Recipes: Sparkling New Year cocktails

Ring in the New Year with a flourish by mastering the art of crafting Sparkling New Year Cocktails. These effervescent concoctions blend the elegance of champagne or prosecco with unique ingredients, offering a toast to the promise and excitement of the year ahead. Two standout recipes include the Chic Champagne Cocktails and the French 75 with St. Germain, both perfect for your New Year's Eve celebration.

Chic Champagne Cocktails

Cultural or Historical Context: The tradition of toasting with champagne is synonymous with celebrations and milestones, imbuing moments with a sense of occasion and luxury. These cocktails, with their glitter of real gold and bubbles, elevate any gathering.

Ingredients for the Chic Champagne Cocktails:

• ½ teaspoon Gold Shimmer Sugar
• 1 shot Goldschläger or Liquor with Gold Flakes
• 1 cup Champagne or Prosecco
• 3-5 dashes Angostura bitters (optional)

Preparation Instructions:

1. Prepare the glasses by dipping the rims in water, then in gold edible sugar. Allow to dry.
2. Pour the Goldschläger or similar gold flake liquor into each glass.
3. Top with chilled Champagne or Prosecco and add bitters if desired.
4. Serve and enjoy the sparkling delight.

Storage and Reheating: These cocktails are best enjoyed fresh and are not suitable for storage or reheating.

Nutritional Information: Approximately 109 calories per serving, with 2g of carbohydrates.

FAQ about the Chic Champagne Cocktails: Q: Can I use a different type of sparkling wine? A: Yes, any dry sparkling wine like Cava or Champagne can be used.

French 75 with St. Germain

Cultural or Historical Context: The French 75 is a classic cocktail that has graced many celebratory occasions. This version, with a twist of St. Germain, adds a modern and floral note to the traditional recipe.

Ingredients for the French 75 with St. Germain:

• 1 lemon
• 1 1/2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce St. Germain or other elderflower liquor
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• Dry sparkling wine, chilled
• 1 cup ice cubes

Preparation Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, St. Germain, and lemon juice with ice.
2. Shake vigorously, then strain into a champagne flute or coupe glass.
3. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon peel curl.

Storage and Reheating: This cocktail is intended for immediate enjoyment and does not store well.

Nutritional Information: Specific nutritional values depend on the brands of alcohol used but expect a similar caloric content to other cocktails with gin and sparkling wine.

FAQ about the French 75 with St. Germain: Q: Can I make this cocktail sweeter? A: Yes, adding 1/2 ounce of simple syrup or a sugar cube can sweeten the drink.

Both of these sparkling New Year cocktails offer a delightful way to celebrate, combining tradition with a touch of modern flair. Whether you choose the gold-flecked elegance of the Chic Champagne Cocktail or the citrusy sophistication of the French 75 with St. Germain, each sip promises a joyous start to the New Year.

Original recipes by Lisa Hatfield at Delicious Table and Stephanie Ziajka at Diary of a Debutante​​​​.