5 of the Best Cocktails for New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is the perfect occasion to raise a glass and toast to fresh beginnings, and what better way to celebrate than with a lineup of sensational cocktails? In this blog, we’ll spotlight five show-stopping cocktails, each crafted with a different spirit – from bourbon, gin, Scotch whisky, tequila and rum - along with easy-to-follow recipes for each.
Whether you’re hosting a party, a small dinner gathering, or are just enjoying the festivities of the night from the comfort of your sofa, there’s a cocktail here for just the occasion.
Bourbon
Bourbon, made exclusively in the USA, is a corn-based whiskey bursting with rich caramel, butterscotch and vanilla notes. It’s a versatile, all-rounder spirit, perfect for creating festive cocktails.
Golden Bourbon Sour
Bring in the New Year with a luxurious twist on the classic Whisky Sour. The Golden Bourbon Sour is a smooth, irresistibly sippable cocktail that embodies the spirit of celebration. With its golden hue, thanks to rich Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon and vibrant grapefruit juice, this drink is a sparkling nod to prosperity for the year ahead.
Serves one.
Ingredients
50ml Maker’s Mark Bourbon
10ml apricot liqueur
30ml fresh grapefruit juice
5ml sugar syrup
15ml beaten egg white
Method
· Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
· Add ice and shake until well chilled.
· Strain into a glass.
· Add a slice of orange and a glacé cherry as a garnish.
Gin
Gin, with its fresh botanical flavours of juniper, flowers and fruit, is a timeless choice for New Year’s Eve cocktails. Its bright, aromatic profile elevates celebratory drinks, making every toast feel extra special.
French 75
Created by world famous barman Harry MacElhone in wartime Paris in 1915, the French 75 is often known by its French translation – a soixante quinze (a seventy-five). This cocktail combines the botanical notes of gin with the brightness of lemon juice and a touch of sweetness, topped with Champagne for a celebratory fizz. We’ve used the award-winning Isle of Harris Gin for this one.
Serves one.
Ingredients
60 ml Isle of Harris Gin
15 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml sugar syrup
Champagne or sparkling wine
Lemon twist (for garnish)
Method
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup.
- Shake well and strain into a Champagne flute.
- Top with chilled Champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!
Scotch Whisky
Scotch whisky, the ‘water of life’, with its rich, complex flavours ranging from smoky to vanilla, spice and oak, will bring sophistication to your New Year’s Eve cocktails. Its depth and character make it a perfect spirit for toasting the occasion.
The Winter Penicillin
Named after the renowned Scottish scientist Sir Alexander Fleming, this whisky cocktail is often compared to a 'hot toddy' for its comforting qualities. While it may not cure a winter cold, the vibrant blend of lemon and ginger, paired with Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky, promises a delightful, zesty, yet soothing sip.
Serves one.
Ingredients
50ml Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old
25ml fresh lemon juice
10ml honey syrup
10ml ginger liqueur
Method
· Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
· Shake and strain over cubed ice.
· Add a piece of crystallised ginger on a cocktail stick as a garnish.
Tequila
Tequila, made in Mexico from the blue agave plant, bursts with vibrant, earthy notes. Its bold character adds excitement and flair which makes it the perfect spirit for a cocktail while counting down the minutes until midnight or seeing in the dawn of the new year.
New Year (Tequila) Sunrise
The New Year (Tequila) Sunrise is a fantastic choice for New Year’s Eve. It’s a vibrant and visually stunning cocktail that’s easy to make and sure to impress your party guests. Made with Patron Añejo, its beautiful gradient of colours is as delightful to drink as to look at, evoking the hope of a bright new year ahead.
Serves one.
Ingredients
60 ml Patron Añejo Tequila
120 ml orange juice
15 ml grenadine
Orange slice and cherry (for garnish)
Method
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the tequila and orange juice. Stir gently to combine.
- Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon so it sinks to the bottom, creating a sunrise effect.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
- Serve without stirring to maintain the layered look.
Rum
Rum, crafted from fermented sugarcane, is packed with smooth, sweet, and deep flavours with a vibrant tropical flair. Its versatility makes it a perfect choice for New Year’s Eve cocktails, adding warmth, richness, and a touch of excitement to festive celebrations.
The Rum Resolution
The Rum Resolution is a twist on the classic daiquiri. Its balance of Ninefold Pure Single White Rum, lime, and sweetness makes it a crowd-pleaser and a sophisticated addition to your New Year’s Eve celebration. This timeless cocktail delivers a bright and zesty kick, perfect for toasting to a fresh start and dancing the night away.
Serves one.
Ingredients
60 ml Ninefold Pure Single White Rum
30 ml fresh lime juice
20 ml sugar syrup
Lime slice (for garnish)
Method
- Combine the rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime slice and enjoy!
We hope you’ll shake, stir, and sip your way into the new year with these celebratory cocktails, seeing out the year and kicking off the new one in true style. At Still Spirit, we offer an extensive selection of spirits, including bourbon, Scotch whisky, tequila, gin, and rum, along with a variety of Champagnes to ensure your New Year’s Eve celebrations sparkle.
Happy New Year!
