38 Best New Year Cocktails for a Festive Night of Cheers

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Ringing in January with a clink of glasses feels even better when the drink inside is thoughtfully mixed and full of sparkle. Classic Champagne combinations mingle here with creative winter flavors, offering something for every palate, whether you like your sips bright and citrusy or dark and spirit-forward. Stock up on fresh garnishes, plenty of ice, and a good bottle of bubbly, then pick a few favorites from this list to keep the party flowing until the countdown reaches zero.

1. French 75

Indoor setting with a coupe glass of pale, effervescent French 75 on a marble bar, garnished with a curled lemon peel and surrounded by scattered juniper berries. No text or logos in frame; photo only.
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Named after a World War I field gun, the French 75 delivers a lively kick thanks to gin and sparkling wine. Fresh lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup temper the botanicals, creating a balanced, citrus-forward profile. Serve in a chilled coupe to showcase its soft bubbles and refined character.

2. Kir Royale

Close-up photo of a slender flute filled with deep ruby Kir Royale, a few tiny bubbles rising, set on a polished bar under soft indoor lighting. No logos or text anywhere.
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This Burgundy favorite swaps still wine for Champagne, blending crème de cassis with brut bubbles. The black-currant liqueur lends a jewel-toned hue and a gentle berry sweetness. It’s effortless to assemble yet always looks sophisticated in hand.

3. Classic Bellini

Photo of a tall flute showcasing a pastel peach Bellini, tiny bubbles glistening, with a fresh peach slice perched on the rim. Indoor lighting, no text or logos present.
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Invented at Harry’s Bar in Venice, the Bellini mixes white peach purée with Prosecco for a soft, fruity sparkle. Use ripe, peeled peaches blended until silky, or reach for high-quality bottled purée in winter. Its sunset shade brings a touch of Italian summer to a chilly New Year’s Eve.

4. Pomegranate Sparkler

Photo of a stemless flute holding a crimson pomegranate cocktail topped with bubbly wine, garnished with floating arils and a sprig of mint on an indoor wooden bar. No logos or text visible.
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Pomegranate juice supplies rich color and a tart edge that pairs beautifully with dry sparkling wine. A dash of orange liqueur rounds out the flavor, while jewel-like seeds offer a pop of crunch. It’s an eye-catching drink that mirrors midnight fireworks.

5. Elderflower Fizz

Indoor bar scene with a Collins glass filled with pale elderflower cocktail, plenty of ice, and a thin cucumber ribbon curled inside. Photo only, no text or branding.
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St-Germain elderflower liqueur yields delicate floral notes that mingle well with gin and fresh lemon. Top the mixture with club soda to lighten the body and heighten the fragrance. A sliver of cucumber underscores its garden-fresh vibe.

6. Aperol Spritz

Photo of a wine glass brimming with bright orange Aperol Spritz, ice cubes sparkling, and a half-moon orange wheel resting inside. Indoor setting with soft, warm lighting; no logos.
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Equal parts Prosecco and Aperol plus a splash of soda water create this modern Italian staple. Its bittersweet profile refreshes the palate between rich party hors d’oeuvres. The vivid hue also photographs beautifully for those midnight selfies.

7. Blackberry 75

Coupe glass showcased on an indoor bar, filled with a blush-pink blackberry cocktail topped with Champagne and garnished with two skewered berries. Photo, no text or logos.
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This fruit-forward riff on the French 75 introduces muddled blackberries to the mix. Strain the purée, shake with gin and lemon, then crown it with sparkling wine. The result is floral, tart, and just sweet enough to keep guests reaching for another round.

8. Midnight Mojito

Photo of a highball glass filled with a dark rum mojito, crushed ice piled high, mint sprigs and lime wheels nestled throughout. Indoor lighting, no logos or text.
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Swap white rum for a rich, aged variety to give the classic mojito deep caramel notes perfect for winter. Fresh mint and lime maintain its signature brightness, while a splash of sparkling wine adds celebratory fizz. It’s a tropical escape that still feels seasonally suited.

9. Cranberry Moscow Mule

Photo featuring a frosty copper mug filled with cranberry Moscow Mule, garnished with sugared cranberries and a lime wedge, set on an indoor bar. No text or logos in view.
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Tart cranberry juice and spicy ginger beer team up for a ruby-red spin on the Mule. Vodka keeps the base clean, letting the fruit and ginger shine. Serve over plenty of crushed ice for a brisk refresher between dance-floor sessions.

10. Champagne Margarita

Coupe glass rimmed with flaky salt, filled with a pale sparkling Margarita and a thin lime wheel floating on top, captured indoors with soft lighting. No text or logos.
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Why choose between tequila and bubbles when you can have both? Combine blanco tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime, then top with brut Champagne for effervescence. The citrusy bite pairs nicely with party snacks like shrimp cocktail or guac-laden chips.

11. Gold Rush

Old-fashioned glass with a large clear ice cube swimming in a honey-gold bourbon cocktail, lemon twist draped on the rim. Indoor photo, no logos.
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The Gold Rush marries bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup for a simple yet refined winter sipper. Honey adds roundness while bright lemon resets the palate after rich holiday fare. Its color also echoes glittery New Year’s décor.

12. Sazerac

Rocks glass holding an amber Sazerac with a lemon peel expressing oils over the surface, Absinthe-rinsed glass visible from condensation. Indoor photo, no text or logos.
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This New Orleans icon combines rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, and a subtle Absinthe rinse. It’s a spirit-forward choice for guests who prefer depth over fizz. Chill the glass well so each slow sip stays crisp until that “Happy New Year” shout.

13. Old Cuban

Elegant coupe glass on an indoor bar, filled with a golden rum-Champagne cocktail and topped with a small mint bouquet. No text or branding.
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The Old Cuban bridges a Mojito and a French 75, marrying aged rum, mint, lime, and Angostura bitters beneath a float of Champagne. The bubbles lighten the drink and lift the mint aroma. It feels timeless yet still festive enough for the big night.

14. Espresso Martini

Stemmed cocktail glass containing dark espresso martini with a tri-bean coffee garnish centered on a creamy foam layer. Indoor photo, no logos or text.
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Need a late-night boost? Vodka, fresh espresso, and coffee liqueur team up for a drink that doubles as dessert and pick-me-up. Shake vigorously for that signature crema-like foam on top. It’s ideal just before the countdown to keep everyone alert.

15. White Negroni

Rocks glass with a large clear ice cube and a pale golden Negroni, garnished with a grapefruit twist. Indoor bar setting, no logos or text.
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Replace Campari with Suze and sweet vermouth with Lillet Blanc for a gentler, herbal take on the beloved classic. Gin still anchors the drink, but the lighter color mirrors sparkling decorations. Serve well-chilled so its bitter-sweet notes stay crisp.

16. Blood Orange Paloma

Tall salt-rimmed glass filled with a vibrant blood orange Paloma, grapefruit soda fizzing up, and a half-moon blood orange slice submerged. Indoor photo, no logos.
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Seasonal blood oranges lend deep color and complex citrus depth to the traditional Paloma. Mix their juice with blanco tequila, a squeeze of lime, and grapefruit soda. The hue alone sets a lively tone, and its low ABV makes it easy to sip all evening.

17. Spiced Pear Collins

Collins glass packed with ice and a pale pear cocktail, cinnamon stick stirrer, and a thin pear fan as garnish. Indoor bar lighting, no text or logos.
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Gin meets homemade spiced pear syrup—infused with cinnamon and clove—in this wintery Collins. Top with club soda for refreshing effervescence that cuts through the spice. A gently aromatic drink that bridges autumn and winter flavors seamlessly.

18. Maple Bourbon Smash

Rocks glass containing amber bourbon smash with crushed ice, maple leaf-shaped orange zest garnish. Indoor photo, no branding.
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Maple syrup provides earthy sweetness that pairs naturally with bourbon’s oak notes. Muddle fresh lemon and a touch of mint to brighten the rich base. Crushed ice keeps each sip brisk, perfect for a lively house party.

19. Hibiscus Gin Sour

Coupe glass holding a vivid magenta gin sour with a frothy egg-white cap and edible dried hibiscus flower resting on the foam. Indoor setting, no logos or text.
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Dried hibiscus petals steeped into simple syrup lend tartness and striking color to a classic gin sour. A silky egg-white head adds luxurious texture, while lemon juice balances the floral zip. It looks almost too pretty to drink—almost.

20. Rosemary Greyhound

Highball filled with pale pink grapefruit cocktail, sprig of flaminged rosemary smoking slightly, set on an indoor wooden bar. No text or logos.
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Infuse vodka with fresh rosemary or simply garnish with a charred sprig for aromatic flair. Combine with ruby-red grapefruit juice and a touch of simple syrup. The herb’s piney scent evokes winter greenery in every sip.

21. Grapefruit Gin Fizz

Photo of a tall fizz glass brimming with grapefruit gin cocktail and a white foamy cap, grapefruit peel ribbon curling down the side. Indoor bar lighting, no logos.
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Creamy egg-white texture meets effervescent club soda for a silky, light cocktail. Fresh grapefruit brightens the botanicals in gin, yielding a drink that’s both refreshing and elegant. Serve ice-cold to highlight its delicate fizz.

22. Fig Manhattan

Cut crystal coupe holding a deep mahogany Manhattan with a skewered dried fig and orange peel. Indoor setting, no text or logos.
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Infuse rye whiskey with dried figs or add a splash of fig liqueur to this dark, warming classic. Sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters add spiced depth. It feels cozy enough for winter yet special enough for the year’s biggest toast.

23. Sidecar

Photo of a sugar-rimmed coupe housing a golden Sidecar, an orange twist balanced on the edge. Indoor lighting, no branding.
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Cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice combine for a tart, refined cocktail that dates back to the 1920s. A sugared rim adds a touch of sweetness and visual sparkle. Its balance and simplicity make it a timeless New Year’s choice.

24. Rum Punch Royale

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Blend dark and light rums with pineapple, orange, and lime juices, then crown the bowl with a full bottle of sparkling wine. Seasonal spices like allspice and clove warm the fruity base. Guests can serve themselves, freeing you to mingle.

25. Sparkling Yuzu Saketini

Martini glass containing a clear, lightly bubbling saketini garnished with a thin yuzu wheel. Indoor bar scene, no text or logos.
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Sake and vodka form a clean canvas for bright, aromatic yuzu juice. A quick top-off of dry Champagne adds subtle bubbles and an elegant finish. It’s a minimalist drink that still feels luxuriously festive.

26. Smoked Rosemary Old Fashioned

Rocks glass on an indoor bar with an Old Fashioned enveloped in rosemary smoke, visible wisps curling around a large ice cube and orange peel. No logos or text.
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Light a sprig of rosemary, capture the smoke in the glass, then build a classic Old Fashioned with bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters. The aromatic smoke layers earthy complexity over familiar flavors. It’s a dramatic yet easy showpiece for midnight.

27. Gingerbread Flip

Stemmed coupe filled with creamy brown flip, dusted lightly with nutmeg, cinnamon stick placed alongside on an indoor bar. No text or logos.
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A whole egg, dark rum, and gingerbread syrup shake into a rich, dessert-style drink. Nutmeg adds fragrant warmth, mimicking holiday cookie spice. Its velvety texture feels indulgent enough to replace pie.

28. Limoncello Spritz

Wine glass indoors holding a pale yellow limoncello spritz with ice, lemon wheel, and a sprig of thyme. No logos or text.
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Bright, sweet-tart limoncello pairs with Prosecco and a splash of soda for an effervescent refresher. Fresh thyme or basil lends herbal nuance without overpowering the citrus. It’s like bottled sunshine for a winter evening.

29. Passion Fruit Caipirinha

Short glass filled with crushed ice, golden passion fruit seeds visible in the cocktail, lime wedges pressed against the glass, indoor photo, no text or logos.
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Muddle lime with raw sugar, add cachaça, and stir in fresh passion fruit pulp for a tropical twist. The seeds provide a fun texture and striking look. Despite its beachy vibe, the bold flavors stand up well to rich winter dishes.

30. Snowball

Vintage-style stemmed glass containing creamy pale yellow Snowball cocktail, maraschino cherry resting on the foam. Indoor lighting, no logos.
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Advocaat, lemonade, and a squeeze of lime create this nostalgic British holiday drink. Slightly thick and custardy, it tastes like boozy eggnog lightened with citrus. It’s low in alcohol, making it a gentle option for earlier in the evening.

31. Irish Coffee

Footed glass mug indoors with layered Irish Coffee, whipped cream dome on top, coffee swirling beneath. No text or logos.
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Fresh hot coffee blended with Irish whiskey and a hint of brown sugar warms chilly revelers in minutes. Float lightly whipped cream on top so each sip mingles hot and cold sensations. It doubles as both a nightcap and a caffeine kick.

32. Hot Buttered Rum

Ceramic mug indoors filled with steaming hot buttered rum, pat of spiced butter melting on the surface, cinnamon stick stirrer. No logos or text.
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A batter of brown sugar, butter, and baking spices dissolves into dark rum and hot water for a cozy fireside drink. The butter lends silky body while nutmeg and clove perfume the steam. Offer it to guests watching fireworks from the patio.

33. Boulevardier

Rocks glass with large ice sphere and deep red Boulevardier, orange peel expressed over top. Indoor bar, no text or logos.
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Swap gin for bourbon in a Negroni and you have this warming winter staple. Equal parts bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth balance bittersweet complexity with oak richness. Stir, strain, and garnish with orange for an effortlessly chic cocktail.

34. French Martini

Martini glass with a frothy pink French Martini, pineapple leaf garnish, indoor photo, no logos or text.
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Vodka, pineapple juice, and raspberry liqueur shake into a silky, jewel-toned drink. The fruit flavors feel playful yet polished enough for a black-tie affair. Serve icy cold so the foam caps the top like fresh snow.

35. Bramble Royale

Short tumbler with crushed ice, gin and blackberry liqueur cascading through, topped with sparkling wine and two blackberries. Indoor bar photo, no text or logos.
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A standard Bramble becomes party-ready with a Champagne float. Gin, lemon, and crème de mûre supply bracing tartness and deep berry flavor. Crushed ice keeps it refreshing even as the room heats up with dancing.

36. Strawberry Champagne Mojito

Tall glass indoors filled with sliced strawberries, mint leaves, Champagne-topped mojito, and a metal straw. No logos or text.
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Muddle ripe strawberries with mint and lime, add white rum, then finish with chilled Champagne instead of soda. The combination feels both familiar and lavish. Its rosy hue matches festive decorations perfectly.

37. Cucumber Basil Gimlet

Coupe holding a pale green gimlet, thin cucumber wheel floating, basil leaf resting on the glass edge. Indoor lighting, no text or logos.
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Shake gin with fresh cucumber juice, basil-infused simple syrup, and lime for a garden-bright cocktail. The herbaceous profile cleanses the palate after rich appetizers. Strain finely to keep the drink crystal clear and elegant.

38. Sparkling Apple Cider 75

Flute filled with golden apple cider gin cocktail, tiny bubbles rising, thin apple slice fan on rim, indoor bar scene, no logos or text.
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Combine gin, apple cider reduction, and lemon juice, then top with dry sparkling wine for an orchard-inspired twist on the French 75. A dash of cinnamon bitters adds subtle spice without turning it into a full-on mulled drink. It’s a crisp, crowd-pleasing way to toast new beginnings.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.