Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Homestead Winery: Festive Wine and Cocktail Recipes
As the year draws to a close, what better way to celebrate than with a glass of something special? This New Year’s Eve, elevate your celebrations with unique wine and cocktail recipes featuring offerings from Homestead Winery. From sparkling cocktails to perfect pairings, here’s how to toast to the new year in style!
Sparkling Wine Cocktails
1. Midnight Sparkler
Start your celebration with a bang with the Midnight Sparkler, a cocktail that combines the elegance of Homestead Winery’s Ivanhoe Peach Sweet White Wine with the festive fizz of sparkling wine.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz Homestead Winery Ivanhoe Peach Sweet White Wine
- 3 oz sparkling wine
- 1 oz peach schnapps
- Peach slices, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a chilled champagne flute, pour peach schnapps and Ivanhoe Peach Sweet White Wine.
- Top with sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a slice of peach. Enjoy as the clock strikes midnight!
2. Berry Bliss
If you’re a fan of berry flavors, the Berry Bliss is for you, featuring Homestead Winery’s Chocolate Rose and a touch of raspberry.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz Homestead Winery Chocolate Rose
- 2 oz raspberry liqueur
- Sparkling water
- Fresh raspberries and mint for garnish
Instructions:
- In a glass filled with ice, combine Chocolate Rose and raspberry liqueur.
- Top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint.
Wine Pairings for Classic New Year’s Eve Dishes
Pairing the right wine with your New Year’s Eve dishes can enhance both the meal and the celebration. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Seafood Delights
Seafood is a classic choice for ringing in the new year. Pair dishes like shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon with Homestead Winery’s Bois D’Arc White. Its crisp acidity complements the richness of seafood perfectly.
2. Meaty Mains
For heartier fare, such as a succulent roast or grilled steak, reach for a bottle of Homestead Red Wine. Its bold flavors stand up well to red meat and bring out the depth of the dish.
3. Dessert Wines
End the evening on a sweet note with Homestead Winery’s Sherry. It’s perfect for sipping alongside your dessert or even as a dessert in itself!
DIY Wine-Based Cocktails for a Crowd
1. Homestead Harvest Punch
Serve a punch that’s sure to please a crowd and easy to prepare in advance, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without playing bartender all night.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Homestead Winery Tempranillo
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup brandy
- Orange slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large punch bowl, combine all liquid ingredients.
- Add slices of orange and apple and cinnamon sticks.
- Serve over ice in punch glasses.
2. New Year's Eve Sangria
Celebrate with a festive sangria that highlights the rich flavors of Homestead Winery’s Bois D’Arc Red.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Homestead Winery Bois D’Arc Red
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
- 1/2 cup orange liqueur
- 2 cups sparkling water or club soda
- Fresh fruit slices (oranges, lemons, limes, and berries)
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the wine, orange liqueur, and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Add fresh fruit slices.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Just before serving, add sparkling water.
- Serve in glasses filled with ice.
Tips for Serving
- Keep it Chilled: Make sure your white wines and sparkling wines are well-chilled. This can mean placing them in the fridge the night before.
- Glassware Matters: Serve your sparkling wines in flutes to preserve the bubbles longer and your red wines in wider glasses to allow them to breathe.
- Prep Ahead: For larger gatherings, prep your cocktails in advance in large pitchers or punch bowls.
Whether you’re hosting a grand party or having a quiet night in, these wine and cocktail recipes from Homestead Winery will help make your New Year’s Eve celebration memorable. Here’s to a fantastic new year filled with joy, happiness, and plenty of good wine! Cheers!
