Chinese New Year Cocktails

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.