A bottle of bubbly is a must for any New Year’s Eve celebration. While you could sip your chilled sparkling wine, we suggest you instead drink it in a cocktail. It is, after all, a festive occasion.
The wine is actually quite versatile. Champers pairs nicely with liqueurs, you can use it to top many classic elixirs and we’ve even fixed special holiday shots with it.
To make your night perfect, we asked Liquor.com advisory board member Julie Reiner for a trio of original concoctions served at her acclaimed New York bar Clover Club.
So, start your farewell to 2012 with the Magic Hour (pictured above), a fizzy aperitif made with Lillet Rose—which, incidentally, was introduced this year—Yellow Chartreuse, grapefruit juice and, of course, sparkling wine.
Then move on to the Jack’s Royale, calling for applejack and maple syrup. Reiner recommends one of our favorite bubblies for it: the fine Gruet from New Mexico.
And for dessert, whip up the Nice Pear. The treat includes both pear brandy and liqueur, plus pisco and a delicious sparkling moscato from Italy. A toast with this libation at midnight will guarantee you a sweet new year. Cheers to 2013!
