New Year's Party Cocktail Ideas: Champagne Punch and Praline Liqueur

Why get rid of the old, just recycle the old times and make them new. Look at New Year's as a chance to recycle the past.

My ideal for a New Year's Eve Party is to go green. Lately everyone is going green, so why can't you put it in your decorating theme.

Decorate with greenery, instead of using floral arrangement go for potted plants or some type of herb. Not only does it adds to the scent of the party, party goers can take home the plants as party favors. Use soy candles for an evening glow to your celebration, if you need lighting in the form of lightbulbs use the new energy efficent lightbulbs.

Use a salad bowl and fill it with lemons and limes for a stunning centerpiece. Turn your old cutting board into the cheese and meat tray.

When you plan to serve your party food go for real dishes instead of plastic. If you need to use disposable plates try to find the biodegradable type that is made from bambo or corn "plastic"

Motivate all your friends to take action now. Organize a neighborhood beautification program for your community, and you and your friends can take the first shift to set the example. You can also start an email campaign to local, state or federal officials to work toward change in areas like clean-air initiatives and wildlife protection.

Entertainment can be a movie that promotes world awareness, or play music from artist who try to save the environment.
Finger foods are always great for parties and reduce the need for plates or dishes. Serve fruits and veggies that are fresh from the farmers' market
Champagne Punch

1 1/3 cups fresh lemon juice
1 cup superfine sugar
1/2 cup orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
1/2 cup Triple Sec
1/2 cup cognac
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 bottles chilled dry Champagne or sparkling wine
Orange or lemon slices
Fresh strawberries, optional

There is no reason to move on to the next year without preserving our past. Our planet is our greatest resource so why not celebrate and protect it in the future years. Combine the lemon juice, sugar, orange liqueur, Triple Sec, cognac, and orange juice in a bowl and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the Champagne and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Pour into a decorative bowl . Garnish with orange or lemon slices and fresh strawberries.

Don't forget to use the bottles from the liqueur to make candle holders to build on the recycle theme.

or if you really are wanting to go green with the refreshment try this for a drink. Warning you need to make it a head of time, and use recycled glass containers to store the drink prior to your party.

Praline Liqueur

2 cups packed dark brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups water
4 cups pecan pieces
2 vanilla beans sspilt lengthwise
4 cups organic vodka

combine first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until the sugars
dissolve. Bring to a boik, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Plaxe pecans and vanilla beans in a
1-gallon jar. Pour hot mixture into jar. Let cool. Add vodka; stir well. Cover tightly and store in a dark place at room temperature at
least 2 weeks. Shake jar gently once daily.

Pour mixture through a wire-mesh strainer lined with 2 layers of cheesecloth into a bowl, discarding solids. Pour mixture through a wire mesh strainer lined witha coffee filter into a bowl. Change filter often. ( Mixture will drip slowly.) Pour mixture into jars; cover tightly. Store at room temperature.