Don’t drop the ball on New Year’s Eve cocktails! Whether you’re staying in, hosting a crowd, or celebrating at a friend’s house, Zacapa Rum has the perfect pours to prepare you for the night of festivities.
For those who are taking it easy and watching the clock strike 12:00 from the comfort of home, the Lava Roasted Manhattan is a delicious accompaniment. The serve is not shy when it comes to flavor from its spiced cacao vermouth and mezcal, leaving the best for last as it’s topped with a charred marshmallow for a sweet way to close out 2022.
Lava Roasted Manhattan
- 1.5 oz Zacapa No. 23
- .75 oz Spiced Cacao Vermouth*
- .25 oz Mezcal
- 1 Dash Mole Bitters
DIRECTIONS: Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass. Double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a roasted marshmallow on a wooden skewer.
*SPICED CACAO VERMOUTH
- 2 oz Cacao Nibs
- 12 oz Sweet Vermouth
*SPICED CACAO VERMOUTH METHOD: Combine 8 ounces of Vermouth with 1 tablespoon of cacao nibs in a jar for infusion. Cap and shake the jar. Let it infuse for 1 hour at room temperature, shaking it occasionally. Strain and pour the cacao nib-infused Vermouth into a glass bottle for storage
If you’re playing host for this evening, impress your guests with the Midnight Hour for a definite crowd-pleasing cocktail that doubles as an alternative to your classic champagne serve. If you’re looking for a large format serve, try your hand at the Navidad in Antigua for a flawless, festive punch packed with winter flavors including nutmeg, maple, and cranberry.
Midnight Hour
- 1.5 oz Zacapa No.23 Rum
- .5 oz Fino Sherry
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 Dash Amaro
- Top with Champagne
DIRECTIONS: Shake and double strain into a coupe glass. Top with champagne of choice. Flavor blast with citrus smoke and serve.
And for those stopping by a friend’s party and don’t want to arrive empty-handed, bring along a bottle of the ultra-premium dark rum, Zacapa XO, for a simple and spectacular pour. This perfectly balanced and smooth sipping rum allows for the ideal moment of pause, reflection, and indulgence to welcome the New Year.
Navidad in Antigua (Serves 8)
- 1.5 cups of Zacapa No.23 Rum
- .25 cups of Orange Liqueur
- .25 cups of Cranberry Maple Syrup*
- 2 cups of Sparkling Wine
- 1 pinch Grated Nutmeg
- Garnish: Cranberries and Rosemary Sprigs
CRANBERRY MAPLE SYRUP*
- .25 Cup Whole Canned Cranberries
- 2 oz Lemon juice
- 2 oz Filtered Water
- 4 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 2 oz Maple Syrup
- 1 Dash Cinnamon
DIRECTIONS: Combine Zacapa No. 23, orange liqueur, and cranberry maple syrup into a punch bowl or pitcher and stir with a whisk until fully incorporated. Add a large frozen block of ice to the punch. Just before serving, add the 2 cups of sparkling wine to the bowl. Garnish with rosemary sprig, cranberries, and a pinch of nutmeg.
*CRANBERRY MAPLE SYRUP METHOD: Place whole canned cranberries, water, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup into a jar with a lid. Shake until mixed. Let sit overnight in fridge.
Zacapa XO Neat
- 1.5 oz Zacapa XO Rum
DIRECTIONS: Measure the rum and pour it into your favorite rocks glass. Swirl, sniff, sip, and enjoy!