Cocktails can (and should) be enjoyed throughout the year, but what better time to indulge in a tempting tipple than the onset of the New Year? Whether you’re an amateur or a master mixologist, we compiled a list of 25 cocktail recipes to shake up your New Year. We also ranked them from easy peasy to slightly more advanced. You’re welcome.

Easy peasy!

Basilicious
Quick, easy and cool, this refreshing cocktail is made with vodka, freshly squeezed lime juice, syrup, basil leaves and (believe it or not) Robertsons Barbecue Spice.

Candy Floss Dream
Sweet and simple, this tasty concoction makes use of a simple cosmopolitan recipe with the addition of candy floss.

Classic Margarita
You can’t go wrong with a classic margarita charged with tequila, Cointreau and lime juice.

The Cointreau-politan
Shake up this stylish take on a cosmopolitan with Cointreau, cranberry juice, lemon juice and orange zest.

Pretty in Pink
Described as a “not-so-sweet drink for not-so-sweet girls”, this girly tipple packs a punch with vodka, Cointreau and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.

SA Idol
This proudly South African drink is an intoxicating blend of vodka, rooibos honey, and lemon juice charged with soda water.

Social Status
Named for the film, The Social Network, this drink is perfect for raising a toast on New Year’s Eve. Ingredients include vodka, elderflower cordial, lemon juice and soda water.

Tequila and Orange
You can’t go wrong with a simple tequila and orange juice. Garnish with a lime wedge to add a touch of style.

You’ll manage… 

The Ama-lekkerlicious
The perfect blend of sweet peach, cranberry and bitters earned this cocktail the title of 2011 FHM SA Brandy Cocktail of the Year. You will need brandy, peach syrup, cranberry juice, lemon juice and bitters.

Clifton Sunset
Enjoy strong hints of basil coupled with the sweetness of the blueberry jam. Ingredients include vodka, blueberry jam, basil leaves, cranberry juice and bitters.

Elephant’s Reverie
This cocktail is a creamy dream with Amarula, Frangelico, cream, chocolate power, fresh cherries and crushed ice.

The Event
Enjoy a blend of vodka, vanilla infused syrup, fresh granadilla, pineapple chunks and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

The Fynbos
This herby brandy cocktail won the 2012 FHM Brandy Cocktail of the Year competition. Ingredients include honey, ginger, brandy, sugar syrup and rooibos tea.

Marmalade Martini
Enjoy this cheeky take on James Bond’s favourite tipple. Ingredients include orange marmalade, gin, triple, sec, lemon juice and sugar syrup.

25 cocktail recipes to ring in the new year

Leave it to the masters…  

Ruby Grapefruit
This creamy cocktail makes use of gin, basil leaves, grapefruit segments, coconut milk, strawberry syrup, lime juice, and star-shaped strawberries as garnish.

Pomegranate Margarita
Tangy and tequila-ish, the flavours come from pomegranate seeds, mint leaves, blood orange segments, agave syrup, lime juice and tequila.

Pink Pigeon Mojito
Enjoy a fun take on the classic mojito using Pink Pigeon vanilla spiced rum, mint leaves, pressed lime, sugar syrup, cranberry juice and soda water.

Upper Crust Diamond Margarita
Give your margarita an opulent edge with a splash of champagne. To make this sublime drink, you’ll need lime juice, Cointreau, tequila, syrup, champagne and lime zest. This recipe makes an entire pitcher.

CSI (Chilled Summer Indulgence)
This shaken cocktail is made with vodka, freshly squeezed lime juice, vanilla castor sugar, cloudy pear juice, egg white (eh?) and sparkling water.

Bronzed on the Beach
This sexy cocktail is not the easiest to prepare. You’ll need brandy (preferably vintage), pitted dates, chopped figs, apple juice and cream.

Apples and Pearls
You may struggle to find the more unique ingredients, but it will probably be worth it. This delightfully fruity drink requires vodka, apple sorbet, apple purée, jasmine syrup, lime juice and champagne or sparkling wine.

Mango and Chili Mule
Give your classic mule a fruity twist with ripe mango slices, lime juice, chili-infused syrup, vodka and ginger beer.

The big guys…

Pink Pigeon Punch.
This sweet pink punch, made with vanilla spiced rum serves four and is great for summer celebrations. Gather some Pink Pigeon vanilla spiced rum, lemons, agave syrup, watermelon juice, ginger ale and fresh watermelon slices.

The Lady Marmalade Jam Jar
An invention by the staff of Madame Zingara, this citrusy jam jar serves two and is made with Cointreau, Cachaça Germana, triple sec, orange juice, apricot jam, sparkling wine, fresh orange, fresh lime, and fresh grapefruit.

Muscadel Sangria
Sweet, simple and refreshing, this recipe serves 12 and includes Karusa Muscat Rosé, lemonade, soda water, oranges and lemons.