As the clock ticks down to midnight, the clink of glasses and the hum of celebration fill the air. What better way to toast the arrival of 2025 than with a lineup of whiskey cocktails that are as elegant as they are delicious? Whether you’re hosting a grand soirée or a cozy gathering, the perfect cocktail can set the tone for a night to remember.
Whiskey is a show-stopping base for festive drinks that impress your guests and warm their spirits. From sparkling sips like the Whiskey Champagne Cocktail to crowd-pleasing classics like the Boulevardier, these recipes bring a sophisticated twist to your New Year’s Eve celebration. This curated selection ensures your party drinks are as memorable as the resolutions you’ll make when the ball drops.
Whiskey Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 45ml (1.5 oz) whiskey
- 1 tsp honey
- 15ml (0.5 oz) fresh lemon juice
- Champagne (to top)
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Method:
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- In a shaker, combine whiskey, honey, and lemon juice with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a champagne flute.
- Top with chilled champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Gold Rush Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- ¾ part honey syrup
- ¾ part fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Lemon wheel (for garnish)
Method:
- Shake bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice with ice.
- Strain into a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Maple Bourbon Smash
Ingredients:
- 60ml (2 oz) bourbon
- 15ml (0.5 oz) pure maple syrup
- 15ml (0.5 oz) fresh lemon juice
- Crushed ice
- Lemon wedge or mint sprig (for garnish)
Method:
- Add bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice. Shake well.
- Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice.
- Strain the mixture over the ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge or mint sprig.
Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
This recipe is courtesy of 2Bar Spirits.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces bourbon whiskey
- 1 ounce sweet red vermouth
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 1 ounce unsweetened cranberry juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs (optional garnish)
Method:
- Shake on ice until well chilled
- Strain into a rocks glass with one large ice cube
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs
Holiday Punch (Large Batch)
This recipe is courtesy of Jim Beam, and can be made with Jim Beam Original or Jim Beam Black.
Ingredients:
- 750ml Jim Beam
- 16oz Brewed Black Tea
- 48oz Lemon Sour
- 8oz Grenadine
- Soda Water to top
- Orange slices, lemon wheels, and sprigs of mint (for garnish)
Method:
- In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine whiskey, orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
- Chill the mixture for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Just before serving, add the sparkling water and stir gently.
- Garnish with orange slices, lemon wheels, and sprigs of mint.
- Serve in glasses over ice.
Boulevardier
Ingredients:
- 45ml (1.5 oz) whiskey (rye or bourbon recommended)
- 30ml (1 oz) sweet vermouth
- 30ml (1 oz) Campari
- Orange twist (for garnish)
Method:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice and add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Stir well.
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass with a large ice cube or serve neat in a coupe glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist, expressing the oils over the drink before adding it.
Phil Dwyer has many recommendations for spicing up your Boulevardier cocktail. You can find them here.
