Bright New Year Cocktail

Category: Drinks

This lively New Year drink brings together smooth vodka with tangy cranberry juice and fresh lime juice for a sweet and sour balance. Simple syrup softens the taste while ice keeps it nice and cold. Give it a good shake, strain into your glasses, and add cranberries and a lime peel twist to make it look special. Its fresh taste and easy steps make it a great pick for celebrations.

Dana
Recipe Created By Dana
Last updated on Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:58:48 GMT
Red drink in glass topped with orange slice Save
Red drink in glass topped with orange slice | chefsnaps.com

Welcome the new year with this festive standout drink. Tart cranberries and fresh lime mix with smooth vodka for a drink that’s crisp but still indulgent. It’s a simple way to celebrate fresh starts with plenty of flavor and flair.

I whipped this up for a small get-together and everyone loved it right away. Since then, it’s become my favorite drink for holidays and special occasions.

Needed Ingredients

Step-by-Step Mixing

A glass of a New Year's signature cocktail.
A glass of a New Year's signature cocktail. | chefsnaps.com

One New Year’s Eve, family gathered around the bar as I mixed these drinks. Their smiles and stories made the night feel warm and connected. This one quickly became a holiday staple and always sparks happy chats whenever it shows up.

Storage Advice

Mix It Up

Great Food Matches

A glass of red wine with a slice of orange on top.
A glass of red wine with a slice of orange on top. | chefsnaps.com

This drink always feels like a little bit of celebration in a glass. It’s perfect for marking fresh starts and sharing happy moments. Let the flavors lift you as much as the occasion does.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ How do I get this drink really cold?

Fill your shaker with lots of ice and shake hard till it feels chilly on the outside for the best coolness and mix.

→ Can I swap the vodka for something else?

Definitely, gin or white rum will work and give a fresh twist to the flavors.

→ What if I want it less sweet?

Cut back on the simple syrup or add a splash of soda water to tone down the sweetness.

→ What’s the best way to make it look nice?

A handful of fresh cranberries plus a curl of lime peel add good color and a fresh scent that goes well with the drink.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

It tastes best right after mixing so it’s cold and fresh, but you can mix ingredients ahead and then shake right before serving.

New Year Drink

Toast the New Year with a crisp vodka mix plus cranberry, lime, and a hint of syrup.

Preparation Duration
5 minutes
Time to Cook
~
Overall Time
5 minutes
Recipe Created By: Dana

Type of Recipe: Drinks

Cooking Skill Level: Simple for Beginners

Cuisine Style: Drink

Serving Amount: 2 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: Perfect for Vegans, Great for Vegetarians, Free From Gluten, No Dairy Included

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Cocktail Mix

01 Ice cubes
02 30 ml simple syrup
03 60 ml cranberry juice
04 30 ml fresh lime juice
05 90 ml vodka

→ Toppings

06 Lime twist
07 Fresh cranberries

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 01

Add vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and syrup into a shaker.

Step 02

Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes.

Step 03

Put the lid on tight and shake hard till it’s cold.

Step 04

Pour the chilled mix through a strainer into cold glasses.

Step 05

Top with cranberries and lime twist, then serve right away.

Helpful Tips

  1. Fresh lime juice makes this taste just right.

Essential Kitchen Tools

  • Measuring cup
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Strainer
  • Cocktail glasses

Nutrition Information (Per Portion)

Nutrition facts are provided for reference and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrate Amount: ~
  • Protein Content: ~