Delicious Tequila Drinks for New Year's Eve

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, what is it we all usually have in our hands? Often, you might picture champagne, but likewise, there are a number of excellent tequila mixes for just this same occasion.

For example, there is a popular drink called the Mad Hatter, usually made with 1 oz vodka, 1 oz peach Schnapps, 1 oz lemonade, and 1 oz Coca-Cola, according to Drinks Mixer. A similar variation with tequila in place of the vodka can be created especially for New Year's. You also might want to give the Southern Sexpot (an original) a taste, made thusly:

1 oz Sauza Tequila Blanco

1 oz Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix

1/2 oz. Rose's Grenadine

Several drops of fresh lemonade or lemon juice to taste

Combine all ingredients into a shaker and give a brisk shake. Pour into glass and garnish with a slice of lemon.

You can, of course, vary the amount of tequila to raise or lower the strength, but it's plenty strong already. And because you have the grenadine, it is also very sweet. Experiment with different amounts of the flavoring to alter the sweetness to your liking.

Add a Little Kick

If you prefer some spice with your tequila (to add that Mexican flavor), you can add Tabasco sauce to some of these drinks. Tequila Drink Recipes, for example, recommends the "Shot of Respect," which is:

1 part vodka

1 part Tequila

1 dash Tabasco sauce

To this, you can combine 151 proof rum with the rest into a shot glass; the Tabasco is added last. Again, there are endless variations possible; you may also want to try this twist on the Orange Julius from Paul Mayne:

6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate

1 cup milk

1 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

8-9 ice cubes

Add 1/2 cup of tequila and 1/2 cup sour mix to the recipe, and you'll have what I like to call the Et Tu Brute. This may not be for all tastes; you are free to invent your own recipe, as always.

Feel the Burn

Iron Chef Bobby Flay has copyrighted his creation called the "Frozen Tequila Limeade," which can be found at Food Network: Bobby Flay's Frozen Tequila Limeade.

For a similar variant with a different flavor, try a Tequila Orangeade, with 1 cup fresh orange juice in place of the lime juice, and a fresh orange. According to Flay's original recipe, the sugar and water are "combine[d] in a small saucepan over high heat, [brought] to a boil and cook[ed] until the sugar melts..." The ingredients are then transferred to a bowl and set on top of a bowl of ice to cool down.

If you prefer even more exotic flavors, you can add other citrus fruit juices to the mix...experiment with grapefruit juice and lime juice together, for instance. You may have several failed experiments until you find the right combination, but hopefully, that's part of the fun.

How May I Serve You?

Once New Year's Eve is upon us, you can combine any reworking of these drinks to your liking, and create your own liquor table for the party. Spread the various liquors, liqueurs, and beers (especially Dos Equis and Corona) across the table, with lime or lemon garnishes for extra pizzazz. If you want to create a Mexican theme, add a mini-sombrero for decoration, and place bowls of chips, salsa, and guacamole side-by-side with the drinks.

If you'd like to go all out with the Mexican concept, you can add Latin music (such as the album Salsa Favorites), and mini-maracas. Combine various Mexican songs (e.g. "El Tecolote," "La Bruja," etc.) onto your own mix CD, and there's your soundtrack!

You may even use low lighting and candles to create a mysterious, sexy atmosphere for a younger crowd (or middle-aged too, for that matter). What better way to bring in the new year than with great drinks, zesty food, and hot salsa sounds? You'll create a memorable New Year's Eve for all your guests...that is, presuming they keep the drinking under control.

Have a happy New Year!