The countdown to 2025 is on, and there’s no better way to end one year and kick off a new one than with a good cocktail in hand. For most people, New Year’s Eve means popping the cork on a bottle of champagne and toasting at midnight. And while there’s nothing wrong with this per se (it is tradition, after all), it’s definitely something that’s been done hundreds of times before—which is where the help of some delicious New Year’s Eve cocktails comes in.
Regardless of what your plans are this year—whether you’re staying in, throwing an epic party with some delicious appetizers, or traveling—saying goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025 with a good drink in your hand is an absolute-must. So, celebrate the countdown to midnight in style with one of these 14 New Year’s Eve cocktails, and cheers to another year.
New Year’s Eve Cocktails:
1. Hot and Dirty Martini
You may have heard of the classic dirty martini, but let us introduce you to an even better option: the hot and dirty martini. This martini has only 3 ingredients: vodka (which is what we love, but you can also make with gin—personal preference!), olive juice, and banana pepper juice. Anyone we’ve turned onto this recipe hasn’t been disappointed, and you won’t be, either. Plus, it’s virtually calorie-free. Learn the full recipe here, or watch how to make, step-by-step.
2. OG Champagne Cocktail
The original cocktail made with champagne, this drink contains 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes of bitters, 6 oz Champagne, and 1 lemon twist. Place the sugar cube in a champagne flute followed by the bitters, then fill with Champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist. Yes: it’s that simple!
3. The Perfect Cosmopolitan
Everyone can make a Cosmopolitan, but not everyone can make it right. Which is why Flawless World’s shared exactly how to make the perfect Cosmopolitan—one that would make Carrie Bradshaw jealous. Not convinced? Learn the full recipe and try for yourself.
4. Spicy Margarita
What do you get when you combine silver tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, 4 jalapeño coins, agave, and low-calorie lemonade? The best spicy margarita in the world. The best part? You can adjust the spiciness level accordingly. Watch the full video tutorial and make for New Year’s Eve.
5. Giggle Juice
Don’t let the color fool you: this drink is for everyone. Giggle Juice combines Moscato, vodka, lemon-lime soda, pink lemonade, half-moon lemon slices, and fresh fruit to create a delicious punch. Get the full recipe, or watch the video tutorial to learn how to make.
6. Espresso Martini
If you’re worried about not making it to midnight: drink one of these. The perfect after-dinner drink, make with vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso. Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Bonus points if you sprinkle in a few coffee beans for the garnish. Recipe via Recipetin Eats.
P.S: Our resident bartender and mixologist told us that if you cut the coffee liqueur in half and match that amount with Irish cream, you get the perfect cappuccino martini.
7. Stoli Doli
This delicious cocktail is perfect for a big New Year’s Eve gathering, as the recipe makes 1 whole batch. Grab 3-4 pineapples, 1 liter of Stolichyna vodka, and an iced tea jug or container. Slice the pineapple into chunks, and place each chunk inside the jug. Next, pour in vodka, cover, and let sit for about 96 hours so pineapple can infuse vodka. (So, if you want to make it for New Year’s Eve, grab your ingredients today!). Once it’s done, it can be served straight up in a martini glass, or on the rocks (we love it on the rocks!). Get the full recipe via Food.
8. Hot Toddy
Looking for a warm drink on a cold winter night? Look no further. All you need to make this is 2 oz whiskey/bourbon, 1 tbs honey, ½ oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 cup of hot water.
9. White Cranberry Martini
Another drink perfect for this time of year and for New Year’s Eve, this martini is sweet enough to feel like a treat without being overpowering. Learn the full recipe, or watch how to make.
10. Strawberry Champagne Margarita
A little sweeter than your average margarita, this drink combines Champagne, silver tequila, strawberry simple syrup, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and strawberries. Learn the full recipe from our article here or watch the video tutorial.
11. Cranberry Old Fashioned
The classic cocktail gets a wintry twist with cranberry simple syrup. Using cranberry simple syrup and the ingredients of a traditional old fashioned: bourbon, bitters, sugar, an orange slice, and a cherry—this is the perfect cocktail for a night-in.
12. Cucumber Gin Smash
Calling all gin lovers: this one’s for you. This gin cocktail is refreshing, and the perfect treat for New Year’s Eve. Recipe via Taste of Home.
13. La Fleurette Cocktail
Floral and refreshing with a little bit of bubbly, what’s not to love? This drink takes Champagne, elderflower liqueur, tonic water, a dash of rose water, and tiny drop of pink food coloring to give it that pretty finish. P.S: you can even add real flowers to the drink, too. Recipe via Lulu’s.
14. Champagne
What would this list be without the classic glass of bubbly? When it comes down to it, ringing in the new year with a glass or champagne or rosé is never a bad idea.
I love how the giggle juice looks. I am not much of a drinker, but a few days ago, I am like, what the hey let me try a martini. I cannot remember the name; I think it was 3 citrus or something like that but oh man, soooo good. Great article, thanks for sharing.
Author
Ugh yes the giggle juice is gorgeous!! Hahaha that’s a great story! Those martinis can be sneaky sometimes!! Thank you for reading!! 🙂
These are some interesting drinks. I have never heard of them, but they look perfect for a cocktail party. Moreover, i don’t drink as often and i am a beer lover.
Author
Thank you so much!! They are definitely great options for a cocktail party and can be enjoyed by everyone! A lot of beer lovers do usually enjoy these drinks because they’re so flavorful and the ingredients in each pair wonderfully! Thank you for reading!