New Year's Eve... At Home
This year, for the first time in many, I’m staying home on New Years Eve. Not only does my apartment not charge a cover, but my drinks are stronger, and food is better, than most bars or restaurants that are serving tonight. Here are my tips for the ultimate New Years Eve celebration at home.
Drinks
Perhaps the most important part of the evening is what you’ll be drinking. I like a mix of beer and a cocktail or two when having a get together at home.
Start the evening with something simple and timeless like a Whiskey Smash:
2 parts Bourbon
4 mint leaves
3/4 lemon
1 part simple syrup
Lemon wheel, for garnish
Sprig of mint, for garnish
As the evening progresses I’ll switch over to beer (don’t forget NYE is an all night affair) to minimize my hang over and control my level of intoxication. At the recommendation of my best
friend Chelsea, just before the ball drops try “THE” Champagne Cocktail:
3 drops bitters
1 sugar cube
1 ounce Cognac
4 ounces chilled Champagne (I use 90+ Cellars Prosecco)
Drop bitters onto sugar cube; let soak in. Place sugar cube in a Champagne flute. Add Cognac, and top with Champagne.
Food
Even if you’re just cooking for a few like I am, this is the night to go all out and make a really special meal. To me, nothing screams “special occasion” more than Beef Wellington. It’s not a
complicated dish to make, but it is time consuming. My favorite version is from Nancy Fuller of Farm House Rules on Food Network. It’s fairly traditional, but adds in a little kick with horseradish. A simple roasted broccoli with parmesan will be served along side.
In the Simko family, hors d’oeuvres always include shrimp cocktail (with super horseradish-ey cocktail sauce) and brie with water crackers. Both of which I’ll be serving this evening. Dave will be making his signature buffalo chicken dip which is always a crowd pleaser.
Entertainment
Don’t mess with a classic. Watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve with Ryan Seacrest. Sure there are plenty of other shows covering the ball drop, but none have the nostalgia of this one. As for music, check out Spotify for their year in review playlist for retrospect of 2014’s biggest his will be spinning all night long.
Don’t forget the party favors! Hats, noise makers and confetti (if you feel like vacuuming) add to the festivities.
