The New Years Eve Cocktail
If you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party or just looking for a fun way to toast the new year at home, this sparkling cocktail is the perfect drink to celebrate in style.
It’s elegant, easy to make, and combines classic flavors with a festive twist.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a New Year’s Eve cocktail that will wow your guests and taste as good as it looks.
More New Years Eve drinks
Previously I’ve already shared my super easy and super delicious sparkling wine topped new year’s eve punch. So do check that out as it pairs beautifully along side this.
And if you’re wondering about the Espresso Martinis, Mimosas and French 75 then take a breath, I’ve also done my yearly New Year’s Eve cocktail list here to check out.
What Is the Most Popular Drink on New Year’s Eve?
The classic choice for New Year’s Eve is Champagne or sparkling wine. Its effervescent bubbles symbolize celebration and joy, making it the perfect toast drink for ringing in the new year.
Cocktails made with Champagne, like the French 75 or this recipe, are also incredibly popular.
What Do You Make for a New Year’s Eve Party?
Food and drinks are essential to any party, and for New Year’s Eve, it’s all about indulgence and flair:
Drinks: Sparkling cocktails, rum-based drinks, and signature creations like this recipe are crowd-pleasers.
Food: Bite-sized appetizers, charcuterie boards, and indulgent desserts pair beautifully with cocktails.
For more on food, check out my guide to new years eve dinner and cocktail parties or these recipes by Country Living.
Do People Drink on New Year’s Eve?
Absolutely! New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular occasions for enjoying cocktails, Champagne, or sparkling cider.
The tradition of toasting with a drink at midnight is a cherished part of the celebration.
New Year’s Eve Spritz
A refreshing variation of the classic cocktail is a New Year’s Eve Spritz:
Mix Aperol or Campari with Prosecco and a splash of soda water. My Christmas Aperol Spritz also happens to work perfect for new years eve.
Garnish with an orange slice for a pop of color.
This is perfect for guests who prefer a lighter, bitter-sweet drink.
New Year’s Eve Drinks with Rum
Rum lovers can enjoy festive drinks like:
Rum Punch: Combine dark rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine.
Hot Buttered Rum: A cozy option for a wintery New Year’s Eve.
Mojito Variations: Add a splash of Champagne for a sparkling twist.
New Year’s Eve Cocktails UK
For a UK-inspired twist, try:
Pimm’s Royale: A mix of Pimm’s and sparkling wine with fresh fruits.
Whisky Sour: A classic cocktail beloved in the UK, made with whisky, lemon juice, and sugar syrup.
Gin Fizz: A zesty and sparkling option that’s always a hit.
How to make the ultimate new years eve cocktail step by step.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
You’ll need the following to create this cocktail:
Prosecco or Champagne: Adds the bubbly finish and festive sparkle.
Lemon Juice (½ shot): Brings a zesty freshness to balance the sweetness.
Gin (½ shot): Adds a botanical depth of flavor.
Sugar Syrup (½ shot): Sweetens the cocktail perfectly.
Edible Gold (Optional): For an extra luxurious touch.
Fresh Raspberry (Optional): A pop of color and garnish to complete the look.
2. Prepare Your Cocktail Glass
Presentation is everything, especially on New Year’s Eve.
Chill your champagne flute or coupe glass ahead of time for the perfect sip.
If using edible gold, lightly coat the rim of the glass or sprinkle some flakes inside to create a sparkling effect.
3. Mix the Base Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker (or a jar if you don’t have one), combine:
½ shot of lemon juice.
½ shot of gin.
½ shot of sugar syrup.
Fill the shaker with ice, then shake it well for about 15 seconds. This chills and blends the ingredients.
4. Strain Into Your Glass
Once shaken, strain the mixture into your prepared glass. This ensures a smooth, professional-looking drink without any ice shards.
Top Tip: you can also skip the shaking and go straight to mixing in the glass.
5. Add the Bubbles
Slowly top the glass with Prosecco or Champagne. Pour gently to avoid overflowing and to preserve the bubbles.
6. Garnish Your Cocktail
The final touch makes all the difference:
Add a fresh raspberry to the rim or drop it into the glass for a festive look.
If you’ve opted for edible gold, sprinkle a tiny amount over the drink for extra glam.
7. Toast and Enjoy
Your New Year’s Eve cocktail is ready to go! Raise your glass, make a toast, and enjoy the sparkling flavors as you ring in the new year.
Recipe Variations
Want to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes? Try these ideas:
Add a splash of elderflower liqueur for a floral note.
Use vodka instead of gin for a cleaner, neutral flavor.
Substitute the sugar syrup with honey syrup for a warmer sweetness.
Recipe Substitutions
If you’re missing an ingredient, here’s how to substitute:
Prosecco or Champagne: Swap with sparkling cider for a non-alcoholic version.
Sugar Syrup: Use simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water, or agave nectar as a natural alternative.
Gin: Instead of gin, try vodka, white rum, or even tequila for a different flavor profile.
Non-alcoholic new years eve cocktail
For a non alcoholic version I recommend swapping the sparkling wine for ginger ale and forgoing the gin entirely.
However if you still want that gin flavour, opt for a non-alcoholic gin.
I’ve also done my yearly list of non alcoholic new year’s eve cocktails which if you’re interested in, you should check out.
Seasonal Pairing Suggestions
Pair your New Year’s Eve cocktail with complementary bites for a well-rounded celebration:
Savory Pairings: Smoked salmon blinis, mini quiches, or gourmet popcorn.
Sweet Pairings: Chocolate-dipped strawberries, lemon tartlets, or macarons.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cocktails
Batch It for Parties: Multiply the recipe and prepare the base ingredients (lemon juice, gin, and sugar syrup) in advance.
Keep it in the fridge and simply add bubbles for each drink.
Switch Up the Garnish: No raspberries? Try a twist of lemon peel or a sprig of rosemary for an equally classy look.
Customize the Bubbles: Prefer sweeter drinks? Use a demi-sec Champagne. For a drier cocktail, stick with brut Champagne or Prosecco.
The New Year's Eve Cocktail
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a champagne flute, combine the sugar syrup, gin and lemon juice and stir.
- Top with prosecco or champagne.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of edible gold or a raspberry.
Notes
Making sugar syrup is super easy and only requires two ingredients: sugar and water. You simply combine them in a saucepan, typically in equal parts (1:1 ratio). For instance, mix 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water to make a simple syrup. Heat the mixture gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Once it’s clear and there are no sugar grains left, take it off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. If you want a thicker syrup, you can use a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water.
After it cools, just pour it into a clean container or bottle and store it in the fridge for up to a month. If you want to get creative, you can infuse it with flavors like vanilla, citrus, or mint by adding those ingredients while it’s heating and straining them out later. For longer shelf life, a little vodka can act as a preservative. It’s perfect for cocktails, iced tea, or any drink that needs a touch of sweetness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
219Fat
0 gSat. Fat
0 gCarbs
27 gFiber
4 gNet carbs
23 gSugar
21 gProtein
1 gSodium
24 mgCholesterol
0 mgThe nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
This sparkling cocktail is versatile, festive, and the perfect way to toast to the new year. Whether you’re hosting a party or keeping it small, this drink—and its variations—will keep the celebration going strong. Cheers to a fabulous new year! 🍼
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