Tag Archives: vodka cocktails

Cocktails to Ring in the New Year

As the year draws to a close, here’s a curated line-up of versatile cocktails made for celebrations that stretch well past midnight. Thoughtfully crafted and full of character, these drinks go far beyond simply popping open a bottle, perfect for ringing in the New Year in style. 

The Oasis by Godawan Artisanal Single Malt 

A slow, contemplative cocktail that leans into ritual and terroir, The Oasis brings together Godawan 01 PX Sherry Cask and coffee-infused vermouth, rested gently in clay to absorb the earthiness of desert winds. Rich, aromatic, and quietly complex, it’s a grounded, meditative sip to ease into the New Year. 

Ingredients 

  • Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded – 50ml 
  • Coffee-infused sweet vermouth – 15ml 
  • Aromatic bitters – 2 dashes 

Method 

  • Combine all ingredients and rest the mixture in a clay pot for 6–8 hours.
  • Stir gently before serving. 

—–                                                  

Pistola Paloma by Maya Pistola Agavepura 

 Bright, effervescent, and effortlessly celebratory, the Pistola Paloma is made for New Year toasts that call for freshness over fuss. Built on Pistola Joven’s smooth yet vibrant agave character, this cocktail brings together zesty grapefruit, sharp lime, and a gentle sparkle—perfect for easing into the year ahead with a citrus-led kick. 

Ingredients: 

  • Pistola Joven – 60ml 
  • Grapefruit juice – 45ml 
  • Lime juice – 15ml 
  • Agave nectar – 15ml 
  • Saline – 5ml 

Method: 

  1. Fill a glass with ice. 
  2. Add Pistola Joven, grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave nectar, and saline. 

——

The Golden Hour by Monarch Legacy Edition x Bartisans 

Golden Hour is your go-to for effortless at-home cocktails this New Year. Created in collaboration by Bartisans and Monarch Legacy Edition, this non-alcoholic festive mixer features notes of rose, saffron, and cardamom, designed to pair seamlessly with Monarch’s pure grape brandy. Together, they create a simple and celebratory cocktail to enjoy as the New Year begins 

Ingredients: 

  • Monarch Legacy Edition Brandy – 60 ml 
  • Bartisans Golden Hour Mixer – 90 ml 
  • Ice 

Method: 

  • Add Monarch and Golden Hour mixer into a shaker or mixing glass with ice.
  • Shake or stir to chill and blend.
  • Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a dried rose petal.

——  

Vanilla Old Fashioned by MONIN 

 A smooth, refined twist on a classic. MONIN’s Vanilla Syrup adds a soft sweetness that complements the warmth of bourbon, creating an elegant slow-sipper ideal for ending the feast on a high note. 

 Ingredients: 

  • MONIN Vanilla Syrup – 10ml 
  • Bourbon whiskey – 60ml 
  • Bitters – a few drops 
  • Ice cubes 
  • Orange slice 

Method: 

  • Add vanilla syrup and bourbon to a glass.
  • Add bitters and ice, then stir gently.
  • Garnish with orange slice.

——

Golden Ember Sour by Tulleeho 

Built on bourbon, honey, and ginger, the Golden Ember Sour balances warmth with brightness. Lemon cuts through the richness, while the silky foam brings everything together, making it an easy, elegant choice for ringing in the New Year. 

Ingredients: 

  • Vodka – 50 ml 
  • Lychee juice (fresh or canned) – 30 ml 
  • Elderflower syrup – 10 ml 
  • Fresh lemon juice – 10 ml 
  • Rose water – 2 drops 

Method: 

  • Add bourbon, lemon juice, honey syrup, ginger syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker (no ice). 
  • Dry shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to emulsify the egg white. 
  • Add ice to the shaker and shake hard for another 10-15 seconds. 
  • Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass. 
  • Dash the Angostura bitters on top of the foam. 
  • Garnish with an edible gold leaf or pinch of edible gold dust sprinkled on the foam or a dehydrated lemon wheel placed on the rim.

—— 

Frosted Lychee Martini by Tulleeho  

Designed for the moment the clock strikes twelve, the Frosted Lychee Martini is light, aromatic, and precise. Lychee and elderflower add gentle sweetness, balanced by lemon and a clean vodka base that keeps things fresh as the night moves forward. 

Ingredients: 

  • Vodka – 50 ml 
  • Lychee juice (fresh or canned) – 30 ml 
  • Elderflower syrup (such as St-Germain or homemade) – 10 ml 
  • Fresh lemon juice – 10 ml 
  • Rose water – 2 drops 

Method: 

  • Chill the martini glass in the freezer. 
  • Add vodka, lychee juice, elderflower syrup, lemon juice, and rose water to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. 
  • Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled. 
  • Fine strain into the chilled martini glass. 

Garnish with a fresh lychee stuffed with a raspberry on a cocktail pick, lightly frosted sugar rim, and optional mist of edible rose water. 

———— 

Savour Me Classic by Davana Vermouth Indica 

Ring in the New Year with this savoury cocktail that balances the herbal sweetness of Davana Rosso with a kick from chilli tincture. 

Ingredients: 

  • Davana Rosso – 45ml 
  • Tomato water – 60ml 
  • Chilli tincture – 3-4 dashes 
  • Citric acid – to balance 

Method: 

  • In a mixing glass, add all the ingredients.
  • Stir and strain into a glass with block ice and garnish the drink with edible tomato leather

——  

Bee’s Knees by Vedant Newatia, Founder and Head Chef, Atelier V 

Bright, zesty, and effortlessly smooth—the Bee’s Knees is sunshine in a glass. A classic Prohibition-era cocktail that hits the sweet spot between citrusy freshness and botanical gin notes, mellowed by a touch of honey. One sip, and it’s pure golden hour magic. 

Ingredients: 

  • Dry gin – 60ml 
  • Honey syrup – 2tsp 
  • Fresh lemon juice – 30ml 
  • Fresh orange juice – 30ml 

Method: 

  • Stir the honey syrup with lemon and orange juices until fully dissolved.
  • Add gin and shake with ice until well chilled.
  • Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass
  • Finish with a twist of lemon or orange zest. 

RANGEELA Vodka marks a vibrant debut for ABD Maestro and Co-Founder Ranveer Singh

ABD Maestro has announced the launch of its homegrown contemporary spirit — RANGEELA Vodka, co-created with Ranveer Singh.

Priced at ₹2,400 for 750ML in Maharashtra, RANGEELA will be available across select outlets in the state, followed by roll outs in Goa, West Bengal, and key northern markets in the coming months.

The RANGEELA vodka is conceptualised under Ranveer Singh’s creative direction and much like him screams vibrant and expressive. The brand also draws inspiration from India’s colourful personality, lively, confident, and unapologetically bold, while aligning with the growing trend of premiumisation and cocktail experimentation among young Indian consumers.

The vodka is triple-distilled and platinum chill-filtered for exceptional smoothness and clarity, combining world-class technique with Indian flair.

Commenting on the launch, Ranveer Singh, Co-Founder and Creative Partner, ABD Maestro, shared,

“RANGEELA celebrates the spirit of India — colourful, creative, and full of life. It’s for those who express themselves freely and live with unfiltered energy.”

Bikram Basu, Managing Director, ABD Maestro, added,

“With Ranveer as Co-Founder and Creative Partner, RANGEELA aims to set a new benchmark for Indian vodka. It combines superior quality with innovative design and communication that celebrates colour, character, and fun — created for India and the world.”

With its vibrant design, smooth texture, and creative positioning, RANGEELA Vodka marks a bold new chapter for ABD Maestro, reaffirming the brand’s place at the forefront of India’s premium vodka movement. Stay tuned for a review.

Smirnoff Introduces Minty Jamun, Mirchi Mango and Zesty Lime

Smirnoff is set to shake up India’s flavour landscape with the launch of three bold new variants—Minty Jamun, Mirchi Mango and Zesty Lime—created especially for the evolving tastes of modern India. The exciting new flavours are available in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra.

Whether it’s a fiery Mirchi Mango margarita, a Minty Jamun spritz with nostalgic flair, or a simple Zesty Lime soda pitcher, this new range unlocks versatile drinking possibilities—whether sipped, or mixed.

“We’re seeing a clear shift in how young Indians approach their favourite spirits—they want global brands to build a stronger local connect that is fresh and premium and yet playful. With Minty Jamun, Mirchi Mango, and Zesty Lime we’re not just offering new flavours, we’re creating moments of discovery that are vibrant, social, and rooted in today’s cultural codes,” said Ruchira Jaitly, CMO, Diageo India.

Each flavour has been thoughtfully developed to reflect the mood and momentum of the modern Indian consumer: Minty Jamun is a throwback with a twist—evoking childhood nostalgia with a fresh, modern take; Mirchi Mango piques curiosity with a sweet-spicy punch inspired by India’s love for heat and tropical fruit; and Zesty Lime brings an easy-going zing that makes it a go-to for group occasions and cocktail starters.

The launch is anchored in the brand’s new India-first campaign “Flavour is a Vibe” — a call to explore taste with freedom, fun, and community.