NYE is a time guests want to be out celebrating with their closest friends and family, saying goodbye to the old and hello to the new. And it’s one of the busiest times for restaurants to see a bump in sales, especially for cocktails.
Reservations are up more than 45% compared to 2019 numbers, according to research. And they’re up a whopping 220% over 2020, not surprisingly due to the pandemic. Boost revenue and help your guests make magical memories with these toast-worthy NYE cocktail ideas.
Punch It Up
A classic punch is always a crowd favorite around the holidays, and it’s a cost-effective beverage option to add to your NYE offerings because you can utilize ingredients you already have on hand. Cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and blood orange slices are all festive options but add your own spin on it to stand out.
Festive sangria is another popular favorite because you can use seasonal fruit, a popular wine that’s already on your menu, and herbs and spices you have on hand. McCormick Culinary® Whole Cloves make for the perfect seasonal spice to add depth and warmth to your sangrias.
Shooting Stars
Shooters are a fun NYE choice if you tend to draw a younger, rowdier crowd. Champagne shooters with gold sugar, or peppermint patty shots are a fun menu option to start the night off with a bang. For something on the sweeter side, eggnog shooters or boozy milkshake shooters with a side of cookies will keep the party going all night. Heritage Ovens® Cookies are the perfect option here because they come pre-baked and are ready to serve right out of the package.
Sparkle & Shine
Adding garnishes like edible glitter, sugar rims, dried citrus, Champagne ice cubes, or even spun sugar toppers can be showstoppers for your NYE cocktails and will definitely garner attention. Whip these up ahead of your event and share them on social media to encourage patrons to ring in the new year with you. Tap into your culinary creativity to get potential patrons excited about your offerings.
Some Like It Hot
While bubbly and fizzy beauties reign supreme on New Year’s Eve, warming up chilly guests with hot boozy beverages can encourage them to linger longer and increase ticket averages. Hot mulled cider is always popular, and you can serve it boozy or as a mocktail. McCormick Culinary® Cinnamon Sticks can add some comforting warmth, and you can round it out with allspice, cloves, apple slices, nutmeg, and orange slices. Red velvet hot cocoa, hot butter rums, and hot toddies also make great festive options. Guest House® Unsweetened Tea and Ascend® Cranberry Juice turn this seasonal beverage into a lively libation no customer will be able to resist.
International Celebrations
Having a few internationally inspired cocktails is not only on trend but can help you stand apart from the competition that might just be serving the usual suspects of Champagne, cosmos, and martinis. A sake-based cocktail as a nod to Japan, a nod to India with a mead cocktail, or Cava, a sparkling white wine as a nod to Spain.
Ending on a Sweet Note
You should have at least one sweet cocktail option as an NYE LTO option. While the espresso martini has shined brightly this season, try mixing it up with different flavors like chipotle cinnamon, chocolate orange, or gingerbread. Or bring a classic dessert technique into the mix by brûléeing Magellan® Pure Vanilla Extract, caramelizing some peaches, and adding in your booze of choice for a comforting, sweet cocktail guests are sure to love.
