New Year's Drinks Using Vodka

A successful New Year's party depends on many different factors but one thing that will definitely help boost the festivities is the variety of drinks offered. Typically, good parties have the essentials: beer, wine, and hard alcohol. Some hosts even try to keep a stock of alcohol based on the preferences of their guests. However, buying large, diverse stocks of alcohol can make your party expenses skyrocket through the roof. This is where good planning comes into play. Although everyone may not prefer the taste of vodka, they will appreciate the flavor of your delicious mixed drinks. Don't be afraid to experiment on new drinks with your guests because chances are they will have fun helping you out.

1. Jungle Juice

For a large party, I recommend that you make Jungle Juice. Jungle juice is typically made, and stored, in a 20 gallon container that has a push-button spout. There is no real recipe for Jungle Juice because everyone that you talk to will mention different ingredients but the basics will remain the same; vodka and juice or punch.

A cheap easy recipe includes the following:

- (3) 1.75L Bottles of Vodka

- (1) Bottle of Everclear or Bacardi 151

- (5) 2L Bottles of Lemon Lime soda

- (3) Gallon of Orange Juice

- (1) Gallon of Pineapple Juice

- (10) Packets of Kool-aid mix

Optional: fresh fruit (cut into chunks)

Mix all ingredients in the large container and chill. After the fruit has been sitting in the juice for a while it begins to absorb the alcohol; this makes for nice fruit shots once all the juice is gone. Experimentation is the key here; try different sodas, juices and even concentrates to get a good flavor.

2. Renegade's Vodka Sunset

- 1 part Vodka

- 4 parts OJ

- 1 part Lemon Lime soda

- 1 spoonful of grenadine

Optional: try a splash of lime juice

Blend with ice or mix all ingredients on the rocks. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

3. Sour Cran

- 1 part Vodka

- 3 parts Pineapple Juice

- � part Lime Juice

- � part Cranberry Juice

Mix all ingredients on the rocks. Garnish with lime slice.