New Year's Party - Gin Drinks

For a sophisticated, elegant New Year's Eve party, the Dry Martini is a staple:

- 1 ½ ounces gin

- ¾ ounce dry vermouth

- olive for garnish

Mix the gin and vermouth together with ice in a mixing glass and then strain into a cocktail glass. Spear the olive with a decorative pick and place in the drink.

A Blue Lady is a fruity, sweet drink that is perfect for an evening party. You will need:

- ¾ ounce gin

- ¾ ounce blue curacao

- ¾ ounce lemon juice

Combine the ingredients and shake together in a mixer with ice. Pour into a cocktail glass with a sugared rim. Drink needs to be served right after being made.

A May Fair drink is great for being served after dinner. The ingredients are:

- 1 ounce gin

- 1 ounce orange juice

- 3 dashes apricot brandy

In an ice filled mixer, shake the ingredients then strain into a cocktail glass.

A Gin Cocktail is simple to make and only requires two ingredients:

- 1 ¾ ounces gin

- 3 dashes orange bitters

Mix with ice in a mixing glass and then strain into a cocktail glass.

Be sure to decorate your party with festive New Year's decorations and serve up some tasty hors d'oeuvres.

All of these recipes and more can be found in Peter Bohrmann's book, The Bartender's Guide.