Usually by the stroke of midnight, most partygoers are beyond being discriminiate in their choice of libation with which to ring in the new year. But not you, Drinkhacker reader. You value substance and style over slurred speech no matter what time it is. So here you go: some alternative cocktail ideas that go beyond champagne in a flute. May 2016 be most excellent to you and yours.
Royal Buddha
1 oz. Hangar 1 Buddha’s Hand Vodka
0.5 oz. fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz. honey syrup
2 oz. California sparkling wine
Add ingredients except sparkling wine in shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled Champagne Flute. Top cocktail with sparkling California wine. Garnish with an expressed long lemon peel.
Star Kiss
1 ounce Ciroc Apple vodka
.75 ounce pomegranate molasses
.75 ounce lemon juice
.5oz sparkling wine
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, add all of the ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into Coupe glass. Top with sparkling wine.
Day Break
1.5 oz. 1800 Reposado Tequila
1 oz. blood orange liqueur
0.5 oz. blood orange juice
2 dashes orange bitters
1 oz. Champagne
Add ingredients except champagne in shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a Champagne Flute. Top cocktail with Champagne. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.