New Year's Eve Drink Recipes

Are you hosting a New Years Eve party, but find yourself completely at a loss for what cocktails to serve? Are you tired of the same ole Champagne? Here are a few great ideas for those cocktail drinkers to ring in the New Year.

When I think of a New Years Eve party, I see images of fireworks and streamers whizzing through the air. In keeping with the theme of colorful choices, this recipe came to mind - Jell-o Shots! I have no idea where the thought originated, but I still have this recipe from my college days. You have the added benefit of making this ahead of time.

Ingredients:

2 cups Vodka (I suggest using medium to high quality vodka)

3 packages of Jello

3 cups water

The directions are simple. Boil the water, and then add Jello, stirring until completely dissolved. Then, pour in the vodka and mix. Pour mixture into plastic shot glasses and chill until set.

You can play with flavors, swapping white tequila for the vodka; again, don't skimp on quality as it affects the flavor. Switching to tequila gives your guests the option of a margarita flavored shot. I found this to perform best with lime or strawberry Jello flavors.

To continue on with the tantalizing theme of color, I would also suggest:

Blue Bubble

Ingredients:

1 oz. Blueberry Schnapps

Chilled Champagne or Sparkling Wine

Directions: Pour 1 oz. Blueberry Schnapps in bottom of flute glass and fill with Champagne and voila!

Speaking of Champagne, there are numerous possibilities for the bubbly. Do not fret if the thought of purchasing expensive champagnes sends your checkbook running in terror.

While I'm certain wine experts will cringe reading my next statement, you can find sparkling white wines at many grocers that will do just fine.

I found a variation of this recipe for Champagne Celebration on Webtender.

Ingredients:

½ oz. Cointreau

½ oz. Brandy

1 cube sugar

Bitters

4 oz. Champagne

Orange Twist for garnish

Directions: Saturate sugar cube with bitters. Add Cointreau, brandy and sugar cube to champagne flute. Fill flute the rest of the way with Champagne and garnish with orange twist.

Also on Webtender, I found this yummy concoction, made with Champagne:

Mango Bellini

Ingredients

1 part mango juice

2 parts champagne

mango

Directions: Fill flute one-third of the way with mango juice and top with remaining champagne. Stir gently (so as not to loose your bubbles!) Garnish with mango slice.

What is a party without a martini? I have found a great tasting martini that has included in the ingredient list espresso! What can be better than a cocktail that helps you stay awake for the festivities? Like most martinis, this delicious drink packs a powerful punch.

Espresso Martini

Ingredients

2 parts brewed espresso

1 part Kahlua

1 part Vanilla Vodka

1 part Irish Crème

Directions: Simply pour each ingredient into an ice-filled shaker, cap, and shake then pour. I have mixed a pitcher up ahead of time and placed in the refrigerator. Just be certain to mix before pouring into martini glasses. You can garnish this with cocoa powder, coffee beans or nothing at all.

The winter months beg for warm drinks. There is an old favorite that comes to mind when the snow begins to fly. Just mentioning this drink brings the likes of Julia Child and Paula Dean to mind.

Hot Buttered Rum

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

1 lb. butter

2 pts of good quality vanilla ice cream (or vanilla bean ice cream)

Dark rum

Directions: Blend all ingredients except rum. A food processor works well. You may need to halve the recipe to blend. Store in airtight container in freezer. To mix drink, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of mix into mug. Add boiling water. Mix thoroughly before adding a shot (or two) of dark rum and enjoy. You can make this for the kids if you omit the rum.

My final recipe is for the traditionalist in all of us. This drink is synonymous with the winter holidays. This recipe also comes courtesy of Webtender.

Egg Nog

Ingredients

12 separated eggs

1 cup sugar

1 cup bourbon

1 cup cognac

½ tsp. salt

3 pints heavy cream

Grated nutmeg

Directions: Beat yolks until light in color. Slowly add bourbon, cognac, while beating at slow speed. Chill for 3 hours. Add salt to the egg whites and beat with mixer until peaks form. Whip cream until stiff. Fold whipped cream into yolk mixture, then fold in the beaten egg whites. Chill one hour. Serve with nutmeg sprinkled on top. For thinner mixture add 1 or 2 cups of milk. Serve in a punch bowl or another big bowl.

For non-alcoholic drink, replace alcohol with milk.