Not everyone enjoys sipping champagne to ring in the New Year, and that’s perfectly okay! The great news is that there are tons of other delicious, fun, and festive drinks to toast with as the clock strikes midnight. Whether you're looking for boozy concoctions or alcohol-free options, we’ve got you covered. Here are some creative drink ideas (complete with recipes!) that will suit anyone’s taste and make your New Year’s celebration unforgettable.

1. Sparkling Berry Punch (Non-Alcoholic)

This vibrant, fruity punch is perfect for a crowd and offers the same festive fizz as champagne, but with none of the alcohol. Plus, its bright red color looks stunning on any table.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cranberry juice
  • 2 cups sparkling water or lemon-lime soda
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen if out of season)
  • Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Chill all liquids before mixing.
  2. In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling water (or soda). Stir gently.
  3. Add pomegranate seeds and raspberries for bursts of color.
  4. Pour into glasses, add ice if desired, and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Pro Tip: Serve it in clear glasses to show off the vibrant colors, and use fancy straws for added flair.

2. Cranberry Moscow Mule

A twist on the classic Moscow mule, this version is tart, fizzy, and anything but boring. The copper mugs make it feel extra festive!

Ingredients (Serves 1)

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Ginger beer (to top)
  • Fresh cranberries and lime slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a copper mug (or any cup you have) with ice.
  2. Pour in vodka, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
  3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
  4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge or slice.

Pro Tip: Use crushed ice to keep the drink extra chilly and refreshing.

3. Pineapple Coconut Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)

This tropical-inspired drink brings a taste of summer to your winter celebration, and it’s creamy, smooth, and kid-friendly.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pineapple juice
  • 1 cup coconut milk (from a can)
  • 1 cup sparkling water
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
  • Pineapple chunks and shredded coconut for garnish

Instructions

  1. Chill pineapple juice and coconut milk ahead of time.
  2. Blend pineapple juice and coconut milk together in a blender until smooth. Add honey or sugar if needed.
  3. Pour the mixture into glasses and top with sparkling water for fizz.
  4. Garnish with a small wedge of pineapple and sprinkle shredded coconut on top.

Pro Tip: Serve it in a coconut-shaped glass or with a tropical umbrella to add a fun flair.

4. Blackberry Thyme Sparkler

This sophisticated non-champagne cocktail is packed with earthy flavors from fresh thyme and the sweet tang of blackberries.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

  • 5 fresh blackberries
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Prosecco or sparkling water (for a non-alcoholic version)

Instructions

  1. Muddle the blackberries, thyme, honey, and lemon juice together at the bottom of a glass.
  2. Fill the glass with ice, then top with Prosecco or sparkling water, depending on your preference.
  3. Stir gently, and garnish with a small sprig of thyme and a couple of whole blackberries.

Pro Tip: This drink looks incredibly fancy, so serve it in wine or coupe glasses for extra elegance.

5. S’mores Martini

For dessert lovers, this creamy, indulgent cocktail is like a fireside treat in a glass. It also makes for a great dessert drink option.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz chocolate liqueur
  • 1 oz cream or milk
  • Graham cracker crumbs (for rim)
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Mini marshmallows for garnish

Instructions

  1. To prepare the glass, coat the rim with chocolate syrup and dip it into crushed graham crackers.
  2. Fill a shaker with ice, then pour in vodka, chocolate liqueur, and cream. Shake well.
  3. Strain into the prepared glass.
  4. Garnish with mini marshmallows and drizzle chocolate syrup over the top. You can even toast the marshmallows for extra s’mores authenticity!

Pro Tip: Pretend you're at a campfire by adding a small skewer of toasted marshmallows as a garnish.

6. Apple Cider Mojito

For a New Year’s Eve drink that tastes like the holidays, try this refreshing and crisp twist on the mojito.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

  • 2 oz apple cider
  • 2 oz white rum (optional if making a mocktail)
  • Leaves from 2-3 sprigs of mint
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (or more, to taste)
  • Sparkling water
  • Apple slices and mint for garnish

Instructions

  1. Muddle mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar at the bottom of a tall glass.
  2. Add ice, apple cider, and white rum (if using).
  3. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
  4. Garnish with apple slices and a sprig of mint.

Pro Tip: Use sparkling apple cider instead of plain cider or sparkling water to make it extra fizzy.

7. Blood Orange Margarita

Add a pop of color and citrusy zing with this bold and refreshing margarita variation.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

  • 3 oz blood orange juice
  • 1.5 oz tequila
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 0.5 oz triple sec
  • Salt or sugar for rimming (optional)
  • Lime wheel or blood orange slice for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rim the glass with salt or sugar by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in your chosen garnish.
  2. Fill a shaker with ice, then add blood orange juice, tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Shake well.
  3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with a lime wheel or blood orange slice.

Pro Tip: Add frozen blood orange slices to the drink for an extra punch of flavor and a frosty look.

Whether you’re hosting a large party or enjoying a cozy night at home with loved ones, this collection of festive drinks is great for drinkers and non-drinkers alike. From fruity punches and sophisticated mocktails to indulgent dessert drinks, there’s a recipe here for every taste. Don’t forget to have some fun with presentation—use fancy glasses, colorful garnishes, or themed decorations to make your drinks as celebratory as the occasion. Here’s to ringing in the New Year with something truly special in your glass!