The best cocktails for New Year's Eve

Now that Christmas has passed, we're counting down to New Year's Eve, and anyone who thinks that turning the New Year at home isn't fun has never gathered their friends or family together in the same house. And it was with those friends in mind, or families who don't want to leave the comfort of home on the last day of the year, that In&Out Cooking selected some of the best cocktails for New Year's Eve. Surprise your loved ones with these recipes and don't forget that the "eyes also drink", so make sure you decorate the glasses and jugs.

We have drinks for all tastes, including non-alcoholic cocktails, spirits, and the classics, of course. For all of them, the important thing is to choose the ideal glass for serving and tasting. You can read more about the ideal glasses for each drink in our article "The best wine glasses" and try some very different ones for non-alcoholic cocktails.

Orange and lemon cocktail (non-alcoholic)

This first cocktail is suitable for those who want to cut out the sweet taste of desserts or prefer to opt for a lighter cocktail. This cocktail is alcohol-free and even helps you to avoid the usual excesses we commit at this time of year.

Ingredients:

- 1 liter of sparkling water
- 50 ml natural orange juice
- 50 ml natural lemon juice
- Ice
- Mint

Preparation:
This cocktail is easy to prepare, as you simply add all the ingredients in a shaker or mixer and serve chilled. As a garnish, you can add lemon wedges.

Red Fruit Gin

Red berry gin goes down well at any time of year, especially for gin lovers, but let's face it, it has a special flavor on New Year's Eve. With its unmistakable taste, this drink is ideal for sipping at the end of dinner while you wait for the new year.

Ingredients:

- Gin of your choice
- Tonic water
- Frozen red berries
- Mint

Preparation:

Place the red berries in a glass and crush a little with the back of a spoon.
Add the ice, gin, and tonic water with a spoon. Gently stir everything together. Add the mint.

Sparkling wine sangria

Sangria is the drink always on the table on New Year's Eve. Ideal to accompany dinner.

Ingredients:

- 100 gr bag of frozen red berries
- 2 oranges
- 3 dl sparkling wine
- 1 dl orange juice
- 1 dl soda
- 0.5 dl liqueur to taste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Cinnamon stick to taste
- Mint to taste

Preparation:

Add the sparkling wine, orange juice, soda, liqueur, and sugar and stir. Add the cinnamon, the orange cut into pieces, and the red berries. Stir again. Garnish with mint.

Sparkling wine and gin cocktail

The sparkling wine and gin cocktail is another In & Out Cooking suggestion to serve with your starters. Try pairing this drink with a plate of appetizers and dried fruit. It's sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

- 6 tablespoons of gin
- 12 tablespoons lemon juice
- 6 teaspoons sugar
- Ice to taste
- 75 cl sparkling wine
- Limes
- Rosemary

Preparation:

Add gin, lemon juice, sugar and stir. Add ice to taste and sparkling wine. Garnish with limes and rosemary.

Beirão Tonic

Some drinks can't be missing from any Portuguese table, especially when it comes to New Year's Eve. Beirão liqueur is one of them. This drink is enchanting on its own, but when combined with other drinks it can become truly irresistible. Give it a try!

Ingredients:

- Beirão liqueur
- Tonic water
- Cinnamon stick
- Star anise
- Ice to taste

Preparation:

Place the ice in a balloon glass. Use a bar spoon to ice the glass in a circular motion. Remove excess water.

Flavor the glass with cinnamon and star anise. Add Licor Beirão and mix with a bar spoon. Using the bar spoon against the wall of the glass, gently pour in the tonic.

After Eight Cocktail

Tonight is the night for cocktails, so take risks, try new drinks, and surprise your friends! This cocktail is ideal for drinking after dinner, before midnight, or after midnight... we leave it up to you but don't forget to drink in moderation.

Ingredients:
- Rum
- After Eight ice cream
- Chocolate chips
- Lemon juice
- Chopped ice

Preparation:

Pour crushed ice into the glass, then a scoop of After Eight ice cream. Add rum and finally some chocolate shavings to decorate the glass. Add lemon juice if you want a more acidic drink.

Tips:  Do not add frozen ice cream. Adapt the portions according to the height of the glass.

With our suggestions, you have no excuse not to innovate tonight. Make this New Year's Eve unforgettable, gather your friends and family around the table and welcome the new year in the best way, with those you love the most.

In&Out Cooking wishes you an excellent 2024!