Sips to serve for a fun, swanky and successful celebration.

Why throw a NYE party? Because there’s no cover charge, no super advanced booking needed and no two-hour dining window that leaves you with nowhere to go from 9:30pm. Planning, booking, prix fixe menus and transport stress… who needs it?! The best nights are the ones that manifest into something spectacular all on their own, and all you need to do is lay the foundations. Gorgeous food, great lighting and drinks everyone wants to toast. Ahead, the best drinks for an outstanding New Years Eve soirée.

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Champagne, of course

Champagne is synonymous with New Year’s Eve, but there are really just two times in the night that it’s essential. The first, when everyone arrives. Have your flutes ready and the bottle popped and in an ice bucket so you can easily pour a glass as your guests arrive. The second is when the clock strikes 12 and it’s time to clink glasses. Again, have your bottles chilled and ready to go, so you can easily refresh your guest’s glasses. There are so many Champagnes to choose from but if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing recommendation, Champagne Duperrey Premier Cru Brut NV France is light, refined and extremely well balanced.

Bubbles for in between

For the hours between arrival and midnight, Freixenet Prosecco Italy provides delicate, delightful party fizz without the hefty Champagne price tag - and if you’re entertaining the masses, that can get very exxy, very quick. This Italian prosecco also comes in the most beautiful bottle, so empty or full, it doubles as decor.

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A pour-over party cocktail

You know what the best kind of cocktail to serve at a party is? One you can just pour. No shaking, no skills, just pour. Unless you’re hiring bar staff, it’s the only kind of cocktail to serve at a party. Ginato Clementino Gin 700mL makes the pour-over gin and tonic that extra bit fancy. Infused with Nebbiolo grapes, clementines and juniper berries, it’s like an Italian summer in a bottle. Mix with a good tonic and if you want to add a bit more flourish, dehydrate some orange slices in the days before and add them to the glass. Very chic.

Summer seltzers for fun in a can

Being midsummer, it’s smart to have something very summery and refreshing on offer on NYE, particularly if your party starts when the sun is still shining. Tropapalooza Seltzer Berry and Lime 4.3% Cans are zingy and delicious, low-sugar and low-alcohol. The taste and execution is designed for festival vibes, so if that’s how you like to party, these cans are an easy win. Pop them in an ice bucket and your guests can help themselves.

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Ale that’s as refreshing as a dip in the pool

This is such an Aussie ale, because nowhere else in the world do people covet the beer equivalent of having a bucket of cold water thrown over you. But December downunder? It’s what the people want. 4 Pines Extra Refreshing Ale "Freshy" 330mL Bottles is designed to be like an extra icy bucket of water, while tasting delicious with all Australian malts and hops at the same time. Plus, “grab me a Freshy?”, it’s bound to catch on. Pop them by the seltzers in the ice bucket so your guests can refresh unattended.

A great no alcohol option

Whether you’re getting a jump start on your new year’s resolution or just mixing it up so you can make it ‘til midnight, Great Northern Brewing Zero Bottle 330mL is an excellent alcohol-free drinking option. With golden hues and a fruity aroma, it’s crisp, clean, bitter and sweet all at once. Plus, your guests can drink a six-pack and still drive home. As Ubers are about as reliable on New Year’s as second-hand lawn mowers, Zero Bottles might be the difference between waking up to guests snoring on your couch because they couldn’t get a lift home and not, and we all know the preferred option is “not”.