Cheers! It's time to pop the cork and celebrate with dazzling New Year's cocktails. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy mug of mulled wine or a vibrant, fizzy drink, we’ve covered all your festive beverage needs.
31 New Year’s Cocktails to Clink When the Clock Strikes Midnight
Updated on Dec. 03, 2024
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Espresso Martini
Total Time: 10 minutesLevel: Easy
The secret to getting a frothy top on an espresso martini? Shake the ingredients in a cocktail shaker for at least 10 to 15 seconds. You’ll know it’s done when you see condensation begin to form on the outside of the shaker. Of course, you can always take a shortcut and blend the ingredients into a frozen espresso martini.
“For a change of pace from mimosas, serve this wake-up cocktail for your next brunch. Coffee lovers will thank you.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Kir Royal
Total Time: 5 minutesLevel: Easy
Grab a bottle of Prosecco (or any Italian sparkling wine) and whip up this three-ingredient bubbly cocktail. The ruby-hued beverage will look elegant in a slender champagne flute.
“A simple cocktail, the Kir Royale calls for only three ingredients—sparkling wine, creme de cassis and fresh raspberries. Mixed together, it creates a beautiful ruby-hued drink that’ll surely become your favorite sparkling cocktail.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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French 75
Total Time: 5 minutesLevel: Easy
This simple cocktail elevates basic champagne with lemon juice, gin and confectioners’ sugar. It’s ideal for a midnight toast, but it’s tasty enough to sip all night long.
“French 75 was a drink created at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France, during WWI. The original version of the drink had a powerful kick, like a French 75 mm artillery gun. The version here uses less gin.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Champagne Cocktail
Total Time: 5 minutesLevel: Easy
Spruce up a budget bottle of champagne with bitters, brandy and a hint of sugar, then garnish with rosemary and cranberries. I like to use cheap champagne for this cocktail, saving the more expensive bottles to sip without a mixer.
“This amber drink is a champagne twist on the traditional old-fashioned. Try it with extra dry champagne.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Spiced Apple Cider Jelly Shots
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingLevel: Easy
You probably haven’t had a Jell-O shot since college, but they’re having a moment! This classier version features apple cider, ginger-flavored vodka and bitters, and it’ll be a surprisingly fun addition to any New Year’s party. Dust the shots with cinnamon sugar before serving to give them a vibrant finishing flourish.
“These spiced, spiked gelatin squares are sure to get the party started at fall get-togethers. If you’re going for the more traditional shot-style look, pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic cups and refrigerate until set.” —Recipe contributor Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home
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Mulled Wine
Total Time: 45 minutes + chillingLevel: Advanced
This recipe takes a bit of prep time—you’ll need to refrigerate it overnight before serving. However, the complex flavor will make your New Year’s Eve guests rave.
“This mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavors to blend, so don’t omit this essential step.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Spiced White Sangria
Total Time: 15 minutes + chillingLevel: Intermediate
Shake things up with a not-so-traditional New Year’s Eve libation. Sangria recipes are fantastic for any holiday, and this spiced version will surely be a success. Plus, it’s made in large batches that serve 10, so it’s great for a big party.
“I’ve been making this recipe for more than 20 years. My husband and I are in the wine and spirits business and we served it at one of our first dinner parties after we were married. It’s a refreshing change from traditional red sangria.” —Recipe contributor Ellen Folkman, Crystal Beach, Florida
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Holiday Mimosa
Total Time: 5 minutesLevel: Easy
Pull out your holiday flutes or prettiest stemmed cocktail glasses for this festive drink! For the best results, I recommend using 100% cranberry juice instead of cranberry juice cocktail. The drink already includes sweetness from the raspberry liqueur, so real cranberry juice will make it delightfully tart.
“Add a splash of color to your brunch table with this lovely rosy mimosa. It has a fantastic sweet-tart taste.” —Recipe contributor Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana
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Pear & Ginger Sparkler
Total Time: 30 minutes + coolingLevel: Easy
This festive twist on a bellini doesn’t require a cocktail shaker—the drink is mixed in a blender. However, the cocktail will have the best texture if it’s strained through a fine mesh strainer. If you don’t have a dedicated drink strainer, the one you use to strain pasta will work just fine.
“I created this twist on a Bellini when a friend gave me some Asian pears she grew in her backyard. If you like ginger and want more of a kick, try substituting ginger liqueur for the vodka.” —Recipe contributor Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
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Pineapple Cider Wassail
Total Time: 30 minutesLevel: Easy
Apple cider, pineapple juice, apricot nectar and orange juice join forces with spices like cinnamon, cloves and cardamom for a warm, satisfying sipper that will make your home smell incredible. To make it nonalcoholic, omit the rum.
“Pineapple juice prevents this hot drink from becoming overly sweet. Skip the rum—without sacrificing flavor—for a beverage that’s appropriate for guests of all ages.” —Recipe contributor Lori Schmeling, Hartland, Wisconsin
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Pomegranate Cosmo
Total Time: 10 minutesLevel: Easy
‘Tis the season for brightly colored beverages, and this vibrant pomegranate cosmo is no exception. Create the fancy sugar rim by dipping the martini glasses upside down in a shallow dish of water and then into a dish of coarse red sugar.
“Every soiree needs a signature drink. Sugar dresses up this simple cosmo that lets you enjoy a cozy evening with friends and still shake things up.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Cranberry Sparkler
Total Time: 5 minutesLevel: Easy
If you’ve never tried raspberry rum, you’re in for a treat. Here, it’s mixed with cranberry juice, ginger ale, lime juice and fresh fruit. Raspberries and cranberries are festive for the holidays, but you can use any type of berries you have on hand.
“The flavors of this refreshing cran-raspberry cocktail are great any time of year. In winter, the cranberry makes it a good fit for holiday parties; on a warm summer’s night, the raspberry comes to the fore. It’s a favorite for our girls’ night! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
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Chocolate-Caramel Rum Coffee
Total Time: 25 minutesLevel: Easy
This boozy caffeinated treat is for anyone who struggles to stay awake long enough to watch the ball drop! The secret to the sweet, decadent flavor is caramel sundae syrup and a quality coffee brand.
“This decadent drink can stand alone as a final course or as a complement to dessert. Our family loves it for sipping in front of the fireplace.” —Recipe contributor Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
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Cotton Candy Champagne Cocktails
Total Time: 5 minutesLevel: Easy
If you like your drinks sweeter than candy, it’s time to upgrade your drink with actual cotton candy! Use a toothpick or a skewer to create a cotton candy garnish, then enjoy each sugary sip as the puffy treat melts.
“You’ll love these whimsical champagne cocktails. The cotton candy melts away, leaving behind its pretty pink color.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Sparkling Red Wine Sangria
Total Time: 5 minutes + chillingLevel: Beginner
Brandy, liqueur, red wine, oh my! This berry-filled sangria is a great way to use any leftover wine from Christmas, and the recipe can easily be doubled for a larger crowd.
“Sangria is a Spanish drink of wine mixed with spices, cut fruit, and fruit juice, sherry or brandy. It’s best to mix this and let it sit for an hour or more before serving so all the flavors of the fruit and wine blend together.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Sparkling Apple Pie on the Rocks
Total Time: 30 minutes + coolingLevel: Intermediate
Apple cider, caramel ice cream topping, cinnamon and champagne make this sparkler shine. Don’t skimp on the gold sprinkles, which add a particularly festive touch for New Year’s Eve.
“This is the perfect fall cocktail. Apple cider mixed with a cinnamon caramel apple simple syrup and topped with bubbly—it’s the best holiday drink ever! —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
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Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas
Total Time: 5 minutesLevel: Easy
Margarita fans will adore this seasonal twist on their favorite drink. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and frozen cranberries to create that wow factor.
“I came up with this beverage to serve at holiday celebrations for a festive twist on the traditional margarita. It’s light and refreshing, and it looks beautiful with sugar crystals on glass rims.” —Recipe contributor Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
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Butterscotch Mulled Cider
Total Time: 3 hours, 5 minutesLevel: Easy
This three-ingredient cocktail couldn’t be simpler. Just add apple cider, butterscotch schnapps and cinnamon sticks to the slow cooker and sit back as the kitchen takes on a festive aroma.
“Only five minutes of preparation is needed for this dynamite slow-cooked drink. You will love the sweet taste of butterscotch and cinnamon in the hot apple cider.” —Recipe contributor Karen Mack, Webster, New York
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Apple Brandy
Total Time: 35 minutes + standingLevel: Intermediate
Any type of apple can be used to make this homemade apple brandy recipe, but I recommend McIntosh or Red Delicious. They have a good balance of sugar and acidity. When it comes to brandy, look for an unaged, high-quality brandy that will allow the apple’s flavor to shine through.
“I spend a lot of time developing recipes for the many fruits and vegetables we grow on our farm. In this creation, apple liquor is enhanced with spices for a delightful drink.—Deanna Seippel, Lancaster, Wisconsin
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Cranberry Orange Mimosas
Total Time: 10 minutesLevel: Easy
Forgo the traditional champagne toast for something a bit more whimsical. Whir together frozen cranberries, orange juice and lemon juice in a blender, then top the juice with a bit of bubbly. Finish with a sprig of mint.
“Mimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice.” —Recipe contributor Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois
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Cranberry-Jalapeno Martini
Total Time: 30 minutes + chillingLevel: Intermediate
Start the new year off with a bang: The seeded jalapeno pepper in this vodka-cranberry martini is a welcome surprise for any fan of spice! Use up any extra jalapenos in your favorite jalapeno recipes.
“I describe this cocktail as slightly tart, a little sassy and completely delicious. I make a big batch when I’m hosting a party because it tends to disappear quickly. Garnish with fresh mint and cranberries for an extra-special touch.” —Recipe contributor Kelli Haetinger, Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Bubbly Champagne Punch
Total Time: 10 minutes + freezingLevel: Easy
This frozen champagne punch will stay icy long after midnight, thanks to a frozen ring of pineapple juice, ginger ale, orange slices and raspberries. A nonalcoholic version can be made by swapping in ginger ale and lemon-lime soda for white wine and champagne.
“This champagne punch, served at my wedding, continues to this day to be the elegant drink we serve at special events.” —Recipe contributor Anita Geoghagan, Woodstock, Georgia
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Vanilla Bean Fizz
Total Time: 10 minutes + coolingLevel: Easy
Your party guests will feel extra fancy when they sip this vanilla-infused champagne. Make sure to use real vanilla beans when making the simple syrup—you’ll certainly taste the difference!
“A homemade vanilla bean syrup adds a cozy touch to plain champagne. A homemade vanilla bean syrup adds a cozy touch to plain champagne. Save the vanilla beans to make vanilla sugar. Just dry overnight and mix into a couple cups of sugar in an airtight container. Store at least one week for fragrant, flavorful sugar.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Bourbon Slush
Total Time: 10 minutes + freezingLevel: Advanced
Tea and bourbon create a winning combination in this sweet-and-sour cocktail. It needs to be frozen overnight, so make sure to plan ahead. For an added depth of flavor, try orange spice tea instead of traditional black tea.
“At our holiday parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice.” —Recipe contributor Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
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Mango Bellini
Total Time: 5 minutesLevel: Easy
This two-ingredient cocktail is usually made with peach puree, but mango adds a welcome tropical flair. Use champagne, Prosecco or even sparkling water as the effervescent base.
“Simple yet delicious, this mango Bellini is made with fresh mango puree and your favorite sparkling wine—I usually choose Prosecco for mine. You can easily turn it into a mocktail by using sparkling water in place of the champagne or Prosecco.” —Recipe contributor Ellen Folkman, Crystal Beach, Florida
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Swedish Rose Spritz
Total Time: 5 minutesLevel: Easy
Dry rose, seltzer and elderflower liqueur come together to create a spritz that’s so refreshing everyone will want seconds (and maybe thirds!). You can make it alcohol-free by swapping the rose for a non-alcoholic wine.
“A spritz is a still or sparkling wine-based cocktail served with a small amount of liqueur and a splash of seltzer or soda.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Moscow Mule
Total Time: 5 minutesLevel: Easy
This wintry sipper feels even more festive when served in a copper mug. You can find the mugs at many home goods stores, but the drink is just as tasty when served in a rocks glass.
“Here’s an old-time cocktail that was popular in the 1940s and ’50s. A Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug with plenty of ice.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Rubies on Ice
Total Time: 15 minutes + freezingLevel: Easy
This recipe calls for ginger syrup, which can easily be made at home if you can’t find it at the store. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water and a 2-inch piece of peeled ginger, cut into slices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it cool completely. Strain out the ginger and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
“Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage is tantalizing. If you’re looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink!” —Recipe contributor Tara Deshpande, New York, New York
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Mulled Merlot
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutesLevel: Easy
This spiced red wine cocktail heats in the slow cooker, so guests can help themselves all night long. For a fun finishing touch, garnish with cinnamon sticks and orange wedges.
“This mulled wine recipe is sure to warm up your holiday guests!” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Orange Razzletini
Total Time: 5 minutesLevel: Easy
Cue the fireworks! This fruity martini made with raspberry-flavored rum and triple sec tastes just as vibrant as it looks. Curl strips of orange peel to garnish on the rim of the glasses.
“We combined orange juice and raspberry rum to create this fruity martini. The sunny, bright color is appealing.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Hot Buttered Cider Mix
Total Time: 10 minutesLevel: Easy
This hot buttered cider recipe can be made with or without brandy, so it’s perfect if you’re hosting a kid-friendly event. The buttered cider mix makes 64 servings, so feel free to cut the recipe in half if you’re hosting a small party.
“Put the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
