Believe it or not, it’s that time of year again. It only feels like yesterday that we were welcoming in 2021, with a sigh of relief that 2020 was over and a (somewhat naive) optimism that 2021 was going to bring us a return to normal. But now with 2021 in our rearview window, let’s take that optimism and say 2022 is gonna be THE year! And what better way to say “Bring on the new year” than with a bevy of great cocktails.
So let’s kick 2021 out the door and embrace 2022 with some great tasting cocktails.
French 75
The drink dates to World War I, and an early form was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris—later Harry’s New York Bar—by barman Harry MacElhone. The combination was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm field gun.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz London Dry Gin
- 1 tsp superfine sugar
- 0.5 oz Lemon juice
- 5 oz Brut Champagne
Method: Combine gin, lemon juice and sugar in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a Collins glass with ice and top with Champagne.
White Negroni
Honestly a negroni works for practically any occasion, and so to mix it up just a bit, this variation is a little lighter but still packs that unique negroni taste.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz London Dry Gin
- 1.5 oz Lillet Blanc
- 0.5 oz Suze liqueur
- Lemon twist
Method: Combine gin, Lillet, and Suze in an old-fashioned glass filled with ice and stir until very cold, about 30 seconds. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet
Gimlets are always a refreshing option during a party, and the elderflower makes this one particularly unique and memorable. The addition of cucumber adds a spa water like quality, which will have your guests asking for more.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Hendricks Gin
- 1 oz St. Germain
- 1 oz Lime juice
- 1 inch cucumber, cut into cubes
Method: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add in the St. Germain, gin and fresh squeezed lime juice. Pour in the gin, St. Germain and lime juice. Add the cucumber, and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Strain into a martini or nick and nora glass and serve with a garnish of cucumber round.
Kir Royal
Outside of the Mimosa, this is the classic champagne cocktail. Good news is, it’s incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsps Creme de cassis
- Brut champagne
- Fresh raspberries
Method: Add the creme de cassis and a few fresh raspberries to the bottom of a champagne flute. Slowly pour in the chilled champagne into the glass to mix the ingredients.
Negroni Sbagliato
Finally, if you’re in the mood for some bubbly but still want that bitterness of a classic negroni, the sbagliato is for you.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz lightly sparkling wine
Method: Combine vermouth and Campari in an ice-filled champagne glass. Top with sparkling wine, stir to combine and garnish with an orange peel
Ale/Sessions 