New Years Eve is nearly upon us, and no doubt you’re either hosting or attending a festive bash to see in 2023.
But the night wouldn’t be complete without some classic cocktails to knock back at your knees-up.
To give you some inspiration, we enlisted the help of Wynter and Alice, founders of premium tequila cocktail brand Pimentae, for their tips and tricks to make showstopping cocktails for the celebration.
This year’s most popular choices include the Espresso Martini and Mojito, so having these ready for your guests will beat the run-of-the-mill beer or wine.
But New Year’s Eve isn’t meant to be stressful, so Wynter and Alice have some simple suggestions for easy, party-friendly mixology.
Tips before you start
The pair’s first bit of advice is not to overcomplicate it, opting for one or two cocktail options – one spirit-based and one champagne-based.
‘We also recommend to batch make them before people arrive to give yourself more time with your guests,’ Wynter adds.
‘They will keep in the fridge for a good couple of days and be ready to shake up when it’s time to serve.’
Getting organised
Start by deciding what cocktail to make. For ease, think about what spirits you have sitting around and also what glassware you have in the house.
Cocktail options are endless so make sure you do some research… Margaritas, Espresso Martini, Mojito, Negroni, Whiskey Sour. Then get the extra ingredients you need in.
Alice and Wynter also reccomend using large ice cubes when serving cold drinks, as these ‘are best to slow down dilution.’
Presentation is key
You want cocktails that look just as good as they taste, so presentation is key.
Alongside being ready with glassware, you can prep garnishes like edible flowers, dehydrated fruit wheels, citrus twists, cocktail cherries or olives ahead of time.
‘We also love to take it a step further and garnish the rim with a sweet or salty mix,’ adds Alice.
If in doubt, go pre-mixed
If you’re short on time, there are some amazing pre-mixed cocktails options out there; bottled and canned blends which you can simply pour or shake over ice, garnish and serve in under a minute.
If you’re long on time, however, Alice and Wynter’s go-to recipes will be sure to wow your guests.
There’s even a non-alcoholic option for those who don’t like to drink, or to get the kids involved in the festivities.
Classic Mojito recipe
A forever favourite and not hard to make. This is one of Alice and Wynter’s failsafe sips.
Ingredients
- 1 lime
- 1 tsp sugar
- small handful mint leaves
- 60ml white rum
- soda water
Method
Start by mixing the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in a small jug or pot, crushing the mint as you go – use any utensil handy for that.
Pour the mixture into a tall glass and add a handful of ice.
Lastly you want to add in the rum, top with soda and garnish with your mint. Voila.
Espresso Martini recipe
A classic recipe which is perfect for a Christmas celebration. You also only need just a few ingredients, including some you’ll likely have to hand.
Ingredients
- 100g golden caster sugar
- 100ml vodka
- 50ml espresso coffee
- 50ml coffee liqueur like Kahlua
Method
Start by making the sugar syrup. Melt the caster sugar in a pan with 50ml of water and stir. Then switch off the heat and let the mixture cool.
Once it’s cooled, pour a tablespoon into a cocktail shaker with ice, vodka, the espresso and the liqueur – this needs a good shake until you can feel how cold the mixture is.
Pour into your glasses and garnish with coffee beans if you have any.
Buck’s Fizz recipe
One of the easiest recipes out there. You can actually buy these pre made in most supermarkets for only £3. If you want to make it at home, however, it’s simple.
Ingredients
- 100ml orange juice
- 200ml chilled champagne or prosecco
Method
Pour 50ml of orange juice into each prosecco/champagne glass.
Slowly top up each glass with 100ml champagne, and you’re brunch ready whatever time of day it is.
Sunrise Mocktail recipe
We had to add this in, as who’s likely to be celebrating New Year’s with you? The kids. They’ll want to ring in the New Year and cheers with you too.
This is also an option for any non drinkers or pregnant people so they don’t feel left out.
Ingredients
- orange juice
- sugar free lemonade
- grenadine
- orange slices
Method
Lay out your glasses, then cut the orange into slices for decoration.
Fill each glass a third full with orange juice, then top with lemonade, leaving a small gap for the grenadine.
Pour a small amount of grenadine in slowly, and it will sink to the bottom to form a red layer.
Add a slice of orange to the side of each glass and pop in a straw or other fun garnish if you have one. Easy.
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