As the ball drops on December 31st, announcing a new year, toasts will no doubt be raised between friends and family to the slew of hopes and possibilities that 2022 can bring with it. While having a tall flute of champagne or sparkling wine in hand for such a moment is certainly celebratory and a festive way to ring in the occasion, think outside the box of Veuve Clicquot and look to enticing cocktails to start the year off deliciously.
Liquid Gold
As top Miami caterers and event planners, the team at Thierry Isambert Culinary & Event Design regularly creates custom cocktails for happenings of all kinds, like glamorous galas, friendly dinner parties at home and exclusive events like the Gucci and La Prairie activations recently held during Art Basel Miami Beach. Lavender vodka martinis? Done! A citrusy twist on a classic French 75? Oui!
When it comes to handing out guidance to our clients regarding spirited libations for their happenings, we always start with this piece of sage advice: creating the perfect cocktail menu for your gathering should be a fun task. This is even more true for New Year’s Eve parties, where the mood is generally lively and jovial. Here are two Thierry’s-approved suggestions to stir things up and keep guests perfectly buzzing (in a good way!) throughout the night.
Passion Fruit Martini
This easy passion fruit cocktail is bursting with zingy flavors and is perfect for celebrating with friends. Top with prosecco if you’re still missing that effervescent touch of bubbly.
INGREDIENTS
2 ripe passion fruits, halved
2 ounces vanilla vodka
1 ounce passion fruit liqueur
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp sugar syrup
Prosecco, to serve
DIRECTIONS
Scoop the seeds from one of the passion fruits into the glass of a cocktail shaker. Add the vodka, passion fruit liqueur, lime juice and sugar syrup. Add a handful of ice and shake well. Strain into two martini glasses, top up with prosecco, then add half a passion fruit to each. Serve immediately.
Cranberry orange Whiskey Sour
This winter apropos concoction is warm and spicy from the whiskey and ginger beer but refreshing and tart from the cranberry and citrus. The perfect cocktail combo to sip as you welcome the new year in South Florida.
Ingredients
3 ounces whiskey
1 ounce cranberry juice
1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
1 1/2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 ounce simple syrup
fresh cranberries
crushed ice
sugar, for dusting the glass
thyme sprig, for garnish
Direction
Place a good amount of sugar on a small plate. Use a small piece of lemon to set the rim. Dip the glass rim in the sugar to coat. Fill a lowball glass with a good amount of crushed ice. Set aside. Using a cocktail shaker, add the whiskey, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Pour the whisky mixture in to the prepared glass. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a thyme sprig.