Sparkling Drinks for New Year's Eve {with and without alcohol}

Sparkling Cocktails and Mocktails always make for a more festive feel! Here are some favorites for New Year’s Eve celebrating.

With Christmas now done and dusted, sights turn towards New Year’s festivities. We’ve been fortunate to have a large snow storm on Christmas day and Boxing Day leaving about 9 inches of snow, frigid temps and a gloomy looking out of doors. It’s all served to let us sink into the holidays for hours of pajama-clad movie watching, game playing and the feel the world may have slowed down a bit.

Over the past years we’ve taken to celebrating ‘in’ or with friends close by, doing our best to leave driving out of the mix. Also when children are included, it can challenge finding an appropriate venue to take in the verve of the countdown to the next year. There are plenty of fun ways to celebrate at home for all, and for those who may find it a struggle to stay up until midnight, it’s a more relaxed situation.

Pacing oneself with the food and drink is a must for any hopes to stay up and great the New Year. There are many sparkling libations fit for the occasion that extend beyond pure champagne. As a starting point, choosing between Champagne, Prosecco or Cava may find you befuddled at the liquor store. They are all sparkling wines indigenous to France, Italy and Spain (in that order) which can be used somewhat interchangeably however like all wines, each has its own flavor signature and sweetness level. Consulting with your liquor store professionals will help steer your purchase in the direction of your desired end result.

For long celebrations a champagne punch is often a great choice to extend the champs a bit while adding in complimentary flavors. Champagne cocktails are also fun. A cocktail always makes a party feel more like a party, and with bubbles it becomes a celebration!

Back to the kids, it seems more often than not, we have a guest who are youngsters, choose not to drink alcohol, or candidly want to pace themselves for the long haul. We include simple options such as sparkling cider, or cranberry-apple juice at holiday dinners but making New Year’s Eve a special event for those opting out of liquor is just as important. There are many sparkling mocktail options equally delicious for adults and kids to feel part of the merrymaking.

I’ve compiled a little list of some favorites, classic and unique, for your celebratory planning! There are champagne cocktails, punches, and inventive mocktails all sparkling and delicious! I’m sure you’ll find some great choices for your New Year’s plans for for sipping when in the mood for something bubbly.