Soon we can say goodbye to another year. For most of us, it wasn’t quite what we expected. But it seemed like a step in the right direction and we can’t help but be optimistic for the rushing New Year. And if we want to welcome a New Year to the party, we’d better have a few extra drinks for our collective guard.
We won’t discourage you from celebrating as soon as you feel ready. We continue to exist in a world that values ââits cocktails, beers, wines and more. Here’s what to have on hand for all your NYE fun this year.
Best drink to splurge: best golden sunday drink
If you want to bring the party to the party, pack this premium RTD cocktail with you. It’s far from cheap, but absolutely delicious, made with ingredients that span the globe, from a tasty bourbon bill to Tahitian vanilla to Afghan saffron. It’s a little silly, we know (the bottle comes on a pedestal and there’s a spritzer to boot), but there’s no denying the skillful touch that was used to make this Old Fashioned.
Best wine approved by Somm: 2Naturkinder Fledermaus White
It’s a staple and what many sommeliers drink: a relatively low-alcohol, skin-fermented white made from Müller-Thurgau and Silvaner grapes. It’s brackish, delicate, esoteric, and overall delicious. Oh, and extra credit points for being a biodynamic business with responsible growing standards. If you have not yet familiarized yourself with German wine, follow the program.
Best IPA Beer: Heady Topper
One of the highest rated beers of all time is so for a reason. It is a hoppy infusion intended to be drunk right out of the can, for maximum pleasure of its wild aromas and layer after layer of invigorating flavors. If it’s not available in your part of the country, check with your favorite bottle stores as the brand has been ramping up production significantly lately to try and keep up with demand.
Best crowd pleaser: Ornellaia Poggio alle Gazze
This exceptional wine quickly shows that a good white can have all the details and nuances of a good red, if not more. It originates from Tuscany and is made from Sauvignon Blanc. It gives even the best produce from France and New Zealand a race for grape money.
Best sparkler: Amirault Crémant de Loire
A good bubble bottle on NYE is a cliché for a reason and we’re not about to mess with any of that. This French champagne offers the well-being and quality of champagne at a fraction of the cost. It’s a careful blend of Chenin Blanc, Cab Franc and Chardonnay and boasts lovely minerality, a creamy texture, and flavors of fruit and nuts that last for days.
Best Holiday Beer: Anchor Brewing Christmas Ale
We love holiday beers. This year’s version of Anchor’s longtime Christmas Ale is arguably the best. It’s great not only because it has a beautiful label with a Joshua tree, but offers wonderful notes of dark chocolate and roasted coffee. Oh, and if you’re really in the mood to party, it’s available in larger bottles.
Best red wine: Pio Cesare Barolo
If you’re looking for a red that will instantly woo the whole gathering, Barolo is a good direction to go. Iconic Italian wine can hardly fit in the bottle, simply bursting with character. Better, it’s great with food, in case you’re snacking or making a party steak.
Best party cocktail: Agua Fresca
(Created by Toca Madeira, West Hollywood)
This cocktail is great for toasting, extremely tasty and also transporting to a certain extent, sending you somewhere a bit more tropical (if you’re not already there). Bundle it up a few notches if you have company.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of Ketel One vodka
- 1 ounce of coconut water
- 1 ounce of Canela
- 1 ounce of lemon juice
- 1 ounce of pineapple juice
Method:
- Combine all the ingredients in a shaker and strain into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Best macro beer: Peroni
Sometimes a chic, easy-to-find Italian beer is quite festive. Peroni is that infusion, a clean and refreshing option that you can sip until the early hours of the morning without losing your mind. And if you’re in the mood for a beer cocktail, try adding a little amaro or even prosecco and citrus.
Most catchy cocktail: Sweet Liberty’s Grasshopper 2.0
We love classic cocktails and the Grasshopper is too often overlooked. It’s easy on the eyes and a good winter sip, especially this recipe from Liqueur.com.
Ingredients:
- .75 oz Tempus Fugit Mint Cream
- .75 oz Giffard White Crème de Cacao
- 0.5 oz Del Maguey ‘Vida’ Mezcal
- 0.25 oz of Branca Menta
- teaspoon of absinthe
- 1.25 ounces of heavy cream
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients with ice.
- Shake and strain over crushed ice into a double highball glass.
- Cover with more crushed ice and garnish with grated dark chocolate and a sprig of mint.
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