The 7 best cocktail recipes of 2024 – laparenthese-gourmande

We’ve almost reached the finish line of 2024, an occasion worthy enough to merit a toast all on its own.

Over the past year, we’ve seen our share of drinking trends, from the continued dominance of energy drinks to Gen Z’s evolving relationship with bars and alcoholic beverages versus previous generations. We’ve also looked into taste testing common spirits and wines, to help you navigate popular brands when stocking your home bar.

We’ve also seen a surge in interest in homemade cocktail recipes, and we don’t blame you: we love cocktails and drinks too. The aromatic, minty Spa Water Punch is perfect in large quantities for a happy hour with friends, and a few Boozy Banana Lattes are just what your brunch spreads were missing. Here we’ve rounded up some of the other most loved and read recipes of 2024. You can find these recipes and many more in the Epicurious app. May you stir, shake, pour and sip in good health!

How Wisconsin’s Sweet Takes on the Old and Elevated It to the State Cocktail

Thanks to its apocryphal beginnings and statewide brand loyalty, old-fashioned brandy is the Badger State’s go-to cocktail.

JC Cunningham, owner of PufferFish cocktail bar in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, describes this take on the traditional old-fashioned cocktail as “smooth and easy.” In this version, brandy plays a starring role, while crushed maraschinos and a citrus soda like 7Up mask more spiritual notes.

Quickly infusing vodka with Earl Gray tea bags creates a distinct floral base for this fun (and caffeinated) version of a martini.

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The trick to Jesse Szewzyck’s ingenious cocktail involves steeping Earl Gray tea bags in vodka, infusing it with citric and earthy bergamot flavors. The egg whites create a nice foamy texture (although aquafaba is an increasingly popular substitute at some of the country’s best bars), and I’m going to have to ask for a round of applause for Jesse’s idea of nickname this one a “mar-tea”. -neither. Strong choices from top to bottom.

This big-batch cocktail made with ginger beer, cranberry juice, fresh lime, and spiced simple maple syrup makes the perfect low-alcohol holiday drink.

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With tons of holiday aromatics (ginger, anise, and cinnamon to name a few), this low-alcohol, big-batch version of the traditional Moscow simply tastes like Christmas . This recipe is also wonderfully adaptable: replace it with non-alcoholic bitters, if you want to be completely zero-proof, or invite your friends to add a shot of vodka, gin or whiskey to their personal servings.

Vermouth Sangria in a Bottle

The world’s simplest sangria recipe eschews basic red wine, brandy, and liqueur and instead opts for sweet vermouth and fresh summer fruit.

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The best kind of cocktail is one that uses a whole bottle of something, anything! Here, a bottle of vermouth is steeped in sparkling water, frozen fruit, and orange and lemon juice, resulting in luscious, sweet sangria. No trailing bottles left on your bar cart.

Perfect for starting the night, this warming concoction blends apple cider with a hint of burnt orange and rosemary.

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When I see a cocktail made with amaro, I’m immediately into it. Our readers were in agreement, it seems, based on the popularity of Abra Barens’ Lumberjack, featuring apple cider, amaro nonino and a splash of soda. The aromatic garnish of charred orange zest and rosemary may feel like gilding the lily, but it’s a luxurious step worth taking.

Call it an appletini if you like, one thing’s for sure: this Jolly-Rancher-hued drink, garnished with a candy red cherry, is as striking as it is delicious.

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Yes, you read that correctly. And no, it’s not 1995: green apple martinis are back, baby. This version, from Hungry Eyes in New Orleans, which made our list of best new restaurants, is not the sickly sweet version you may remember. This version is updated with a dose of cognac and homemade apple syrup. At Hungry Eyes, the cocktail is so popular that they serve it on draft.

Pleasantly bitter Suze pairs with ginger syrup, sparkling wine and a piece of candied ginger that fizzes and bubbles at the bottom of the glass.

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If a cocktail only has three ingredients, they better sing: there’s little room to hide flavor imbalances. Kendra Vaculin’s Golden Hour delivers in spades. She adds floral yet bitter Suze and tangy ginger syrup to the champagne to create this instant classic.