It’s finally (almost) here: The New Year! But first we need to say goodbye to 2020 and officially ring in 2021. What better way to do that than a midnight toast! What will you serve when the clock strikes twelve? Sure, you could go with basic champagne, but why be boring? And why only serve something that anyone under 21 (hi, kids!) and anyone who’s expecting can’t enjoy? Check out this list of celebratory New Year’s Eve drinks sure to please every party guest on your invite list.
Non-Alcoholic Drink Choices
Cranberry Mint Mocktail: I love the very adult flavor combinations in this drink. Don’t think it’s not appropriate for your younger guests, though. I know my five-year-old loves all things cranberries. Except actual cranberries.
Sparkling Cotton Candy Drink: Liquefied cotton candy? ‘Nuff said. Also, you can try this with champagne if you’d like to serve an alcoholic version.
Shirley Temple: I can’t put together a list of non-alcoholic party drinks without mentioning this classic. Although, I have to add: I’m not a bartender, but I don’t think the original used Pop Rocks…
New Year’s Eve Mocktails: While we’re on the subject of throwing candy into our drinks, why not talk about this fun recipe inspiration: light-colored sparkling juice with rock candy or gummy bears in the glass. Total kid-pleaser.
Pomegranate Blueberry Mocktail: A fun, fruity option, this drink combines the fall and winter flavor of pomegranate with spring blueberries—yum. And the recipe includes instructions for “de-virginizing” the drink for you or guests who wish to imbibe.
Faux Champagne: Okay, so you’re sticking with the classic champagne toast? No worries—we’ve got you covered with a faux champagne recipe for the non-drinkers.
Milk and Cookie Toast: Let’s step back from the sweet, fruity drinks and take a look at good old milk. Dress up plastic champagne flutes with a chocolate and sprinkle rim, fill them with milk, and top them with a cookie.
New Years Eve Alcohol Drink Options
Pomegranate Moscow Mule: I’m a big fan of the Moscow-Mule-inspired-drinks trend. Try one out for New Year’s Eve!
Cognac Sparklers: My husband likes his cognac at Christmas, but mixing it with bubbly sparkling cider (your choice of hard or soft) makes it plenty festive enough for New Year’s Eve.
Avartini Cocktail: In a world of warm-colored bubbly cocktails, this drink dares to be different. I like the pretty color, which puts me in mind of tropical islands rather than frigid Midwestern winters—not a bad state of mind for the start of a new year.
Champagne Cocktail: Think of this simple-to-make drink as your champagne all dressed up for the party.
Airmail Punch: Rum, champagne, honey, and lime. How could you go wrong with this unique twist on the traditional champagne cocktail?
Platinum Sparkle: The base of this drink can be made pre-party. Then you can quickly add the additional ingredients, shake, and strain into a glass when it’s time to serve.
Cider 75: This cocktail recipe had me at “the perfect accompaniment to aged cheeses.” I kind of feel like your party can’t go wrong with good cheese and a good drink.
It should go without saying, but I’m a parent so I’ll say it: Please drink responsibly! If you’re going out for the evening, have a designated driver or a plan to get home safely. Ahem. Now that that’s out of the way: Enjoy, have fun, and Happy New Year to you all!