For years, my boyfriend and I have toyed with the idea of staying in on New Year's Eve. However, it never fails: We always end up going out. I can never resist the idea of dressing up and imbibing in some fancy cocktails out on the town.
Obviously, 2020 is a whole different ball game.
Though it's happening in a way I never could have imagined, we're staying in this year and embracing this forced at-home New Year's Eve as something to celebrate—along with the end of a truly hellish year.
To make the evening still feel special in its own way, we enlisted the experts at the new Wonderland Distilling Co. in Muskegon to share some of their stellar cocktail recipes to make at home. Let us know if you try any!
Lavender French 75
- 1.5 oz Wonderland Gin
- .5 oz Lavender Syrup
- .5 oz Lemon
For the Lavender Syrup:
Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then leave at a light simmer for three minutes. Cool and strain before use.
1. Combine and shake over ice.
2. Strain into a stemmed glass and top with your favorite champagne.
3. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Spiced Cider 75
- 1.5 oz Wonderland Blend of Straight Whiskeys
- 1 oz Apple Cider
- .5 oz Cranberry Juice
- .5 oz Lemon
1. Combine and shake over ice.
2. Strain into a stemmed glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar.
3. Top with your favorite champagne.
4. Garnish with an orange twist or star anise pod.
Holiday Spiced Old Fashioned
- 2.5 oz Wonderland Blend of Straight Whiskeys
- .5 oz Spiced Syrup
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
For the Spiced Syrup:
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, two cloves, and a one-inch thumb of ginger, finely sliced. Heat on low and stir until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 15 minutes. Cool and strain before use.
1. Combine ingredients over ice.
2. Stir for 15-25 seconds.
3. Garnish with an orange twist.
✨ Cheers ✨
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
Photos courtesy of Wonderland Distilling Co.
