winter.

58. Pink Peppercorn Paloma

Muddle a few pink peppercorns with agave syrup to add floral spice to the normal tequila-grapefruit combo. Strain over ice and top with sparkling grapefruit soda. The peppercorn aroma evolves as you sip, dancing between citrus and subtle heat. A grapefruit peel twist seals the deal.

59. Hot Buttered Rum

Blend dark rum with a dollop of spiced butter batter made from brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then top with hot water. The batter melts into a silky, soothing concoction reminiscent of spiced caramel. Serve in pre-warmed mugs so temperature stays consistent. Perfect for backyard fireworks viewing.

60. Holiday Punch Bowl

Combine cranberry juice, sparkling wine, dark rum, and ginger ale for a festive bowl that’s equal parts tart and sweet. An ice ring made with fruit keeps everything chilled without watering flavors down. Fresh rosemary sprigs float on top, infusing piney aroma as guests scoop servings. It’s the ultimate low-maintenance crowd pleaser.

61. Alpine Spritz

Genepi, an herbaceous Alpine liqueur, stands in for Aperol and lends bittersweet mountain botanicals. Mix with prosecco and a splash of soda over ice. A lemon twist brightens the alpine herbs, evoking crisp snow-covered slopes. Ideal for anyone craving something less sweet.

62. Mango Chili Margarita

Fresh mango puree blends with blanco tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. A pinch of chili powder or muddled jalapeño adds gentle heat. Serve over ice with a chili-salt rim for sweet-spicy contrast. It keeps palates awake during late-night snacks.

63. Cardamom Pear Martini

Infuse vodka with green cardamom pods, then shake with pear nectar and lemon juice. A dash of simple syrup rounds things out while letting spice shine. Strain into a chilled martini glass for crisp, clean lines. The scent of cardamom feels instantly holiday-appropriate.

64. Sparkling Aviation

Gin, crème de violette, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice make up the pre-Prohibition Aviation. Add a top-off of brut champagne just before serving to create gentle fizz and lighten the dense floral flavors. The lavender hue looks stunning under party lights. One cherry anchors the color palette.

65. Midnight Kiss

Vodka, blue curaçao, and white cranberry juice shake into an icy base, then a stream of champagne brings glittering bubbles. The sugar-rimmed flute nods to confetti dropping at midnight. White cranberry keeps sweetness balanced and hue electric. Toast with this vibrant beauty as the ball drops and the year begins anew.

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