Whether gathering with friends to celebrate or spending a quiet evening in to watch the ball drop, a refreshing cocktail can set the tone for the night.
These four easy-to-mix cocktails pair well with a New Year's Eve steak dinner, and also make a great ice-breaker to start off the party.
The Gold Fashioned
We'll kick things off with a Golden Steer Steakhouse classic - the Gold Fashioned, which puts our iconic spin on a traditional Old Fashioned cocktail. This simple recipe can help bring a little bit of Vegas flavor to your festivities this year.
Ingredients:
- 2 parts of your favorite spirit (ours is a super smoky scotch)
- 1 part of our Gold Fashioned Mix (combine equal parts sugar and water with a splash of bitters)
- A splash of amaretto
- A splash of water
- 1 large ice cube
- Maraschino cherries
- Orange twist
Directions:
- Grab a mixing jar or a large glass and add ice.
- Put in 2 parts of your spirit of choice.
- Add in 1 part of Gold Fashioned Mix.
- Mix them together, and make sure you are chilling while mixing.
- Grab a rocks glass and add in a large ice cube.
- Pour your cocktail over the large ice cube.
- Now it’s time to garnish it! We like to use 2 maraschino cherries and a twist of orange.
- Cheers!
The French 75
This 100+ year old cocktail originates from Paris, with an effect said to be reminiscent of being struck by a French 75mm field gun. It became popular in America after being featured in the classic 1942 film Casablanca. Here's looking at you, kid!
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces lemon juice
- 2 ounces of gin
- 4 ounces champagne, chilled
- 2 teaspoons simple syrup
- Lemon slice for garnish
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Directions:
- In a Collins cocktail glass, mix lemon juice, gin, and simple syrup, then add a cup of ice cubes.
- Pour in champagne and stir gently.
- Finish it off with the lemon slice and maraschino cherry to garnish.
- Cheers!
Red Sangria
Sangria, derived from the Spanish term for "bloodletting", is a world-famous beverage said to originate from Spain during the time of the Roman Empire. This delicious infusion of Spanish red wine and juicy, fresh fruit is a great option for wine lovers who want a sweet drink for celebrating with friends and family. ¡Salud!
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (750ml)
- 4 ounces brandy
- 12-ounce can seltzer
- 8 ounces orange juice
- 3 ounces simple syrup or 1/4 cup of sugar (to taste)
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cups your choice of flavorful fruits (citrus, berries, etc.)
Directions:
- Mix together the wine, brandy, orange juice, simple syrup, and fruit together in a pitcher.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours; overnight is best for flavor.
- When ready to serve, add the can of seltzer and stir.
- Include soaked fruit pieces in each glass for extra flavor and garnish
- ¡Salud!
Espresso Martinis
When the night is winding down and you need a little lift, these Espresso Martinis are a great way to perk up and keep the party going. This twist of flavors offers an unexpectedly bittersweet and rich experience. Try one for yourself!
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
- 1 ounce of freshly brewed espresso or concentrated coffee
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shaking until cold.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a espresso or coffee beans.
- Cheers!
Photo credit: Prem Pal Singh Tanwar
