18+ Homemade New Years Eve Cocktails

New Year’s Eve is the perfect excuse to break out your shaker, stock your bar, and impress your guests with some delicious homemade cocktails.

Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or a casual gathering, crafting cocktails at home adds a personal and festive touch to your celebration.

As someone who loves mixing drinks and helping people make bar-quality cocktails at home, I’m here to share some of my favorite recipes and tips for your New Year’s Eve bash.

These drinks are fun, easy to make, and guaranteed to make the midnight toast even more special.

new years eve cocktail

A cocktail specifically made to be enjoyed on New Year's eve. Easy to make with easy to find ingredients.

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snowball coconut christmas cocktail photo with ferrero rocher garnish.

If you love coconut, this drink will be your new seasonal go to

Yes, it’s a Christmas drink, but it works great for end of year vibes.

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festive espresso martini with christmas tree garnish.

Speaking of festive drinks that work well for the end of year, how about a gingerbread Espresso Martinis?

Espresso Martinis are perfect for new years (especially if you’re me and use to going sleep at 10pm) so this twist is brilliant for New Years.

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mimosa recipes

Nothing quite screams new years eve like a sparkling wine cocktail, and a mimosa ticks those boxes.

This guide has 9 ways to make mimosas so even if you’re not a mimosa person, I’m sure you’ll find something.

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champagne cocktail.

The sophisticated sipper made famous by the 1942 movie ‘Casablanca’ - The Champagne Cocktail. An absolute classic when it comes to New Years.

Out of all the cocktails on this list, this has to be the most stereotypical new years tipple.

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Baby Guinness. being layered

A classic (not to mention) cute shot that's fun to make and even more fun to drink.

Named baby Guinness for it's resemblance of a teeny little pint of Guinness.

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butterbeer

Check out this ultimate guide to butterbeer which includes the OG Butterbeer recipe that captures the essence of J.K. Rowling's magical creation with Vanilla Vodka, Butterscotch Schnapps and Cream Soda.

For our underage wizards and non-drinkers, fear not! You can still experience the magic without the spirits.

Hot butterbeer which is perfect for cozying up on the sofa binge watching Harry Potter with the classic flavors and addition of warming spices. Authentic butterbeer recipe frozen for a summer twist.

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As a sidenote, pretty much any one of these Harry Potter cocktails will fit the bill for a New Year’s eve party.

new years eve punch

An easy 4 ingredient New Year's Eve punch that anyone can make. Absolutely delicious and easy to make non alcoholic if needed.

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cosmo recipe

If you want to feel classy this New Year’s Eve and a champagne cocktail just isn’t doing it, then I’d recommend a classic cosmopolitan.

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classic+margarita+recipe

Where are my tequila lovers at?

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the smoking bishop.

The best ever and easiest mulled wine recipe you will come across. Period.

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Once you’ve mastered it check out the smoking bishop or my signature non-alcoholic mulled wine.

mulled cider

My best ever easy-to-make at home alcoholic mulled cider recipe.

Including my non-alcoholic mulled cider variation, boozy rum mulled cider, and video recipe.

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Dirty santa cocktail

A classic Gin based sour cocktail with a deep history in the walls of the Savoy… literally

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lemon drop martini

The best (and easiest) lemon drop martini you can easily make at home.

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flaming b52

The B-52, renowned for its captivating appearance, comprises of a harmonious blend of three distinct liqueurs: Baileys Irish cream, Grand Marnier, and coffee liqueur.

This delectable concoction is meticulously layered within a shot glass, making it a visually appealing choice among enthusiasts.

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skittle bomb

One of the UK’s most popular party drinks that no ones talking about.

This, is how to make the Skittle Bomb. Because why stop at tasting the rainbow when you can drink it?

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mezcal margarita recipe

How to make the best ever Mezcal Margarita with this Smartblend Classic Cocktail.

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Why Make Cocktails at Home?

There’s something magical about creating a cocktail from scratch. Here’s why homemade cocktails shine:

  • Customization: You can tailor the flavors to your taste and accommodate dietary needs or preferences.

  • Cost-Effective: Skip the overpriced drinks at bars and make them for a fraction of the cost.

  • Creative Fun: Mixing cocktails is an art form—get creative and let your inner mixologist shine!

Essentials for Your New Year’s Eve Cocktail Bar

Before diving into recipes, make sure you’ve got the basics covered:

Bar Tools

  • Shaker

  • Jigger (or measuring cup)

  • Muddler

  • Strainer

  • Mixing spoon

Ingredients to Stock

  • Spirits: Vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila

  • Mixers: Tonic water, soda water, ginger beer, juices (orange, cranberry, pineapple)

  • Garnishes: Lemons, limes, oranges, fresh herbs, cocktail cherries

I’d recommend checking out this guide on budget home bars for more info on how to properly and cost effectively sort your home bar.

Tips for a Successful Cocktail Party

1. Prep Ahead

Save yourself time by pre-mixing some cocktails in pitchers. Drinks like rum punch or cranberry gin fizz work great in batches.

2. Offer Variety

Provide a range of cocktails to suit different tastes. Have options for those who love sweet, sour, or bitter flavors.

3. Add a Mocktail Option

Not everyone drinks alcohol, so include at least one fun mocktail. A sparkling citrus cooler or a virgin mojito can be just as festive.

Lucky for you I also have a guide for non alcoholic new years eve drinks.

4. Set the Mood

Create a bar setup with all the tools and ingredients in one place. Add decorative touches like fairy lights or themed signs to make it feel special.

Toasting to the New Year

As the clock nears midnight, gather everyone for the toast. Here’s how to make it memorable:

  • Hand out glasses of champagne or your favorite sparkling cocktail.

  • Share a heartfelt toast to the year ahead.

  • Provide noisemakers, sparklers, or confetti poppers for an exciting countdown.

Cheers to Homemade Cocktails

Hosting a New Year’s Eve party with homemade cocktails is a fantastic way to create an unforgettable celebration.

These drinks are sure to impress your guests and add a personal touch to your event.

So grab your shaker, stock your bar, and get ready to toast to the new year in style. Cheers! 🎉

Hi, I’m Cameron, guv’nor of Smartblend. If you liked this then you’re in luck, I have a bunch more recipes like it. I share only vegetarian and pescatarian food recipes, cocktails, and drink guides with a sprinkling of wellness and mindful drinking. If that sounds like you, then stick around!

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The New Years Eve Cocktail

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Non Alcoholic New Years Eve Cocktails for Adults