New Years Eve 2024 - The Refined Imbiber
You reach for the spirits, wondering what refined delicious spirit to sip on as you mull the deep chat....
Ok rewind, let's get serious here. Theres much more you can do that a neat whisky or rum (although don't get us wrong, there's a time and a place for those as well), combining and balancing those flavours delicately and precisely to elevate your drinking game. Enjoy the cocktail touch to your night and raise the flavour profile of your late night drinks in our 18 favourite Late Night sips.
Of course we've included the classics such as the Old Fashioned, but also hopefully intrigued you with the Boulevardier or the Revolver. If you're after that slightly stronger slowly short cocktails, there's something here for everyone. Cheers.
New Years Eve Cocktail Recipe Hub
This list is part of our amazing, New Years-Eve bubbly Cocktail Hub. Cocktails with sparkles, cocktails with bubbles and all those late night fireside chat cocktails. We've got you covered.
New Years Eve Cocktail HubFilter
Features 18 cocktails
1. Revolver
The Revolver is a bold and sophisticated cocktail combining bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters. Its rich and aromatic profile makes it a standout for whiskey lovers seeking a touch of elegance.
Food pairing suggestion: Dark chocolate truffles. Their rich and bitter flavor enhances the coffee and bourbon notes in the Revolver.
Ingredients
Method
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- Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice for about thirty seconds
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- Strain into a chilled glass
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- Garnish with a strip of orange peel after expressing its oils over the drink, and serve
2. Winter Whisky Sour
The Winter Whisky Sour is a seasonal twist on the classic Whisky Sour, enhanced by the warmth of bourbon and citrusy notes of orange and lemon. It’s a cozy and refreshing choice for chilly evenings.
Food pairing suggestion: Orange-glazed shortbread cookies. Their citrusy sweetness complements the bourbon and orange notes in the Winter Whisky Sour.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add the bourbon whisky, sugar syrup, orange juice and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake hard
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- Strain into a chilled glass
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- Garnish with a slice of orange peel and serve
3. Best Man
The Best Man cocktail combines bourbon, Campari, and chocolate liqueur for a unique blend of bitterness and sweetness. Its smooth finish and depth of flavor make it perfect for celebratory occasions.
Food pairing suggestion: Chocolate-covered pretzels. Their salty and sweet flavor contrasts beautifully with the bittersweet profile of the Best Man cocktail.
Ingredients
Method
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- Stir all the ingredients in a mixing glass, before pouring into a rocks-filled highball glass
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- Garnish with an orange peel and serve
4. Manhattan
The Manhattan is a timeless classic known for its balance of red vermouth, rye whiskey, and Angostura bitters. Its sophisticated flavor profile has made it a favorite for over a century.
Food pairing suggestion: Candied pecans. Their nutty and sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the smooth and complex Manhattan.
Ingredients
Method
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- Begin by stirring all the ingredients together with ice in a mixing glass to chill and dilute the mix, aiming for about 10-15 seconds of stirring
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- After stirring, strain the mixture into a glass that has been previously chilled in the freezer to ensure your drink stays colder longer
5. Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a bittersweet cousin of the Negroni, featuring bourbon instead of gin. Its rich and complex profile makes it a bold choice for those who enjoy robust flavors.
Food pairing suggestion: Charcuterie with prosciutto and aged cheddar. The savory richness enhances the bold flavors of the Boulevardier.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
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- Shake well and strain into chilled cocktail glass
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- Garnish with an orange wedge and serve
6. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a cocktail steeped in history, celebrated for its simplicity and bold flavors. Its timeless mix of bourbon, sugar, and bitters remains a staple in cocktail culture.
Food pairing suggestion: Classic cheese platter with aged gouda. The bold flavors of the cheese balance the bitters and bourbon in the Old Fashioned.
Ingredients
Method
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- Muddle the sugar with the Angostura bitters and a few splashes water in an old fashioned glass
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- Fill the glass with ice and add the bourbon
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- Stir gently
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- Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry and serve
7. Frangipane Old Fashioned
The Frangipane Old Fashioned adds a sweet twist to the classic with amaretto and maple syrup. Its dessert-inspired flavors are perfect for those seeking a unique after-dinner drink.
Food pairing suggestion: Almond biscotti. Their crunchy sweetness echoes the amaretto and maple syrup in the Frangipane Old Fashioned.
Ingredients
Method
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- Fill a rocks glass with ice, then add the bourbon, amaretto, maple syrup, and bitters
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- Stir for 30-40 seconds and top with extra ice as desired
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- Garnish with a strip of orange zest and toasted marshmallow
8. Godfather
The Godfather is an elegant and simple cocktail blending whiskey and amaretto. Its smooth and sweet flavor profile is a testament to its timeless appeal.
Food pairing suggestion: Amaretto-spiked brownies. Their fudgy richness complements the smooth and sweet Godfather cocktail.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add the ingredients over ice to a whisky glass
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- Give the mixture a stir and serve
9. Tipperary No.1
The Tipperary No.1 combines whiskey, red vermouth, and green chartreuse for a sophisticated and layered cocktail. Its herbal notes and smooth finish make it a favorite among whiskey connoisseurs.
Food pairing suggestion: Herb-crusted lamb skewers. The savory and herbal notes harmonize with the green chartreuse in the Tipperary No.1.
Ingredients
Method
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- Start by combining all your ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice, ensuring each component is well integrated
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- Gently stir the mixture for about 10-15 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld together while chilling the drink
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- After stirring, carefully strain the concoction into a glass that has been pre-chilled to preserve the cocktail's cold temperature
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- This pre-chilling step ensures your drink remains cool and refreshing for longer
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- Enjoy your perfectly mixed cocktail, ideally served immediately to savor the blend of chilled flavors
10. Campfire Crackle
The Campfire Crackle is a warm and spiced cocktail, perfect for winter nights. Whisky, crème de cassis, and cinnamon create a comforting and festive experience.
Food pairing suggestion: Spiced apple pie. Its warm and sweet flavors pair beautifully with the cinnamon and whisky in the Campfire Crackle.
Ingredients
Method
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- In a heatproof jug, combine the whisky and crème de cassis
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- In a small pan, gently warm the apple and ginger juice with the cinnamon sticks for 15 minutes, taking care not to let it simmer
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- Pour the warm juice into the jug and stir to combine
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- Serve in heatproof mugs while still warm
11. On The Bright Side
On The Bright Side is a complex cocktail that balances rye whiskey, port, and Benedictine with a touch of orange bitters. Its intricate layers of flavor are perfect for adventurous palates.
Food pairing suggestion: Fig and goat cheese crostini. The fruity and creamy flavors balance the complexity of On The Bright Side.
Ingredients
Method
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- Rinse a chilled martini glass with the Scotch
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- Next combine the other ingredients in a mixing glass with ice
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- Stir and strain into the rinsed glass before garnishing with an orange twist and serving
12. The Whirlpool
The Whirlpool is a masterful blend of whiskey, amaro, and walnut liqueur, finished with a touch of rum. Its rich and nutty profile makes it a standout choice for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Food pairing suggestion: Walnut and blue cheese tartlets. Their rich and nutty flavor mirrors the walnut liqueur in the Whirlpool cocktail.
Ingredients
Method
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- Stir all ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled coupe glass
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- Spritz an orange peel over the top and serve immediately
13. Bobby Burns
The Bobby Burns is a Scotch-based cocktail that marries red vermouth and Benedictine for a smooth and aromatic experience. It’s a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate classic cocktails.
Food pairing suggestion: Smoked salmon canapés. Their savory and smoky profile contrasts nicely with the herbal notes of the Bobby Burns.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
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- Shake well then strain into a chilled cocktail glass
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- Garnish with the zest of a lemon squeezed over the top, and serve
14. Coffee Negroni
The Coffee Negroni is a creative twist on the classic, using coffee-infused vermouth for a rich and aromatic profile. Its bittersweet flavor makes it an excellent choice for coffee lovers.
Food pairing suggestion: Espresso macarons. Their rich coffee flavor pairs perfectly with the coffee-infused vermouth in the Coffee Negroni.
Ingredients
Method
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- First, prepare your coffee vermouth by using a Moka Express to brew coffee with sweet red vermouth instead of water
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- In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine gin, Campari, and coffee vermouth
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- Stir well, then strain into a rocks-filled lowball glass
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- Garnish with a slice of orange and serve
15. Martinez
The Martinez is a gin-based cocktail with maraschino liqueur and red vermouth, considered a predecessor of the Martini. Its sweet and herbal profile is both historical and delicious.
Food pairing suggestion: Lemon meringue tart. Its tart and sweet profile complements the citrus and herbal notes in the Martinez.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir to combine and chill the ingredients
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- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a lemon peel and serve
16. Six Cylinder
The Six Cylinder is an intricate blend of six ingredients, including gin, vermouths, and Dubonnet. Its balanced and layered flavor profile makes it a standout choice for sophisticated gatherings.
Food pairing suggestion: Mixed olive platter. The savory and briny flavors balance the complex layers in the Six Cylinder.
Ingredients
Method
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- Adding ingredients to a mixing glass over ice and stir, before straining into a chilled cocktail glass
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- Garnish with a lemon twist and serve
17. Hanky Panky
The Hanky Panky is a classic cocktail crafted by Ada Coleman, featuring gin, red vermouth, and a hint of amaro. Its bittersweet profile makes it a timeless favorite.
Food pairing suggestion: Orange marmalade toast. Its sweet and bitter profile enhances the amaro and gin in the Hanky Panky.
Ingredients
Method
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- Stir ingredients well in a mixing glass with ice and strain into a chilled glass
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- Twist a small swath of orange peel over the surface of the drink to express the oils then drop the peel in to garnish
18. Roman Holiday
The Roman Holiday combines amaro, Campari, and coffee with pineapple and lime juices for a unique and vibrant cocktail. Its tropical twist and bittersweet balance make it unforgettable.
Food pairing suggestion: Pineapple upside-down cake. Its tropical sweetness complements the pineapple and bitters in the Roman Holiday.
Ingredients
Method
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- Combine amaro, Campari, coffee, pineapple juice, lime juice, and dark sugar in a shaker with ice
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- Shake vigorously until well-chilled, then strain into a lowball glass
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- Garnish with a cinnamon stick
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The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub
The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.
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