The Chinese New Year is here, and celebrations are in
abundance. Whether we choose to celebrate the Chinese New Year in the
traditional way, or celebrate it with a little more creativity; the fact that
celebrations and merry-making seems to attract good luck remains true. And
since we are a people with a love for Chinese food, throwing a Chinese-themed
New Year Party should not be a problem. We all have our Chinese food recipes
stored in some old cook book or in the inner recesses of our minds. However, Chinese-inspired
cocktails are not that common. So to help you celebrate the Chinese New Year
with good taste, and a little alcohol, here are some cocktail recipes for your
enjoyment.
1.) This
Asian take on the traditional Bellini was actually created in honor of the Beijing
Olympics and is gaining popularity in that part of the world. Celebrate the Chinese
New Year with one of the most beloved Chinese fruits, the Lychee, in this recipe
for the Beijing Bellini. To make it, combine three ounces of chilled Champagne (or
Sparkling White Wine) and one part Lychee Wine (or Lychee Liquor or Lychee Syrup)
in a Champagne Flute. Then drop one piece of Lychee Nut into the bottom of the
glass.
2.) According
to Feng Shui, Mandarin Oranges bring in good luck when served and enjoyed
during the Chinese New Year. Attract good fortune by enjoying the fruit in this
tangy and tasty drink. To make the Mandarin Orange Cocktail you would need at
least three days to prepare, but it is soo worth it. On the first day prepare
about sixteen ounces of Dark Rum and put it in a pitcher. Then, add to it half
a cup of Mandarin Orange Peels and let it steep for three days in the
refrigerator. When you are ready to serve the drink, simply strain the Rum over
some Old-Fashioned Glasses filled with Ice and add some simple syrup (make
simple syrup by heating up equal parts sugar and water until the sugar is
completely dissolved and the mixture has slightly thickened) and add some
Mandarin Orange segments.
3.) What
is a Chinese Banquet without some tea? This ingenious cocktail combines citrus
flavours with the beloved Tea to create a refreshing cocktail that hits the
spot. To make the Royal Tea Cocktail, simply combine two shots of Gin, two
shots of brewed and chilled Earl Greay Tea, a squeeze of lemon, and some sugar
to taste. Stir the cocktail and then transfer it into an Old-Fashioned Glass
with Ice and top it off with Lemon or Lime rounds.
4.) Tsingtao
Beer is one of the most popular Chinese Lagers in the world. Enjoy the golden
drink in a different way with this Asian take on the Bloody Mary. To create the
Shandong Mary, simply fill a highball glass or any tall glass with ice cubes and
then add half a cup of Tsingtao Beer, half a cup of canned tomato juice, and two
tablespoons of Vodka. Then, finish the drink off with a couple dashes of Hot Sauce.
Serve with a wedge of Lemon.
