Absinthe, Vermouth, Bitters - Oh my! Fun and Elegant Cocktail Recipes

The countdown to the New Year is almost here which for many means a wonderful night of dreaming up what the new year will hold, celebrating with loved ones and festive cocktails!

Whether you're hosting a party, a quiet evening at home (like me!), or something in between, I've put together a list of cocktail recipes that range from simple classics to wild hallucinogens (hello, absinthe! - JK about the hallucinogens, it doesn't do that anymore).

These recipes are inspired by my own experiences from years past. While I don’t partake regularly anymore, these recipes (and pics) were some of my faves—and they’re guaranteed to make your New Year's Eve sparkle.

Cocktail Recipes

The Classics

Sometimes, simplicity is best. These classic choices never go out of style and are perfect for ringing in the New Year with sophistication.

1. Champagne

• What You Need: A bottle of your favorite champagne or sparkling wine.

• How to Serve: Pour into a chilled flute for an effortless yet celebratory drink. Add a single raspberry or a twist of lemon peel for a touch of flair. The light bubbles and crisp flavors make it the ultimate New Year’s toast.

  • Tips:

    • Champagne was my favorite beverage of choice, I drank it out of a white wine glass instead of a flute so that I could smell the wine which aids in tasting it.

    • I love a brut rosé in the winter - red wine feels more season appropriate to me.

• My fave brands: J Vineyards Cuvée 20 or Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Brut - "Blue Label"

  
  

  

  
  

2. Scotch (Neat or On the Rocks)

• What You Need: A good-quality scotch.

• How to Serve: Either straight up in a Glencairn or over a large ice cube in a tumbler. Scotch lovers appreciate the nuanced flavors that range from smoky and peaty to smooth and malty. Take your time sipping this one—it’s a drink that invites reflection and savoring.

• My Fave Brands: Aberlour 12yr Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky or Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Three Wood.

Elevated and Fun Cocktails

When you’re ready to mix things up, try one of these drinks. They’re beautiful, flavorful, and just the right amount of festive.

3. Gin & Tonic—Dressed Up

• What You Need:

  • Gin

  • Tonic water

  • A large wine goblet

  • Lemon slice

  • Fresh juniper berries

  • Fresh sprig of rosemary

• How to Make:

  • Fill a large wine goblet with ice.

  • Add 2 ounces of gin and top with tonic water.

  • Garnish with a lemon slice, a few juniper berries, and a sprig of rosemary for a fresh and aromatic twist. This elevated take on the classic G&T is not only refreshing but also visually stunning, making it a conversation starter at any gathering.

• My Fave Brands (gin): Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Gin (this one is fabulous!!) or The Botanist Islay Dry Gin

4. Corpse Reviver No. 2

• What You Need:

  • 1 ounce gin

  • 1 ounce Cointreau

  • 1 ounce sweet white vermouth (Lillet Blanc is traditional)

  • 1 ounce fresh lemon juice

  • A dash of absinthe

  • Lemon or orange zest twist to garnish

• How to Make:

  • Rinse the inside of a chilled coupe or cocktail glass with absinthe, discard the excess and set the glass aside.

  • Add the gin, Lillet blanc, orange liqueur and lemon juice into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.

  • Strain into the prepared glass.

• My fave brand (absinthe and sweet white vermouth): Grune Fee Absinthe Classic and Lillet Blanc (if you haven't tried Lillet Blanc, you are missing out!!)

This cocktail has a storied past and a flavor profile that’s as intriguing as its name. The dash of absinthe adds a subtle anise (licorice-like) flavor, enhancing the brightness of the gin and citrus. Absinthe has a notorious reputation thanks to old myths about hallucinations, but modern absinthe is perfectly safe and regulated. It’s a wonderful addition to cocktails, lending complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.

5. Old Fashioned

• What You Need:

  • 2 ounces bourbon or whiskey

  • A sugar cube or ½ teaspoon brown sugar

  • 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

  • Luxardo cherries

  • Orange peel

• How to Make:

  • In a rocks glass, muddle the sugar and bitters until dissolved.

  • Add a large ice cube and pour over the bourbon or whiskey.

  • Stir gently and garnish with a Luxardo cherry and an orange peel.

• My fave brands (whiskey): Gentleman Jack (classic and reasonably priced)

This timeless cocktail is a masterpiece of balance, combining the warmth of bourbon or whiskey with the sweetness of sugar and the aromatic depth of bitters. The Luxardo cherries and orange peel add a touch of elegance, making it a drink to savor as you count down to midnight.

6. Espresso Martini

• What You Need:

  • 2 ounces vanilla vodka

  • 1 ounce coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)

  • 1 ounce freshly brewed espresso (cooled)

  • ½ ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste or omit if you prefer less sweet)

  • Coffee beans for garnish

• How to Make:

  • Combine vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.

  • Shake vigorously until well-chilled and frothy.

  • Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans arranged in a triangle.

• My fave brands: I actually strongly dislike vodka, I only used it for this recipe - any vanilla vodka will do!

This sophisticated cocktail is a delightful pick-me-up for late-night celebrations. The bold coffee flavor pairs beautifully with the smoothness of vodka, creating a drink that’s both energizing and indulgent—perfect for keeping the party going until the clock strikes midnight.

Final Toast

Whether you’re sipping champagne at midnight or enjoying a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned, these drinks are sure to make your New Year’s Eve memorable. Cheers to 2024—a year full of joy, connection, and maybe even a few new cocktail discoveries!