Toast the start of 2013 with one of these festive (but easy) cocktails. Most of them use champagne or sparkling wine as a base, all the better to be festive!
1. Anise Champagne Cocktails
Photo © Molly Watson
A bit of anise liqueur (like Pernod) and gin add a light floral essence to sparkling wine.
2. Classic Champagne Cocktails
Photo © Molly Watson
Champagne cocktails dress up so-so sparkling wine into wonderful cocktails – perfect for New Years Eve, especially if the party is large and your budget is limited. Equally classic and just as easy is a Kir Royale – crème de cassis champagne.
3. Cucumber Martinis
Photo © Molly Watson
Cucumber martinis are cooling enough for summer – or a crowded house or apartment full of party-goers.
4. Lemon Drop Champagne Cocktail
Photo © Molly Watson
A bit of lemon syrup, a splash of vodka, and a twist of lemon topped with champagne or sparkling wine created a refreshing and festive (not to mention seasonal!) cocktail to ring in the new year.
5. Manhattans
Photo © Molly Watson
Manhattans may be a little, um, strong, to sip all night – but they are perfect for a cold night or for sipping around the fire.
6. New Orleans Milk Punch
Photo © Molly Watson
New Orleans Milk Punch is as much a perfect antidote to the party the next morning as an element of the party itself. It has a great lighter-than-eggnog quality that makes it great for the holidays.
