Sips & Synopsis - This Weeks Makings

• Ringing in 2025!

• Trivia Question

• Drink of the Week - Midnight Manhattan

• 5 New Year’s Eve-inspired cocktails

Hello, friends! As we savor the last days of the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on joyful moments, toast to new beginnings, and enjoy the magic of the season. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or planning a quiet celebration, there’s always a reason to raise a glass. This week, we’re sharing a special New Year’s cocktail plus 5 additional ideas to choose from and a toast to the adventures that await us in 2025. Let’s ring in the new year with style and sparkle—cheers to you and yours!

Trivia Question❓

What ingredient makes a French 75 sparkle?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Drink of the Week

Ring in the new year with sophistication! The Midnight Manhattan takes the classic bourbon-based cocktail and adds a touch of sparkle and sweetness, making it the perfect sip to toast at midnight.

Fun Fact: The History of Champagne toasts

Did you know that champagne has been associated with celebration since the 17th century? It is thought to have become popular at that time, although its history may extend quite further. In fact, it is rumored that Hugh Capet, the King of France in the year 987, started the tradition of putting wines on display at celebrations. French royalty popularized its use for special occasions, and today it’s the universal drink of choice for toasting milestones like New Year’s Eve.

5 New Year’s Eve-inspired cocktails

1. Sparkling Lavender Lemonade

A floral twist on a bubbly classic.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz champagne or prosecco

• 2 oz lavender lemonade (store-bought or homemade*)

• 1/2 oz gin (optional)

• Fresh lavender sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a champagne flute, pour the lavender lemonade and gin (if using).

2. Top with champagne or prosecco.

3. Garnish with a sprig of lavender for an elegant touch.

*To make lavender lemonade: Mix lemonade with a touch of lavender syrup.

2. Starlit Spritz

A simple, sparkling cocktail with a touch of sweetness and zest.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz prosecco

• 1 oz elderflower liqueur

• 1/2 oz fresh grapefruit juice

• Grapefruit twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a wine glass, combine elderflower liqueur and grapefruit juice.

2. Top with prosecco and gently stir.

3. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

3. New Year’s Negroni Sparkle

A bubbly spin on the classic Negroni.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin

• 1 oz Campari

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 3 oz champagne or sparkling water

• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir well.

2. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

3. Top with champagne or sparkling water and garnish with an orange twist.

4. Winter White Sangria

A fresh and festive take on sangria, perfect for a party.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)

• 1/2 cup elderflower liqueur

• 1/4 cup white cranberry juice

• Sliced green apples, pears, and cranberries for garnish

• 1 cup sparkling water

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, combine wine, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice, and sliced fruits.

2. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3. Before serving, top with sparkling water and gently stir.

5. Midnight Mule

A festive take on the classic Moscow Mule.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka

• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

• 4 oz ginger beer

• Dash of cranberry juice

• Fresh cranberries and a lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug or rocks glass with ice.

2. Add vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice.

3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.

4. Garnish with cranberries and a lime wheel.

These cocktails are simple yet elegant, perfect for toasting the New Year in style.