10 Best Cocktails for New Year's

What better to way to the year than with a cocktail bang! We've put together a list of some of our favorite classic and not-so-classic (but darn good!) cocktails for you to whip up on the 31st. 2009 celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Classic Daquiri, so we've started the list with this sadly misunderstood and misinterpreted libation:

1. The Classic Daiquiri This is not the fru fru blended concoction we've all had at tropical beach resorts. Somehow, things got lost along the way and we unapologetically got used to drinking icy Kool-Aid versions of this classic cocktail, which I'm sure has made Hemingway toss and turn in his grave. The original is an effortless blend of white rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and garnished with a lime.
2. Sazerac (Erik Hakkinen's version) Well-known Seattle bartender Erik Hakkinen created this version of the classic New Orleans cocktail with rye.
3. Hot Charlotte The Hot Charlotte is a curious blend of muddled cucumber, Tobasco, Hendrick’s gin and St. Germain (a French elderflower liqueur).
4. The Jasmine Cocktail Famous bartender Paul Harrington based this beverage on the classic Pegu Club cocktail. Paul decided to mix it up a bit when a customer, Matt Jasmine, had asked for something a little different. He added a decanter-style bitters called Campari, thus creating the Jasmine.
5. Cin Cin Beautiful in its simplicity, this cocktail is an unexpectedly pleasant combination of both dry and sweet vermouth.
6. The French 75 An intoxicating champagne cocktail named after a French 75-millimeter gun used in World War I. Debates abound as to whether it is a French creation or American. Supposedly, the champagne version was introduced at Harry's New York Bar in Paris in 1925.
7. The Pepper Smash This delicious cocktail is a combination of  gin, mint, bell pepper honey and lemon juice all muddled together and then strained over fresh ice. Our friend described it as "what the mad hatter drinks for breakfast - whimsical and savory sweet.”
8. Douglas Fir Sparkletini Our friend, master mixologist Kathy Casey, whipped up this fabulous foresty concoction for us at Night School's Drinking Lessons one evening. A beautiful blend of Douglas fur-infused gin, champagne and cranberry juice. Yum!
9. Kir Royale All you need is  Creme de Cassis and champagne to make this wonderful classic!
10. Sparkling Pomegranate Ginger Cocktail A combination of pomegranate liquor, ginger syrup, candied ginger pieces and champagne make a flavorful and tasty concoction!

Go to Foodista for more great cocktail recipes! Have a Safe and Happy New Year!!