From the many iterations of spritz to French 75, mixologists share simple recipes to whip up celebratory cocktails for the midnight countdown
You can make a cocktail for any kind of palate. Photo Courtesy: File pic
As the final countdown of the year approaches, there is no sound more synonymous with celebration than the rhythmic pop of a cork. While a simple glass of bubbly is a timeless tradition, 2025 is the year to elevate your New Year’s Eve hosting game with a DIY sparkling bar.
From the sun-soaked shores of Goa to the chic lounges of Mumbai, top mixologists are reimagining the "spritz" culture for the Indian palate.
This curated collection of recipes offers something for every mood. Whether you are hosting an intimate dinner or a high-energy house party, these simple yet refined recipes ensure that your midnight toast is as indulgent as the year ahead.
Beerlin 75
Beer and champagne together might seem like a wild flavour profile, but it is sure to pique the interest of beer lovers. “Beerlin 75 is our take on a classic French 75, reimagined for Indian palates. The saffron-honey syrup brings warmth and depth, while the citrus and champagne keep it crisp and uplifting,” explains Bharat Singh, mixologist, The People's Brewery.
This drink is a masterclass in "East meets West." The gin provides a botanical backbone, but the star is the saffron-honey syrup—a nod to traditional Indian flavors that pairs unexpectedly well with the dry, yeasty notes of a sparkling wine.
Ingredients
Gin 25 ml
Fresh lemon juice 10 ml
Saffron-honey syrup 10 ml
Champagne or sparkling wine
Method
1. Combine gin, lemon juice, and saffron-honey syrup with ice in a shaker.
2. Shake and strain into a chilled flute.
New Year’s Eve 2025Top with champagne.
3. Garnish with a lemon twist or saffron strand.
Sante
Featuring on their curated ‘Around the World in 12 Cocktails’ menu, Sante is the ideal aperitif. “A light, celebratory cocktail that captures the easy elegance of French aperitif culture. Sante is designed to be refreshing without being overpowering,” says Vedant Newatia, founder and head chef, Atelier V.
For those who prefer their fizzy cocktails to be on the sweeter, more tropical side, Sante is the top choice. The passionfruit adds a tart, exotic dimension that cuts through the richness of New Year's Eve appetizers, making it the perfect "welcome drink" for arriving guests.
Ingredients
Gin 40 ml
Passionfruit syrup 20ml
Fresh lemon juice 10ml
Sugar syrup 10ml
Sparkling wine
Mint sprig and orange peel, for garnish
Method
1. Add gin, passionfruit syrup, lemon juice, and sugar syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Fine-strain into a chilled champagne flute.
4. Top up gently with sparkling wine.
5. Clip a mint sprig and orange peel to the glass as garnish.
Snow Globe Mimosa
“Designed as a clean, celebratory cocktail for New Year’s Eve, the Snow Globe Mimosa focuses on balance, presentation, and ease of drinking,” states Prajwal Naik, senior bartender, Deltin Royale, Goa. With cranberries and champagne, this three-step cocktail is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your NYE celebrations.
With cranberries and champagne, this 3-step cocktail is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Unlike a traditional breakfast mimosa, this version uses lime syrup and fresh botanicals to give it a more sophisticated, "evening" edge. It is bright, acidic, and incredibly festive.
Ingredients
Fresh cranberries 7–8 nos
Cranberry juice 20 ml
Lime syrup 10 ml
Champagne
Method
1. Add fresh cranberries to a chilled gin goblet.
2. Pour in the cranberry juice followed by the lime syrup.
3. Gently top up with champagne and stir lightly to combine.
4. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
Rossine
It is strawberry season, and what’s better than fresh berries in your bubbly cocktails!
"Rossine is a celebration of simplicity elevated by finesse, with the fresh strawberry puree bringing natural sweetness and a soft acidity that pairs beautifully with the crisp effervescence of sparkling wine, allowing the bubbles to lift the fruit rather than overpower,” says Kunal Shanker, general manager, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. This light yet indulgent drink works well throughout the day!
This drink is the Italian cousin to the Bellini. Because it relies heavily on the quality of the fruit, it is the ultimate seasonal luxury. This light yet indulgent drink works well throughout the day, from a late afternoon brunch into the midnight countdown.
Ingredients
Fresh strawberries 200 gm
Lime juice 1–2 drops
Prosecco
Method
1. Prepare the strawberry puree:
- Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then blend until smooth.
- Strain to remove seeds for a silkier result.
2. Pour 50 ml of strawberry puree into a chilled champagne flute.
3. Slowly top with Prosecco to avoid too much foam.
4. Gently stir once from the bottom upward.
5. Garnish with a strawberry slice or mint if desired.
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