It’s traditional to enjoy a toast of Champagne at midnight when celebrating the New Year, but why not kick things up a notch?
Give that midnight cocktail a bit of an upgrade this time around while toasting to a new year full of possibilities.
Enter the Dragon
Enter the Dragon at Aliya at Hotel Indigo Williamsburg in Brooklyn New York.
At Aliya at Hotel Indigo Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York, Enter the Dragon is made with vodka, dragon fruit puree, fresh squeezed lemon and mango liqueur.
“As we close out the Year of the Dragon, Enter the Dragon represents a final toast to its fiery legacy—a call to embrace power, wisdom, and new beginnings,” said co-owner and executive chef Scotley Innis,
Smoked SaltBae Old Fashioned
Smoked SaltBae Old Fashioned at Nusr-Et Steakhouse.
At Nusr-Et Steakhouse, this is an over-the-top spin on a classic cocktail, mixing scotch, allspice pimento dram, ginger, demerara, and mixed bitters. But the real drama happens at presentation, as it’s served in a smoky treasure chest for an extra dash of drama.
Elaichi Sensation
Elaichi Sensation at Tamarind Tribeca.
At Tamarind Tribeca in New York City, Elaichi Sensation is made with cardamom-infused vodka, green and black cardamom syrup, Rooh Afza and citrus. As cardamom is often enjoyed as a celebratory ingredient in Indian cuisine, it’s rather perfect for a festive New Year.
Bittersweet Ending
Bittersweet Ending from Spring House in Tenafly, New Jersey,
From Spring House in Tenafly, New Jersey, this festive cocktail rises to the occasion, made with pamplemousse cordial, Ya Cava and Angostura bitters.
Life Gives You Lemons
Life Gives You Lemons at The Lemon Grove rooftop restaurant at The Aster Hotel and Members Club in ... [+]
At The Lemon Grove rooftop restaurant at The Aster Hotel and Members Club in Hollywood, California, this cocktail is made with Tito's vodka, lemongrass honey, lemon juice, and garnished with a kaffir lime leaf.
Lead mixologist Ash Ramos says: "The Life Gives You Lemons Is our newest signature cocktail and the perfect cocktail to ring in the New Year. It’s a simple but balanced play on a lemon drop martini - featuring warm and earthy notes from the lemongrass infused honey and a fresh zesty quality from the lemon and kaffir lime leaves. As we enter a New Year, this drink is a friendly reminder that when life gives you lemons, say cheers!"
Southern Belle
Southern Belle At Grace's on Kirby in Houston, Texas.
At Grace's on Kirby in Houston, Texas, Southern Belle is made with Queen Bee Osmia Vodka, cassis, lemon juice, Prosecco, and Luxardo cherry. "The Southern Belle showcases Queen Bee's Osmia Vodka crafted with raw, chemical-free honey from Texas's hardworking bees. Paired with cassis, lemon, and Prosecco, it’s a perfectly balanced, refreshingly smooth cocktail that celebrates local craftsmanship," said Rommel Quarterman, Vice President of Johnny Carrabba Family of Restaurants.
Poire du Nouvel An
Poire du Nouvel An at 48 Record Bar in Philadelphia.
At 48 Record Bar in Philadelphia, the Poire du Nouvel An (meaning New Year pear), is made with Plymouth Gin, Stateside Vodka, Rothman & Winter Orchard Pear Liqueur, and cinnamon.
"Drawing on the crispness of pears—a recognized symbol of abundance—and the warming spice of cinnamon, this cocktail mirrors the winter season’s duality of both fresh starts and cozy moments. The Poire du Nouvel An is a mix of classic and modern, just like our beloved neighborhood Old City, Philly. Its clear presentation symbolizes a fresh slate, making it a toast to good times with loved ones, the first cheers of the year, and the promise of what’s to come,” said Donal McCoy, owner of 48 Record Bar.
Roman Candle
Roman Candle at East Harlem's Perch.
East Harlem's Perch has just the thing to toast the year ahead with their New Year's-themed cocktail, the Roman Candle.
This bubbly drink combines London Dry Gin, yellow chartreuse, Cocchi Americano, honey, lemon, bergamot, and prosecco. It’s a playful, elegant cocktail that embodies the spirit of New Year's Eve.
Luxe Royale
Luxe Royale at Ladyhawk in West Hollywood.
Lisa Beaumont, Beverage Director at Ladyhawk in West Hollywood, created this cocktail made with Empress Indigo Gin, fresh Meyer lemon juice, and topped with Mersel LebNat Sparkling Gold.
La Vie En Rose
La Vie En Rose at Grand Brasserie in New York City.
At Grand Brasserie in New York City, La Vie En Rose is a version of the classic cosmopolitan made with vodka and rose water.
" La Vie En Rose at Grand Brasserie has become one of our guests’ all-time favorite house cocktails. The inspiration behind this drink is the everlasting Cosmopolitan, a cocktail immortalized in the iconic NYC show, Sex and the City. Carrie’s ultimate dream is walking the streets of the famed City of Lights, beholding fashion during the day and sipping a Cosmo at night. For La Vie En Rose we fine-tuned the classic, we increased the aromatics by infusing its vodka with rose water and orange blossom, while maintaining its sour and tart nature. The result is a well-balanced, fashionably pink martini that combines both cities, NYC and Paris. The ultimate Cosmo that never goes out of style and is perfect for a New Year’s ball in a city full of possibilities,” said David Orellana, the Beverage Director.
The Spins
The Spins at Motel Morris in New York City.
At Motel Morris in New York City, this cocktail is made with gin, Suze, Velvet Falernum, and Prosecco. "It's a festive twist on the classic Negroni, featuring gin, Suze, and topped with bubbles. The combination is light, celebratory, and full of sparkle—perfect for ringing in the New Year. The Suze adds a unique, herbal note that elevates the traditional Negroni, while the effervescence gives it an extra layer of brightness," said Marc Ellert-Beck, Director or Operations and Events & Beverage Director.
