New Year's Eve is the perfect occasion to mix up some impressive yet easy cocktails at home. Explore the best spirits for winter 2024 and enjoy our delicious and simple cocktail recipes to make your celebrations an evening to remember. Whether you’re toasting with something classic or shaking up the unexpected, there’s a cocktail here to suit every taste.
As the clock ticks down to midnight, a well-made cocktail can make your New Year's Eve celebration feel all the more special. Winter 2024 is full of exciting drink trends, from the bold flavours of spiced rum to the comforting richness of whisky and the smoky depth of mezcal. Making cocktails at home is not only a fun and creative way to enjoy the festivities, it also allows you to experiment with trending ingredients and tailor drinks to your taste. Looking ahead to 2025, expect to see a continued focus on both classic drinks and innovative twists – and it’s the perfect time to get ahead of the curve with these delicious recipes.
Why Make Cocktails at Home on NYE?
Mixing your own cocktails on New Year's Eve offers a blend of flexibility, fun and a chance to explore new flavour combinations. You’re free to cater to all tastes – from alcohol-free drinks to strong, spirit-forward classics. It’s a chance to try out the season’s top drinks trends in a relaxed setting. Plus, a home bar lets you whip up impressive drinks without the premium price tag, making it a fantastic way to keep the festivities flowing.
Winter Trends for Cocktails
Winter cocktails this year are all about warmth, depth and a little spice. Dark and spiced rums bring a comforting richness, while botanical gins are exploring winter flavours with aromatic spices. Whisky and bourbon cocktails remain popular for their robustness, offering both traditional and creative takes. Mezcal adds an intriguing smokiness, and brandy is making a strong comeback for more sophisticated drinks. And for the designated drivers in your group, don’t forget the growing trend for low and no-alcohol alternatives, making mindful drinking a key part of the celebrations.
Drinks Trends to Watch for 2025
Looking ahead, 2025’s drinks trends are set to continue the focus on low-alcohol and alcohol-free spirits, with a rise in non-traditional sparkling options like sparkling teas. Mezcal’s smoky allure is likely to grow, and the love for gins shows no signs of stopping. Cocktails with herbal bitters and amaros, like Fernet Branca and Campari, are also on the rise, bringing complexity and a touch of mystery to classic drinks.
Classic Whisky Sour
A simple yet timeless drink, the Whisky Sour combines bourbon with lemon juice, sugar and a dash of bitters. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, ideal for starting the evening. Pair it with roasted nuts or sharp cheeses to highlight the whiskey’s warmth. We recommend using a bourbon for a touch of added sweetness. Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey is a winner.
Ingredients:
50ml whisky or bourbon
25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
15ml sugar syrup
Ice
Optional: A dash of Angostura bitters and a cherry or slice of orange to garnish
Method:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add the whisky, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters (if using).
Shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a cherry or a slice of orange for a finishing touch.
Winter Spiced Rum Punch
This cocktail is a crowd-pleaser, adding a touch of tropical warmth to the winter chill. Combine a dark rum such as Kraken Black Spiced Rum, with orange juice, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime, plus a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve over ice in a punch bowl with orange slices, cranberries and a cinnamon stick for garnish. Easy to make in large batches, it’s ideal for entertaining guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
150ml dark rum
300ml apple juice
150ml cranberry juice
1 cinnamon stick
2–3 cloves
1 orange, sliced
Ice
Optional: A splash of ginger beer to top and an orange twist or cinnamon stick to garnish
Method:
In a small saucepan, gently heat the apple juice, cranberry juice, cinnamon stick, and cloves for 5 minutes. Don’t let it boil.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before straining out the spices.
In a large jug or punch bowl, combine the spiced juice with the dark rum and a handful of ice. Stir well.
Add the orange slices and, if you like, a splash of ginger beer for a little fizz.
Serve in glasses over ice and garnish with a twist of orange or a cinnamon stick.
Rosemary Gin Fizz
A refreshing twist on a classic gin fizz, this is perfect for winter gatherings. It combines gin, fresh lemon juice, a touch of honey for sweetness and a sprig of rosemary, adding an inviting herbaceous note. The drink is topped with soda water, making it light and fresh, with a fragrant aroma that feels festive. Serve it in a highball glass for sophisticated flair that’s sure to impress your guests. Uber aromatic Roku Japanese Gin is a great option here.
Ingredients:
50ml gin
25ml fresh lemon juice
15ml rosemary simple syrup*
50ml soda water
Ice
Fresh rosemary sprig and lemon twist, to garnish
Method:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the Roku Gin, lemon juice, and rosemary simple syrup. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
Top with soda water and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a lemon twist for an aromatic finish.
*To make rosemary simple syrup: Heat 100ml water, 100g sugar, and 2 rosemary sprigs in a pan until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool, then strain.
Mezcal Negroni
For the cocktail aficionado, bowl them over this a smoky, complex option, swapping gin for mezcal in the classic Negroni. Stir together mezcal, sweet vermouth and Campari over ice and garnish with an orange twist. This bold cocktail pairs well with charcuterie and strong cheeses, making it a perfect choice for late-night snacking. Aged Espolon Reposado Tequila also makes a great alternative to mezcal.
Ingredients:
30ml mezcal
30ml Campari
30ml sweet vermouth
Ice
Orange peel, to garnish
Method:
Fill a mixing glass with ice, then add the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Stir well until chilled and combined.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube.
Garnish with a twist of orange peel, expressing the oils over the drink before placing it in the glass.
Brandy Alexander
A classic choice for dessert, the Brandy Alexander combines brandy with crème de cacao and cream. It’s rich, creamy and indulgent – a dessert in a glass. Serve it with dark chocolate truffles or a slice of Christmas cake to end the evening on a sweet note. Hennessy VS Cognac is our go-to bottle.
Ingredients:
30ml brandy
30ml crème de cacao (dark or white)
30ml double cream
Ice
Freshly grated nutmeg, to garnish
Method:
Add the brandy, crème de cacao, and double cream to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously until well-chilled and creamy.
Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg.
Low-Alcohol Spritz
If you’re looking for something light and refreshing, try a low-alcohol spritz. Combine a non-alcoholic sparkling wine, such as Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay with a splash of elderflower cordial, a slice of cucumber and a few fresh mint leaves. This bright and bubbly drink is great for those who want something celebratory minus the booze.
Ingredients:
120ml your favourite non-alcoholic sparkling wine
15ml elderflower cordial
A slice of cucumber
A few fresh mint leaves
Ice
Method:
Fill a large wine glass with ice.
Add the elderflower cordial, then top with the fizz
Gently stir to combine.
Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch.
Blackberry & Basil Vodka Smash
Sweet, juicy blackberries meet fragrant basil in this aromatic drink, balanced with the zing of lemon and just the right amount of sweetness. It's an easy showstopper for gatherings – bright, herbaceous and packed with natural flavour, it’s as impressive to drink as it is to look at. We recommend the smooth versatility of Tito's Handmade Vodka.
Ingredients:
50ml vodka
6 fresh blackberries (plus a few extra for garnish)
3-4 fresh basil leaves (plus a sprig for garnish)
20ml fresh lemon juice
15ml sugar syrup
Crushed ice
Method:
In a shaker, muddle the blackberries and basil leaves to release their vibrant flavours.
Add vodka, lemon juice, and sugar syrup to the shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice, seal, and shake well until chilled.
Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with a sprig of basil and a few whole blackberries.