A Build Your Own Spritz Bar and delicious appetizer menu to ring in the New Year! Guests choose from a variety of liqeuers, bitters, and garnishes to create their own festive cocktail. Topped off with your favorite champagne, prosecco, or cava – this bar is perfect for entertaining!
I like to stay in on New Years Eve.
Truth be told, aside from my college years when I actually stayed on campus to ring in the new year (which was seldom), I honestly couldn’t tell you a time that I was OUT on New Years Eve.
Now don’t get me wrong. A night out on the town is something I rarely turn down. However, when the cover charge per person equates to the same price my husband and I spend on a fancy date night out, the cost of a glass of Champagne is what I could spend on 4 bottles, and when “I’ll go get us drinks” really means, “I’ll see you in 45 minutes after waiting in that atrocious line at the bar”….
COUNT ME OUT.
I will gladly create my own little party whilst staying IN, thank you very much! But “staying in” doesn’t need to mean pajamas, board games, and cocoa.
Unless that’s your thing. And if so, you do you.
But, we can easily make a memorable and fun evening complete with all the things you THINK you’d enjoy if you were going out:
- Music
- Dancing
- Plenty of champagne
- Delicious food
Without all the things you’d really be experiencing:
- Waiting. For your Uber, to get in for your reservation, for a drink at the bar, or for 1 of 2 bathroom stalls.
- Destroyed new shoes from trudging through the inevitable snow storm that you weren’t expecting.
- Nowhere near enough booze to deal with that guy standing next to your table talking far too loudly about his resolution to get swole in the new year.
All this said, let’s talk about what you’re going to do this NYE. We’re staying in, baby!
The Menu
Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Chimmichurri & Cocktail Sauce
Charred Poblano and Corn Guacamole
Artichoke and Pecorino Romano Tapenade
Surly Hell BBQ Chicken Meatballs
The Drinks
Sure, there will be bubbles. But why not let your crew choose their own adventure with a Build Your Own Spritz Bar?!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bubbles… and lots of ’em (Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava)
- Various spirits such as Aperol, Campari, Cassis, Elderflower liqueur, Brandy, Grand Mariner, etc.
- Various bitters, such as:
- Garnishes such as pomegranate seeds, fresh cranberries, citrus twists, and fresh herbs
I like including a variety of glassware to select from, depending on what type of Spritz my guests will make. Personally I’m a sucker for a coupe. These vintage coupes are gorgeous!
Set out all your ingredients, and allow guests to mix and match their own. You could place a little recipe card to provide some guidance if you like, too!
Eat (your own homemade and delicious food), drink (your own cocktails that are far better than what any bar is serving), and be far more merry as you ring in the New Year!
