Top 3 New Year’s Cocktails to Get That Party Started

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Tom Collins cocktails are usually made with gin, but vodka works great too

Tom Collins cocktails are usually made with gin, but vodka works great too

Cary, NC- Are you hosting a New Year’s party and need a little pizzazz in the beverage department beyond the usual champagne, wine and beer? Try serving up something fizzy for your guests.

Everyone wants their guests to feel special and what could be more wonderful than your host handing you a cocktail mixed especially for you from a cocktail shaker?  That’s right- not a blender and not just booze with juice served on the rocks- or -Yawn- a glass of fancy red wine.

CaryCitizen’s Top 3 for 2013

Here’s 3 of our favorites that won’t break the bank, but will show your guests you are glad they are sharing their New Year’s Eve with you.

1. Tom Collins

This cocktail apparently has been around since 1891 and never loses its sparkle

What you’ll need:

  • crushed ice cubes
  • 2 oz.  gin (can substiture vodka or even run)
  • 2 oz. lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon simple syrup ** (see recipe below)
  • Club soda
  • slice of lemon
  • 1 marchino cherry

Place ample crushed ice in cocktail shaker. Add gin, lemon juice and syrup. Shake well. pour into a tall glass. Top up with soda water and stir well. Serve with lemon slice, cherry and a straw.

2. Pomegranate Champagne Punch-

The beautiful red color of this cocktail is a real winner during the holiday season. This makes a pitcher that can be walked around at a party.

You’ll Need:

  • 1-1/2 cups pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup pear nectar
  • 1/2 Cup Orange flavored liqueur (cointreau, triple sec, Gran Mariner)
  • 1 bottle inexpensive champagne or sparkling wine
  • Ice

Combine in a large pitcher, the first 3 ingredients. Open and slowly pour the champagne into the pitcher. Gently stir. Serve over ice-filled rocks glasses.

3. Moscow Mule

A more manly drink, but still with a little fizz for festiveness.

What You’ll Need:

  • Ice cubes
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 cup chilled ginger ale
  • 1 lime wedge

Fill tall glass with ice. Add vodka and lime juice, then ginger beer; stir to mix. Garnish with lime wedge.

***Rich Simple Syrup:
With this variation you can use less syrup than a cocktail calls for.  Should be made ahead and stored in the frig to use as needed for other cocktails that call for it.

Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts sugar
  • 1 part water

Preparation:

  1. Bring the water to a boil.
  2. Dissolve the sugar into the boiling water, stirring constantly.
  3. Once the sugar is dissolved completely, remove the pan from the heat. (Note: Do not allow the syrup to boil for too long or the syrup will be too thick.)
  4. Allow to cool completely and thicken, then bottle.

These three cocktails will get your party off to a sparkling start. Then reserve a few bottles of the higher quality bubbly for when your group watches the ball drop and has their midnight toast!

Happy New Year from CaryCitizen!