New Year’s Eve drinks need to do one thing well: feel like a celebration without turning into work. This list sticks to cocktails with bubbles — Champagne, prosecco, soda — the kinds of drinks that look right in a glass and don’t slow the night down. These are all drinks people recognize, ask for, and happily drink at midnight.
Champagne Cocktail
Sugar, bitters, and bubbles are all that go into a Champagne Cocktail, which is why it works so well on New Year’s Eve. It feels more special than the effort involved, and you can pull one together even when the night is already in full swing. Any dry sparkling wine will do here — just make sure it’s cold.
French 75
With gin, lemon, and Champagne in the mix, a French 75 brings a bit more energy to the glass. It’s bright and lively without being sweet, and it still feels appropriate when the countdown is getting close.
Kir Royale
If straight Champagne feels a bit sharp, the Kir Royale softens things just enough. A small splash of crème de cassis adds color and fruit while keeping the drink firmly in grown-up territory.
Aperol Spritz
Low alcohol, very drinkable, and always welcome early in the evening. The Aperol Spritz keeps things light when you don’t want to start strong. It also scales well if you’re pouring for more than a couple of people.
Bellini
Peach purée and prosecco are all a Bellini really needs. The result is soft, gentle, and quietly celebratory — a good option if you want bubbles without anything too sharp or boozy.
Hugo Spritz
Floral and light, the Hugo Spritz uses elderflower liqueur to give prosecco a fresher feel. It’s refreshing rather than heavy, which can be welcome after weeks of rich December drinks.
Rossini
Think of the Rossini as the Bellini’s red-fruit cousin. Fresh strawberry purée topped with prosecco makes something that feels celebratory without being heavy or sweet. It’s easy, familiar once explained, and always looks good in the glass — which makes it a quiet crowd-pleaser on New Year’s Eve, especially earlier in the night.
Mimosa (Done Properly)
There’s still a place for a properly made Mimosa on New Year’s Eve. With fresh citrus and well-chilled prosecco, it works as a bright first drink without overwhelming the rest of the night.
Negroni Sbagliato
Swapping gin for prosecco gives the Negroni Sbagliato its appeal. You still get bitterness and depth, but with bubbles that make it feel more celebratory and less intense.
Paloma Spritz
Grapefruit, soda, and sparkle come together in a Paloma Spritz that’s refreshing without being thin. It’s a good choice when Champagne feels too formal but you still want something fizzy.
Gin Fizz
Soft, citrusy, and classic. A Gin Fizz feels like a cocktail rather than a glass of wine, but it still keeps things light. It’s a good bridge drink between early evening and midnight.
Vodka Press
Later in the evening, a vodka soda with fresh lime often hits the spot. Clean, cold, and uncomplicated, it’s a drink people ask for when they’re pacing themselves.
Sparkling Americano
Low in alcohol but full of flavor, the Sparkling Americano combines bitterness with bubbles in a way that feels grown-up and easy to drink. It’s a smart option when you want something lighter without feeling left out.
Champagne on Its Own
At midnight, Champagne on its own often wins. Cold, well-poured, and left alone, it doesn’t need any help.
Why Lush Life Loves These
Because they’re realistic. Every drink here looks right in a glass, doesn’t take over your night, and fits how people actually drink on New Year’s Eve. No heavy cream, no complicated prep, no explaining. Just bubbles, balance, and drinks people are genuinely happy to hold at midnight.