New Year's Eve Cocktail and Nut Pairings

New Year's Eve is the perfect occasion to indulge in delicious cocktails and tasty snacks that fuel your night, like peanuts and gourmet nuts. Whether you prefer salted, sweet and spicy chipotle, or honey roasted, nuts can enhance just about any drink when enjoyed together. This year, take your celebration to the next level by pairing your favorite drinks with the nuts that complement them best. From classic cocktails to innovative mocktail recipes, we've got you covered.

Old Fashioned and Sweet Pecans

Sweet pecans are a quintessential nut pairing for an Old Fashioned cocktail. Some recipes even call for the addition of pecans to the bourbon, but we think this version—with a bowl of gourmet nuts on the side—makes for a lovely New Year’s Eve pairing.

Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons water
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) bourbon whiskey
• Garnish: 1 strip orange peel; maraschino cherries

Directions:

1. Add water, sugar, and bitters to a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake until sugar is nearly dissolved.
3. Add ice and bourbon to the mixture; shake until well combined and sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Add ice to a cocktail glass; strain the drink into the glass over the ice.
5. Twist the orange peel over the surface of the cocktail; add cherries, if desired.

Brandy Alexander and Chocolate Covered Peanuts

This simple dessert cocktail has been around for ages, and with good reason. A Brandy Alexander is delicious and dependable, and it works wonderfully with special treats like our chocolate-covered peanuts. What a sweet way to ring in the New Year!

Brandy Alexander Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) good brandy
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) crème de cacao
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) heavy cream
• Grated nutmeg

Directions:

1. Add the first three ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice and shake for 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

Margarita and Candied Mixed Nuts

This Margarita recipe is straight up and simple—no blender required. Sip this tropical-themed drink while you snack on candied mixed nuts. The salty, sweet, and sour combination makes a mouthwatering pairing for a New Year’s Eve cocktail party.

Margarita Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) of your favorite tequila
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) triple sec (or your favorite orange liqueur)
• 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh-squeezed lime juice
• Garnishes: Kosher or flaked sea salt; lime wedges

Directions:

Note: If salting your glass, sprinkle salt onto a wide bowl or small dish. Rub a wedge of lime around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim in salt. Set aside.

1. Add the tequila, triple sec, and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake for 15 seconds, then strain into the prepared glass over ice.
3. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge, if desired.

Tom & Jerry Cocktail and In-Shell Salted Peanuts

The delicious Tom & Jerry cocktail originated in England in the 1820s, and it continues to be a satisfying holiday sipper. Store-bought, pasteurized eggnog makes the drink quicker to prepare and reduces the risk of food-borne illness that comes with using raw eggs. In-shell salted peanuts bring a salty contrast to this sweet, soul-warming cocktail. Plus, they’re fun to crack open while you count down to midnight.

Tom & Jerry Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• Boiling water 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) dark rum
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) cognac
• 1 tablespoon pasteurized eggnog
• Whole milk, hot, to top
• Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish
• Ground cloves, for garnish
• Ground allspice, for garnish

Directions:

1. Warm a small coffee mug by filling it with boiling water; discard the water
2. Add the rum, cognac, and eggnog to the mug. Top with hot milk.
3. Garnish with a mixture of 2 parts freshly grated nutmeg to 1 part each ground clove and ground allspice.

Martini and Honey Roasted Almonds

The martini is a simple, steady drink for the sophisticated crowd. Whether you like it with a twist, dirty, or straight up, you can’t go wrong with this Rat Pack–favorite cocktail on New Year’s Eve. Honey roasted almonds are a perfect match, adding a bit of sweetness to balance the sharp flavor.

Martini Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) gin or vodka
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) dry vermouth
• Garnish: Strip of lemon peel (for a twist) or 2 cocktail olives

Note: For a dirty martini, add 1 to 3 teaspoons olive brine

Directions:

1. Chill your martini glass by filling it to the brim with ice and water. Set it aside while you prepare the cocktail.
2. Fill a shaker or mixing glass with ice. Add the gin and vermouth. If you’d like a dirty martini, add 1 teaspoon olive brine.
3. Using a long handled spoon or drink mixer, stir in a circular motion for about 30 seconds until the drink is ice cold. If you’re making a dirty martini, taste and add more brine by the teaspoon, if desired.
4. Discard the ice and water in your martini glass. Strain the cold martini mixture into the cold glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or olives.

Mojito Mocktail and Candied Cashews

Stay on the light side and start your dry January with a fresh take on a classic mojito. Honey roasted cashews are creamy and sweet, a delightful contrast to the tang of the drink. You’ll never miss the alcohol when you treat yourself to this bold flavor combination.

Pineapple Mint Mojito Mocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
• 2 packets of sugar-free sweetener (such as Splenda®)
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup club soda

Directions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle mint leaves with sugar-free sweetener.
2. Add pineapple juice, lime juice, and ice; shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
3. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice; top with club soda.
4. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

As the clock strikes midnight and a new year begins, celebrate in style with the winning combination of cocktails and nuts. Whether you're hosting a glamorous gathering or a cozy night in, you can enhance the evening with these classic cocktail recipes paired with delectable Hampton Farms nuts. If you prefer the fruit of the vine for your New Year’s Eve party, explore our favorite wine and nut pairings for appetizing ideas.