Fun Ways to Ring in the New Year

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. What better way to celebrate than to host an NYE gathering of your own?  Let’s kick off the new year with a gathering that best fits you. Here are a few fun ways to ring in the new year:

Game Night

No need to get all dressed up for this one. Invite a few friends over for a fun game night, family friendly or adults only, you decide. Make it a PJ party and stay up late playing games prior to ringing in the new year with those you love!

Cozy Night at Home

This is perfect for those who are homebodies. If the idea of a larger gathering brings you stress, then make it a cozy night in to watch the ball drop. Snuggle up with your loved one and fur babies, and ring in the new year the coziest way there is. Don’t be afraid to say “Happy New Year” on East Coast time and hit the hay early!

Themed Night

Great Gatsby, Black Tie, Prom, 80’s Throwback or Disco Fever are just a few ideas for a themed NYE party. Get creative with this one. Pinterest is a fantastic place to find some great décor and food ideas for this festive night.

Dance Party

That’s right, you heard me. Who wouldn’t want to have a living room dance party? Make a playlist full of your favorite dance music, clear the floor, string some lights and dance the night away until it’s time to say “Happy New Year!”.

Whichever gathering you choose to have, make it a great one. Let’s start 2020 off right! Here is a yummy mocktail and cocktail drink recipe to get your NYE party going:

Holiday Pomegranate Mojito Mocktail

Ingredients:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
4 lime wedges
10 mint leaves
Ice
4 ounces pomegranate juice
8 ounces club soda
Pomegranate seeds
2 highball glasses

Directions:

• In a small saucepan, heat the water and sugar over high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Set aside and let it cool.
• Place two lime wedges, five mint leaves and half of the simple syrup mixture in each glass. Muddle the ingredients together to infuse the flavors. Add in the ice and pomegranate seeds. Then, pour two ounces of pomegranate juice in each glass, followed by about four ounces of club soda. Stir well.
• Garnish the tops of the drinks with extra mint and pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Original Recipe from The Butter Half

Cinnamon Bourbon Apple Cider

Ingredients:
Fresh apple cider
Your favorite Bourbon or Whiskey
Cinnamon sugar for the rim
Rosemary Sprigs
Fresh, sliced apples for garnish

Directions: 

• Mix equal parts of cinnamon and sugar on a small plate. Dip the rim of your glass in apple cider and then onto the plate with cinnamon sugar.
• Mix 2 parts bourbon and 4 parts apple cider in a microwave safe glass for about 20-25 seconds, making sure it doesn’t get too hot. If you’d like your drink iced {as shown above}, feel free to skip this step!
• Add a slice of fresh apple and a rosemary sprig to your glass and enjoy!

Original Recipe from Charmingly Styled