Observing the Lunar New Year with festive drinks is an integral part of the celebrations. This joyous occasion, also known as Spring Festival in China, marks a time for renewal and new beginnings, allowing individuals to bid farewell to the past and usher in a year filled with good fortune. The festivities are observed in various Asian cultures, including those from Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese backgrounds.
Lychee Liqueur Martini for Chinese New Year
Gathering inspiration from The Spruce Eats, this unique cocktail combines the essence of love, fidelity, grace, and prosperity with the sweetness of lychee. Vodka is perfectly balanced with lychee juice and liqueur to create a truly exceptional drink. Nicknamed the “lichitini” or “lycheetini,” the lychee martini is a show-stopping, delicate, and unusual cocktail that captures the essence of its sweet flavor profile.
This refreshing vodka martini is surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared in under five minutes, making it an ideal choice for the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration.
Sweet Vermouth Orange Gin Spritz
Often overshadowed by other citrus-flavored cocktails, the orange gin cocktail is elevated to new heights by the sweetness of the sweet vermouth. The acidity of the drink is beautifully balanced by this addition, resulting in a delightful and refreshing surprise. The use of sweet vermouth as a substitute for liqueur adds a rich depth to the cocktail, giving it a more complex flavor profile compared to its orange blossom counterpart.
This subtle combination of ingredients creates a harmonious balance that is both soothing and revitalizing. When expertly mixed, this recipe makes for an excellent brunch cocktail, perfect for sipping on a sunny morning with friends or family. With just a light shake, the delicate flavors come together in perfect harmony, creating a truly unforgettable drinking experience.
Prosperity in a Glass: Orange Ginger Fizz
Creating the perfect blend for a festive gathering, look no further than the Kleinworth & Co recipe for an authentic taste. In traditional Chinese culture, oranges symbolize prosperity and good fortune, making this cocktail a delightful fusion of flavors.
Combining orange juice with cherry brandy and ginger ale, the Orange Oasis Chinese Cocktail is elevated by the addition of gin, resulting in a refreshing and tangy drink that pairs exceptionally well with chicken dumplings and a variety of other dishes.
Emerald Elixirs for Chinese New Year
People often associate jade with luxury and refinement in Chinese culture, where it’s highly valued for its symbolic meaning: sincerity, loyalty, justice, wisdom, and purity. If you’re looking to infuse some of these qualities into your life, try one of the unique cocktail versions I’ve discovered. Interestingly, there are multiple interpretations of what constitutes a ‘Jade cocktail,’ with each recipe offering something distinct from others.
In my selection, I’ve chosen two recipes that showcase the greatest differences between them. While it’s true that you can combine various green ingredients and call it jade, in my opinion, one of the best versions is the first recipe. Its unique flavor profile is reminiscent of a Mojito, thanks to its combination of rum, creme de menthe, and lime, which takes on an additional layer when Cointreau orange liqueur is added.
Blood Orange Margarita Magic in a Glass
Oddly, the inclusion of a margarita in this list may seem unorthodox at first glance. However, the base of this intriguing cocktail is actually blood orange juice, which brings a unique twist to the classic drink. To enhance the flavor, consider adding sage sprigs to the mixture and shaking them in for a subtle herbal note. Additionally, lime juice and tequila are also incorporated into the recipe.
For an extra layer of complexity, try adding a tiny bit of pure vanilla extract to each drink – the sweetness of the vanilla pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the blood oranges. If you’re unable to find blood oranges in your local market, feel free to substitute them with fresh orange juice and still enjoy this refreshing take on the classic margarita.
Pernod Rum Cocktail Recipe Revealed
Here’s what makes Pernod such a great choice for Chinese New Year drinks. Hailing from France, this anise-flavored liqueur is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, and its unique flavor profile makes it a standout. Made with Chinese star anise as its primary flavor component, Pernod has a subtle, mysterious quality to it that’s balanced perfectly by the sweetness of grenadine and the tartness of lemon juice.
When mixed into a cocktail, Pernod adds a depth of herbal flavor that’s both soothing and invigorating at the same time. Even though it’s only used in small amounts – just one-fourth of an ounce is enough to make a big impact – Pernod has a way of drawing you back in for another sip as you try to unravel its complex flavor notes.
Whiskey’s Dependable Delight: Palomino Twist
Just as The Horse cocktail embodies dependability, piety, and stability, its unique blend of whiskey, Creme de Cassis, and Chartreuse is a masterful combination. To put this complex drink into perspective, let’s dissect its flavors. The Green Chartreuse liqueur is known for its potent sweetness and spice notes, which will likely dominate the taste buds.
For those unfamiliar with the Creme de Cassis, it has a subtle flavor profile reminiscent of grapes, blackberries, and black currants, while a hint of hazelnut from Frangelico can also be detected if used in moderation.
