Vodka Drinks for New Year's Eve Parties

New Year's Eve is coming up....have you decided what drink you'll make at your New Year's Eve party? Vodka is a great mixer, because it's less likely to cause hangovers than other liquors and it goes with pretty much everything. Try some of these unique and delicious vodka drinks at your next party...

1.) Cucumber Melon: This drink was invented by a friend of mine, who loved the smell of cucumber melon lotion so much that she just had to make it drinkable. It turned out great; this drink is so light and refreshing, and really quite healthy too. It won't give you that "ick--too much liquor and sweet mixer" gross feeling, in fact, you could probably drink it all night without getting too hungover. You'll need:

cucumber (s), honeydew melon(s), sugar, ice, vodka (unflavored), and a blender

Take about 1/2 a cucumber to 3/4+ melon, 1/4 cup sugar, and ice and throw it all in the blender. Once it's blended, taste it and adjust the portions if necessary. To serve, add about a shot of vodka to each individual drink (or to taste) and garnish with a small slice of a melon.

2.) Pomegranate Dream: This is a fruity, sweet, delicious drink, and a great way get antioxidants and drink at the same time! You'll need:

orange juice, pomegranate juice, pomegranate, and vodka (unflavored).

Use 3/4 cup oj to 1/4 cup pomegranate juice, add a shot of vodka (or to taste) and sprinkle with juicy pomegranate seeds.

3.) Flavored Stoli and Soda: I randomly ordered this drink at a bar one night, and ended up really liking it. It's great because it's simple and not too sweet, as the club soda cuts the sweetness and hydrates you as you drink. It's certainly not for those who likes really fruity, sweet drinks, but great for those who appreciate a subtle flavor and a light drink. Stolichnaya flavored vodka is great in this because it's well-flavored w/out being overly sweet and syrupy. You'll need:

club soda (NOT seltzer or tonic water), Stoli Blackberry, Blueberry, or any other flavor or your choosing, a lime or lemon wedge (optional)

Add about a shot of vodka to a 3/4 cup club soda (more or less depending on desired strenght/taste). Squeeze a bit of lime or lemon into drink (if desired) and/or add a lime/lemon wedge. (To sweeten this drink and make it more flavorful, add a shot of juice of your choice)

4.) Millionaire's Hot Chocolate: Another friend of mine made this once...I'm not sure if she made it up or she got it from somewhere, but I couldn't find it online. This is a great cold night drink. Sweet and creamy, anyone who likes hot chocolate and ice creamy sweetness will love this. Be careful, this is one that's insidiously strong. You'll need:

hot chocolate, Bailey's Irish Cream, Frangelico, and vodka (vanilla), marshmallows (optional)

Mix 3/4 cup hot chocolate, 1 oz Bailey's, 1 oz Frangelico, and 3/4 oz vanilla vodka. Garnish with marshmallows if desired.

5.) Hot Cider: Another great one for cold nights. This one is a little tricky, as it involves creating your own infused vodka (which will take 3-5 days to reach potential). But it's not hard, and totally worth it, as all your friends will be impressed by your vodka-infusing abilities. You'll need:

apple cider, cinnamon and apple infused vodka (see recipe at http://www.make-martinis-at-home.com/vodkainfusionrecipes.html ), cinnamon sticks (optional)

Warm the apple cider on the stove. Add about a shot to a shot and a half of vodka to a 3/4 a cup of the cider. Add spices if desired (cloves, nutmeg, etc.). Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Another option is to make this drink into a cold martini--forgo the cider and simply serve the vodka with spices (or add a shot of apple brandy).

6.) Sweet Tea Mojito: This is a great twist on the original mojito. Also a great drink if you want to add a little summer to your New Year's Eve party (or go all the way and have summer-themed party. Be careful, it's deceptively strong. You'll need:

Firefly's Sweet Tea vodka, Limoncello or another lemon liquor, fresh mint leaves, club soda, lemon (optional)

Crush the mint leaves up in the bottom of the glass (use a muddler if you have one). Mix one part vodka with one part limoncello, add a splash of club soda (or to taste). Garnish with a lemon wedge.

(Unfortunately, Firefly Sweet Tea vodka is not available in all states. Check their website for availability, and if necessary, substitute sweet tea and unflavored vodka. www.fireflyvodka.com/index.cfm)