When you think of New Year's Eve drinks, the first thing you probably think of is champagne. After all, what goes together better than bringing in the new year while toasting the people around you with a few New Year's Eve champagne cocktails? And honestly, that would be great — if cheap champagne (which is most abundant on NYE) didn't taste kind of, well, awful on its own, there would be no need for this type of creativity. However, there's a way to make champagne taste better even for those who aren't into it.
As it turns out, champagne tastes a whole lot better when you mix it with other flavors and liquors. Plus, it's way more fun to ring in a new year while drinking something that looks just as awesome as it tastes, right? The below champagne cocktails are all easy to make, most of them feature festive colors and flavors, and all of them will change the way you see sparkling wine. Whether you need to make a large bowl of punch for a giant party or you want to do something a little bit more classy and sophisticated, we've got you covered. Here are 16 champagne cocktails that will make celebrating New Year's Eve that much more glam. Good luck choosing just one (and we won't judge you if you go for more than that).
1. Spiced Citrus Champagne
The best part about this sweet citrus cocktail by The Kitchn is obviously the adorable little starfruit decorating the glass. This is both festive and delicious.
2. Pomegranate And Orange Champagne Punch
A champagne punch is perfect for a New Year's Eve party, because it's so easy to serve. This one by Foodie Crush is extra special because of the ice cubes, which I want to describe as gorgeous, although it feels weird to call an ice cube gorgeous. They're filled with mint leaves and pomegranate seeds, which add flavor and come out as they melt.
3. Elderflower Champagne Cocktail
Doesn't an elderflower cocktail sound like something you would find in a Harry Potter book? Make this sweet and simple drink by The Kitchn if you feel like pretending the weather is nicer outside than it probably will be.
4. Champagne Mojitos
Looking for something more refreshing? Try a champagne mojito. Made with sugar and fresh mint leaves, this cocktail by Foodie Crush is perfect for something light and delicious.
5. Strawberry Satsuma Champagne Sangria
If you're throwing a party or just bringing a drink to one, you really can't go wrong with sangria. Everyone likes it and it's relatively simple to make. This one by How Sweet It Is uses champagne, berries, oranges, and cherry brandy for a sweeter version.
6. Pear Cranberry Champagne
Both pear and cranberry are classic winter flavors, making this perfect for the holiday season. The rosemary sprigs on top make this cocktail by The Kitchn even more festive.
7. Sparkling Pomegranate Punch
Doesn't this cocktail actually LOOK like the holidays? Between the pomegranate, the cider, the color, and the sugary rosemary sprigs, this festive option from Half-Baked Harvest could not be more perfect for a New Year's Eve celebration.
8. Limoncello Raspberry Prosecco Cooler
Limoncello, raspberry, and mint come together to make a sweet and refreshing cocktail that can be made with Prosecco or champagne. Sure, it's a little summery, but it's actually too good to care. The Comfort Of Cooking has the recipe.
9. Spiced Apple-Rosemary Sparkler
With warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and rosemary, this cocktail by The Gouda Life is exactly right for holiday celebrations. Fresh apple spices make it special.
10. Scotch Champagne Fizz
This could not be more simple — three ingredients, and no need to cut any fruit. How does it get better than that? Head over to Food and Style for the tutorial.
11. Bubbly French 75 Cocktail
This is another super simple champagne cocktail that will be easy to put together. It's also a pretty classic drink that almost anyone will enjoy. Foodie Crush shows you how.
12. Pear Bellini
This Bellini by Food and Style is easy, and it works for either a New Year's Eve party at night, or a New Year's brunch. It's actually perfect for any occasion!
13. Sparkling Negroni
This classic winter cocktail by The Crepes Of Wrath gets a little bit of fizzy help from the splash of champagne you use at the end. The mix of bitter and sweet and gin is awesome.
14. Easy Sparkling Cranberry Orange Cocktails
The perfect refreshing winter flavors have to be fresh cranberries mixed with mint and oranges. This drink by Cooking For Keeps is easy to put together, looks great in the glass, and is super festive.
15. Champagne Punch
Berries, ginger ale, pineapple juice, and Chambord help make this champagne punch by Foodie Crush sweet, without being too sweet. Make a big batch, and get ready to count down to midnight.
16. Rosemary Grapefruit Cocktail
Although this says it's made with Prosecco, you can easily substitute champagne there. Rosemary and grapefruit are two basic winter flavors, so this drink by A Better Happier St. Sebastian is ideal for a very classy NYE.
Looking for more holiday cheer? Check out Bustle on YouTube.
Images: The Kitchn; Foodie Crush; The Kitchn; Foodie Crush; How Sweet It Is; The Kitchn; Half-Baked Harvest; The Comfort Of Cooking; The Gouda Life; Food and Style; Foodie Crush; Food and Style; The Crepes Of Wrath; Cooking For Keeps; Foodie Crush; A Better Happier St. Sebastian
