New Year’s Eve is almost here, and while it might look different than previous years, we at VinePair will be happily welcoming 2021’s arrival with drinks in hand.
While for many the celebration is basically synonymous with sparkling wine in flute glasses, the VinePair team is seeking out celebratory libations of all sorts on Dec. 31. While some of us are going the traditional route and sipping bubbly, others are choosing unconventional options.
Need some inspiration to get in the NYE spirit? Once you’ve planned your virtual or podded celebration, you’ll need to make sure your glass is filled with something equally as festive. From beer to bourbon to bubbly of all sorts, here’s what we’ll be drinking during midnight Zoom toasts and at podded gatherings.
“While it doesn’t feel like there was a lot to celebrate this year, no New Year’s Eve is complete without Champagne. I’ll be glad to say ‘bye-bye’ to 2020 by popping a bottle of Pierre Peters Blanc de Blancs. I can’t think of a better way to end 2020 and look to brighter days ahead in 2021.” —Adam Teeter, co-founder & CEO
“I’ll be spending New Year’s with my parents for the first time in ages. We’ll probably start with Martinis and then pop a bottle of Pinot Noir with dinner — either something nice from Burgundy or one of my father’s favorite California producers.” —Josh Malin, co-founder & president
“NYE is the Super Bowl for drinks enthusiasts, and the perfect excuse to pull out some of your best bottles. This year, I’ll start with a Monkey 47 Martini (dry with a twist) then move onto a Michter’s Toasted Barrel Rye Manhattan. I haven’t planned a food menu yet, but whatever I cook will have to pair with the bottle of Pierre Peters Blanc de Blancs Cuvée I already have on ice. If that doesn’t quite see me through to the bells, I’ll be singing “Auld Lang Syne” with a dram of something old and Scottish in hand. Slàinte Mhath!” —Tim McKirdy, staff writer
“I’ll be making my way through some special vintage bottles, starting with something less fizzy: Firestone Walker’s 2018 Stickee Monkee, a barrel-aged ‘Central Coast Quad’ that I’ve been saving since I picked it up earlier this year at the historic Fraunces Tavern. Don’t let the silly-sounding name deter you: This beer is deep, and it offers a lot to be excited about in the barrel department. It’s firstly inspired by the Beglian Quadrupel style, which is strong, malty, spicy, and sweet. This bottling spent over a year aging in Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig, and Four Roses bourbon barrels, which is sort of unbelievable, but also true. Part of the philosophy behind this beer is the inevitability of change. If you’re still not convinced, Stickee Monkee makes up 26 percent of Firestone Walker Anniversary Ale XXIV, which VinePair recently named the best beer of 2020. By the way, Stickee Monkee is named for a flower. ” —Cat Wolinski, senior editor
“Since 2020 lasted for approximately five years, my household decided it was only fitting for our 10-second countdown to last for 10 hours. We’ll be popping a different bottle of bubbly every hour on the hour, including La Marca Prosecco, Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut, Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut, Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne, Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, and Mumm Napa Brut Prestige — plus a few more that have yet to be decided.” —Jenny Robble, marketing intern
“My New Year’s Eve in will consist of something pink and bubbly, followed by living room dancing.” —Katie Brown, editorial associate
“Being a part of the VinePair team the past couple of months, I’ve been inspired to reach outside of my usual comfort zone of wine on New Year’s Eve. In addition to imbibing Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava to start the evening, I’ve got a bottle of Avion Reserva 44 tequila that I’ll cheers with on the rocks at midnight.” —Nicole McKay, editorial intern
“I believe that the energy you bring into NYE is the energy you will carry for the majority of the incoming year. For that reason, I’m going to be mixing escapist cocktails like Piña Coladas and Margaritas in a strong attempt to manifest some good vibes for 2021.” —Jeff Licciardello, director of marketing
“For New Year’s Eve, I’ll be creating the Sidecar cocktail, a classic with history. It’s perfect for ringing in the New Year!” —Jenny Riddell, director, brand partnerships & events
“I still don’t know what I will be doing for New Year’s Eve this year! However, I think it would be really cool to try a Champagne cocktail since I’ve never created one by myself. I have a ton of booze that I took home from the VinePair office last year that’s been collecting dust for the past few months, so I’m hoping to experiment with something fun and festive!” —Danielle Grinberg, art director
“Instead of partying, we’ll just be eating on NYE, so it’s brisket and the Dutton-Goldfield Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2018.” —Keith Beavers, tastings director
“To get ready for the New Year, I’ll be drinking a cold glass of coconut water with a generous splash of bourbon. I recently tried a Distiller’s Select Single Barrel Bourbon from Black Button — a serious N.Y. craft distiller — so I’ll probably switch to sipping straight before midnight. ” —Emma Cranston, editorial intern
“This year has been a surprise for all of us. So for this New Year’s Eve, I’m going to stick with something classic and have a glass of good ol’ bubbly. The botttle that I’m gonna go for is the Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut. The first time I had it was this Thanksgiving, and I was really surprised with how crisp and delicious it was. I’ve been waiting for a good occasion to drink more of it ever since. At less than $20, it’s definitely a steal.” —Gerry Selian, junior designer
“For NYE, I will probably be making an Irish Coffee. I have been on a kick recently and I feel like cold weather is a great excuse to mix coffee and alcohol.” —Sophie Wasser, social media intern
