Chinese New Year celebrations are always identical with family gatherings, large feasts, and of course, all-red decorations. The red color in Chinese tradition is not just an aesthetic choice; it is a symbol of luck, happiness, and positive energy believed to ward off bad luck.
However, as with any annual celebration, the choice of drinks served often follows the same old concepts. If you are the host who wants to provide a different and modern impression without leaving traditional values, then serving red-themed cocktails can be the answer.
If you are confused about what a red-themed cocktail is, stay calm! Because Balimoon has summarized 5 red cocktail recipes that are not only visually beautiful but also have a depth of flavor that will pamper your guests and make your Chinese New Year celebration even more memorable.
1. Red Dragon Sour
This first recipe is an adaptation of the classic Whisky Sour but with a touch of deep red color that symbolizes the power of the dragon. This cocktail has a creamy texture on top and a complex flavor underneath.
Why Is It Suitable for Chinese New Year?
The red color from real cherry fruit gives a luxurious impression. The white foam texture on top symbolizes purity and a clean start for the new year.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml Bronson Whisky
- 20 ml Cherry Liqueur
- 25 ml Fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml Sugar syrup
- 1 Egg white (or aquafaba for a vegan option)
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients into a shaker without ice first (dry shake) to build foam from the egg white.
- Add ice cubes, then shake vigorously (hard shake) until the temperature becomes very cold.
- Strain into a coupe or rock glass.
- Garnish: Place one maraschino cherry right in the center of the white foam.
2. Lucky Mandarin Spritz
If you are looking for a lighter and “bubbly” drink to accompany casual chats during the day at Chinese New Year, then Lucky Mandarin Spritz is the answer. This drink combines the signature aroma of mandarin oranges with a bright red color that arouses the appetite.
Why Is It Suitable for Chinese New Year?
Mandarin oranges are a symbol of prosperity. Combining it with red through grenadine syrup creates a visual that is perfectly aligned with the Chinese New Year theme.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Balimoon Pineapple Liqueur
- 15 ml Grenadine
- 60 ml Sparkling wine or Prosecco (can be replaced with soda water for a lighter version)
- Fresh mandarin orange slices
Instructions:
- Fill a large wine glass with plenty of ice cubes.
- Pour in Balimoon Pineapple Liqueur and Grenadine.
- Add sparkling wine or soda slowly so it does not fizz too much.
- Stir gently with a long spoon so the colors blend evenly.
- Garnish: Put mandarin orange slices into the glass for maximum citrus aroma.
3. Oriental Ruby Martini
This martini is designed for those who enjoy spirit-forward drinks with a clear appearance but an intense ruby red color. It is perfect to be served as a companion drink during large family gathering sessions.
Why Is It Suitable for Chinese New Year?
The ruby red color symbolizes eternity and health. Using Balimoon 9 Vodka ensures this cocktail has a clean and sharp taste.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Balimoon 9 Vodka
- 25 ml Cherry Liqueur
- 10 ml Pure cranberry juice
- Crystal ice cubes
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir for 30 seconds until the drink is completely cold but not too diluted.
- Strain into a martini glass that has been pre-chilled.
- Garnish: Add a cherry skewer or edible gold leaf to add a “gold” impression within the red.
4. Crimson Fortune Highball
Chinese New Year dinners are usually dominated by rich and fatty dishes such as roasted pork or poached chicken. Crimson Fortune Highball comes as a balancer due to its carbonated and warm nature.
Why Is It Suitable for Chinese New Year?
The combination of whisky and ginger provides a warm sensation believed to be good for digestion. The red color from grenadine provides a festive accent to this tall drink.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml Omrach Whisky
- 15 ml Grenadine
- 120 ml Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer
- Squeeze of lime juice
Instructions:
- Prepare a highball glass, fill it completely with ice cubes.
- Pour in Omrach Whisky and Grenadine.
- Squeeze one lime slice into the glass.
- Top up with Ginger Ale.
- Stir once gently.
- Garnish: Cinnamon stick and lime slice.
5. Pomegranate New Year Negroni
The Negroni is a classic cocktail for lovers of bitter-sweet flavors. In this Chinese New Year edition, we modified it with a touch of pure pomegranate juice to provide a more elegant dark red color and a “fruiter” taste.
Why Is It Suitable for Chinese New Year?
Pomegranate is a symbol of fertility and many descendants in Chinese tradition. The complex flavor of the cocktail symbolizes maturity and stability in undergoing the new year.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Balimoon 9 Vodka
- 30 ml Cherry Liqueur
- 30 ml Pure pomegranate juice
- A dash of Angostura bitters
Instructions:
- Put ice cubes into an old fashioned glass or a short glass.
- Pour all ingredients directly into the glass (build in glass).
- Stir gently until well mixed.
- Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh pomegranate seeds on top of the drink and add a twisted orange peel.
To maximize your guests’ drinking experience, pay attention to the following tips:
- Ice Quality: Use large crystal ice cubes so the drink does not dilute quickly. Slow-melting ice will maintain the consistency of your cocktail’s flavor.
- Proper Glassware: Make sure the glass is clean and if possible, chill the glass in the freezer before use so the drink temperature is maintained.
- Prepare “Batching”: If there are quite a lot of guests coming, you can mix the non-soda ingredients in a large container (pitcher) first, then simply pour and add ice or soda when the guests arrive.
Celebrating Chinese New Year with red-themed cocktails is the best way to combine tradition with a modern lifestyle. By using products from Balimoon, you ensure that every glass you serve is of quality and able to elevate the atmosphere of your party.
Remember that the best cocktail is the one enjoyed responsibly with loved ones. Good luck trying the recipes above and hopefully this year brings abundant luck!
Ready to get creative at your own home bar?
Get Balimoon products for making the cocktail recipes above starting from Vodka, Whisky, to Liqueur variants. For ordering information, please contact us via WhatsApp at: +62 821-4510-9578.