New Year, New Cheers: BarBees' Cocktail Recs for Your Celebration

As the year winds down, it’s time to toast to the past and welcome the future. Whether you’re hosting a glamorous New Year’s Eve bash or a cozy New Year’s Day brunch, BarBees Bartending has you covered with cocktail inspiration to elevate your celebrations. Here are our top picks for festive drinks to impress your guests and kick off the new year in style.

From NYE to New Year’s Day brunch, we’ve got your drink menu covered!


New Year’s Eve Cocktail Recommendations

When the clock is about to strike midnight, you want cocktails that are celebratory, sparkling, and memorable. We’ve put together some recipes that will help you toast to a sparkly 2025!

1. Sparkling Raspberry Martini

  • Ingredients:

    • 2 oz vodka

    • 1 oz Chambord (or any raspberry liqueur)

    • 1 oz fresh lemon juice

    • Prosecco or Champagne (to top)

    • Fresh raspberries (for garnish)

  • Instructions:

    1. Combine vodka, Chambord, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.

    2. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.

    3. Top with Prosecco or Champagne.

    4. Garnish with a few fresh raspberries.


2. Gold Rush Mule

  • Ingredients:

    • 2 oz bourbon

    • ¾ oz honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and hot water)

    • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

    • Ginger beer (to top)

    • Lemon wheel and edible gold glitter (for garnish, optional)

  • Instructions:

    1. Mix bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.

    2. Strain into a copper mule mug filled with crushed ice.

    3. Top with ginger beer and gently stir.

    4. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprinkle of edible gold glitter for a festive touch.


3. Midnight Kiss

  • Ingredients:

    • 1 oz gin

    • 2 oz white cranberry juice

    • Champagne (to top)

    • Lemon twist (for garnish)

  • Instructions:

    1. Shake gin and cranberry juice with ice.

    2. Strain into a champagne flute.

    3. Top with chilled Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.


New Year’s Day Brunch Cocktail Recommendations

Ease into the new year with cocktails that pair perfectly with a decadent brunch. Think refreshing, comforting, and revitalizing options.

1. Espresso Martini

  • Ingredients:

    • 1.5 oz vodka

    • 2 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled)

    • 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)

    • ½ oz simple syrup (optional)

    • Coffee beans (for garnish)

  • Instructions:

    1. Add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.

    2. Shake vigorously until chilled and frothy.

    3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

    4. Garnish with three coffee beans.

Note: The Espresso Martini has been our star cocktail for 2024—a true crowd-pleaser that’s as energizing as it is delicious!

2. Bloody Mary Bar

  • Ingredients (per serving):

    • 2 oz vodka

    • 4 oz tomato juice

    • ½ oz fresh lemon juice

    • Dash of Worcestershire sauce

    • Dash of hot sauce

    • Salt, pepper, and celery salt (to taste)

    • Optional garnishes: celery stalk, pickles, olives, bacon strips, shrimp, or cheese cubes

  • Instructions:

    1. Mix vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a shaker with ice.

    2. Strain into a glass filled with ice.

    3. Season with salt, pepper, and celery salt.

    4. Let guests customize their drink with an array of garnishes for a build-your-own experience.

3. Brunch Bellini

  • Ingredients:

    • 1 oz peach purée or nectar

    • Prosecco (to top)

    • Fresh peach slice (for garnish)

  • Instructions:

    1. Add peach purée to a champagne flute.

    2. Gently top with Prosecco and stir lightly.

    3. Garnish with a peach slice.

Hosting Tips for the Ultimate Celebration

  1. Prepare a Self-Serve Bar: Set up a station with ingredients, garnishes, and easy-to-follow recipe cards for guests to mix their own cocktails.

  2. Chill in Advance: Make sure all your Prosecco, Champagne, and mixers are chilled well ahead of time.

  3. Add a Personal Touch: Create signature cocktail names and add festive decorations to your glassware.

  4. Hire BarBees Bartending: Let us take the stress out of bartending so you can enjoy the party. Our skilled team can create custom cocktails and provide a seamless experience for your guests.

Ring in the new year with these delightful cocktail recipes and hosting ideas. Cheers to a fabulous year ahead, from all of us at BarBees Bartending!

Jessica BlakleyComment