As we sit around and reminisce about 2021, and the ups and downs the year has brought us, we look ahead to the New Year for new beginnings. A time for celebration and happiness, chances are most of us are going to be spending it at home with a small group of loved ones. House parties are the perfect time for festively-themed cocktails, and what better way to ring in the New Year than with some memorable drinks and laughter to fill the room?
1. Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Thematically spot on, an Old Fashioned can often be a very spirit-forward and stiff drink that might not suit the occasion. Instead, try this Apple Cider spin on the old classic which adds a more refreshing and light-hearted note.
You will need:
4 cups of ice
2.5 cups of apple cider
8 dashes of Angostura bitters
4 apple slices
4 cinnamon sticks
Serves 4.
Directions:
Fill each glass with ice, add 60ml of Macallan whisky each and 2 dashes of bitters before topping with apple cider and stirring to combine. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks before serving.
2. Set The New Year On Fire
If you feel left out, unable to catch the fireworks this New Year - fret not! This spectacle of a cocktail not only tastes amazing, but it’ll allow you and your guests to have your own little set of pyrotechnics at home.
You will need:
24 mint leaves
80 ml of freshly squeezed lime juice
60ml of simple syrup
240 ml of Glenfiddich 18
60ml of Campari
4 x Flaming Lime Shells*
Serves 4.
Directions:
To prepare the Flaming Lime Shells, squeeze the juice from half a lime before placing a sugar cube inside. Next, portion out the mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup into 4 Collins glasses before muddling. Add 60ml of Glenfiddich 18 to each glass before topping with crushed ice and Campari. Place one Flaming Lime Shell atop each glass and add 151-proof rum to each sugar cube. Carefully light on fire and serve, and extinguish the Lime Shells before consuming.
3. Royal Handshake
The perfect drink for those of us that might have had a slightly tougher year, the Royal Handshake is best served strong. Coupled with tangy and zesty elements, this cocktail is a timely reminder to take the sweet with the sour.
You will need:
240ml of Chivas Regal 12
20ml of cherry wine reduction
16 dashes of redcurrant bitters
Lemon zest
Serves 4.
Directions:
Begin by simmering cherry wine on medium heat till it reduces by half before adding equal parts of sugar to the wine and stirring till dissolved to obtain cherry wine reduction. Pour the Chivas Regal 12 into a mixing vessel and add the cooled cherry wine reduction. Fill to the top with ice and stir for approximately 20 seconds or till fully mixed. Divide and strain into four rocks or old fashioned glasses filled with ice before garnishing with lemon zest and serving.
4. William Wallace
Taking inspiration from the classic Rob Roy, this variation contrasts the sweetness of vermouth with flavoursome PX sherry and orange bitters. A little on the boozy side, you could consider having this cocktail as a nightcap to close out celebrations for the New Year.
You will need:
12 dashes of Angostura Orange Bitters
200ml shots of Macallan whisky
40ml of Martino Rosso Sweet Vermouth
40ml of Pedro Ximénez sherry
Serves 4.
Directions:
Add all the ingredients into a chilled mixing vessel and stir with ice until well combined. Taste for strength, adding a splash of chilled water if the drink is too boozy. Portion out the mixture into 4 Nick and Nora glasses, or coupe glasses if you’re feeling extra fancy.
5. Soju Caipirinha
A little bit of East meets West in this final New Year’s Eve cocktail, this drink takes inspiration from the national cocktail of Brazil but substitutes Korean Soju for Brazilian cachaça.
You will need:
4 whole limes
4 teaspoons of sugar
Crushed Ice
1 bottle of Soju
Serves 4.
Directions:
Add the limes and sugar into a cocktail shaker, and muddle the contents to release the lime juice. Place the crushed ice and soju into the shaker before shaking ingredients thoroughly. Portion the mixture into four rocks glasses and garnish with more lime, as you desire.
Get Ready to Party This New Year with JARBARLAR
If you’re all tuckered from this season’s celebrations, why not shop online now at JARBARLAR and enjoy alcohol delivered right to your doorstep, with same-day delivery available as well! Keep an eye out for JARBARLAR’s upcoming Soju selection as well, and be the first few to get your hands on it!