Cocktail Resolutions: Drinks to Try in 2025
A new year calls for new experiences, and what better way to embrace 2025 than by expanding your cocktail horizons? Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual sipper, the world of mixology offers endless opportunities to discover unique flavors, innovative techniques, and bold new recipes.
Here are some cocktail resolutions to inspire adventurous sipping habits in the year ahead. From reinventing classics to exploring trending ingredients, these ideas will elevate your appreciation for the art of the cocktail.
1. Explore the Depths of Aged Spirits
2025 is the perfect time to dive into the rich, complex world of aged spirits. Whether it’s reposado tequila, barrel-aged rum, or smoky Scotch, these spirits bring warmth and depth to any cocktail.
Drink to Try:
Reposado Negroni: A twist on the Italian classic, featuring reposado tequila, sweet vermouth, and Campari for a bold and smoky profile.
Resolution: Experiment with aged variations of your favorite spirits to discover how barrel aging transforms flavor.
2. Master the Art of the Garnish
A well-crafted garnish is more than just decoration—it’s an integral part of the cocktail experience. From citrus twists to edible flowers, garnishes can enhance aroma, add visual appeal, and elevate flavor.
Drink to Try:
Clover Club: This gin-based cocktail, topped with a delicate raspberry and egg white foam, shines with a perfectly placed fresh raspberry garnish.
Resolution: Commit to garnishing every drink you make this year, from simple sprigs of herbs to intricate citrus peels.
3. Rediscover Forgotten Classics
Classic cocktails like the Aviation or the Last Word often get overshadowed by trendy newcomers. Rediscovering these drinks connects you to the history of mixology and highlights the timeless appeal of balanced flavors.
Drink to Try:
Aviation: A floral gin cocktail with crème de violette, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.
Resolution: Each month, learn the history and recipe of a new classic cocktail to expand your repertoire.
4. Embrace Zero-Proof Cocktails
Mocktails have come a long way from overly sweet soda concoctions. In 2025, explore the growing trend of zero-proof cocktails, featuring complex, adult-friendly flavors without the alcohol.
Drink to Try:
Rosemary Cucumber Spritz: A refreshing mix of cucumber juice, rosemary syrup, and soda water, garnished with a rosemary sprig.
Resolution: Incorporate mocktails into your rotation for a flavorful, health-conscious alternative to traditional cocktails.
5. Experiment with Unusual Ingredients
Step out of your comfort zone by incorporating unexpected flavors and ingredients into your drinks. From herbal liqueurs to infused syrups, the possibilities are endless.
Drink to Try:
Beetroot Sour: A vibrant cocktail made with beet juice, gin, lemon juice, and a touch of honey syrup.
Resolution: Each season, try a cocktail featuring a unique ingredient you’ve never used before.
6. Perfect the Frozen Cocktail
Frozen drinks aren’t just for summer—they’re a fun way to experiment with texture and presentation year-round.
Drink to Try:
Frozen French 75: A luxurious blend of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine served as a frosty treat.
Resolution: Invest in a quality blender and elevate your frozen cocktail game, experimenting with both tropical and sophisticated recipes.
7. Dive Into Tiki Culture
Tiki cocktails are an explosion of flavor, blending rum, exotic fruits, and spices for a drink that feels like a mini vacation.
Drink to Try:
Navy Grog: A tiki classic combining light, dark, and overproof rums with grapefruit, lime, and honey syrup.
Resolution: Learn the art of tiki mixology, from crafting house-made syrups to creating elaborate garnishes.
8. Support Local Distilleries and Bars
NYC is home to a thriving community of distillers and mixologists. Make 2025 the year you explore local flavors and support the city’s vibrant cocktail culture.
Drink to Try:
Local Manhattan: Crafted with locally distilled rye whiskey and vermouth, this spin on the classic Manhattan celebrates NYC’s cocktail heritage.
Resolution: Visit a new bar or distillery each month to discover what’s fresh and exciting in the local scene.
9. Attend a Cocktail Class
Nothing sharpens your skills like hands-on learning. A cocktail class allows you to refine your techniques, discover new recipes, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Drink to Try:
Whatever you make at the Art of the Cocktail: Reposado Tequila Class on January 9th, 2025, at Sweetbriar in NYC.
Resolution: Commit to attending mixology events to deepen your appreciation for the craft.
10. Pair Cocktails with Food
Explore the art of pairing cocktails with meals to enhance both the drink and the dish. From smoky mezcal with barbecue to sparkling wine cocktails with seafood, the possibilities are endless.
Drink to Try:
Smoky Pineapple Margarita: Paired with wood-fired salmon, this cocktail highlights the interplay of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.
Resolution: Host a cocktail-pairing dinner for friends or family to explore the possibilities.
Cheers to a New Year of Flavor
2025 is the year to expand your cocktail horizons, embrace creativity, and make mixology part of your personal journey. Whether you’re exploring new spirits, mastering techniques, or attending hands-on classes like the Art of the Cocktail, each sip offers a chance to learn, connect, and celebrate.
Raise a glass to adventure—cheers!
