22+ Refreshing Chinese New Year Cocktail Recipes for a Festive Celebration

Chinese New Year is a time for family gatherings, festive feasts, and, of course, delicious cocktails that add an extra sparkle to the celebrations.

Whether you’re ringing in the Year of the Dragon, the Rabbit, or any other zodiac sign, what better way to toast to good health, happiness, and prosperity than with a creative, flavorful cocktail?

In this blog, we’ve rounded up 22+ Chinese New Year cocktail recipes that blend vibrant flavors, symbolic ingredients, and festive flair to elevate your celebrations.

From fruity, refreshing drinks to bold, warming concoctions, each recipe is designed to capture the spirit of the season and bring joy to your gathering.

Let’s raise a glass to new beginnings and a prosperous year ahead!

22+ Refreshing Chinese New Year Cocktail Recipes for a Festive Celebration

As we step into the new year, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a delicious Chinese New Year cocktail that reflects the festive spirit and meaningful traditions of this vibrant holiday.

From bright and citrusy drinks symbolizing good fortune to rich, spiced concoctions evoking warmth and prosperity, these 22+ Chinese New Year cocktail recipes will inspire your creativity behind the bar.

So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and toast to a year filled with joy, health, and success.

Chinese New Year Sparkler

The Chinese New Year Sparkler is a vibrant, refreshing cocktail that combines the richness of pomegranate juice with the effervescence of champagne. This drink is perfect for celebrating the new year in style, symbolizing prosperity and joy with its bright, celebratory appearance and fruity flavor.

• 2 oz pomegranate juice
• 1 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Champagne or sparkling wine (to top)
• Pomegranate seeds for garnish
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine the pomegranate juice, vodka, and lime juice.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
4. Top with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
5. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and a lime wedge.

The Chinese New Year Sparkler is a fun and festive cocktail that’s sure to impress your guests at any celebration. Its delicate sweetness and bubbly nature make it an ideal toast to a prosperous new year. Whether you’re ringing in the Lunar New Year or simply celebrating with loved ones, this drink adds a splash of elegance and excitement to your festivities.

Red Lantern Martini

The Red Lantern Martini is a stunning and sophisticated cocktail inspired by the traditional red lanterns that light up the streets during Chinese New Year celebrations. With a mix of cranberry, lychee, and vodka, this martini delivers a smooth, slightly sweet flavor with a touch of exotic flair.

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz lychee liqueur
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Lychee fruit or cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, lychee liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with a lychee fruit or a few cranberries for a festive touch.

The Red Lantern Martini is a beautiful and exotic drink that offers a balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion. It captures the essence of Chinese New Year by offering a flavor profile that is both unique and memorable. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or marking the start of a new lunar year, this cocktail will bring elegance and excitement to your gathering.

Golden Tiger Punch

The Golden Tiger Punch is a bold and flavorful cocktail with a mix of tropical fruits, ginger, and rum, making it a perfect fit for the Chinese New Year theme of good fortune and strength. The combination of orange juice, pineapple, and ginger beer gives the punch a zesty and refreshing taste, while the rum adds depth and warmth.

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz ginger syrup
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• Ginger beer (to top)
• Orange slices and mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine the dark rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, ginger syrup, and lime juice.
2. Add ice and shake well until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
4. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and a sprig of mint.

The Golden Tiger Punch is a festive and invigorating cocktail that brings a burst of tropical flavors, ideal for celebrating Chinese New Year with vigor and cheer. The bold taste of rum, paired with the crispness of ginger beer and tropical juices, symbolizes strength and fortune. This punch is a great choice for larger gatherings, offering a drink that’s both easy to prepare and delicious to sip on throughout the festivities.

Lunar Blossom Fizz

The Lunar Blossom Fizz is a bright, floral, and effervescent cocktail that embodies the spirit of renewal and good fortune during Chinese New Year. With the delicate flavors of jasmine tea and elderflower liqueur, balanced with a burst of citrus, this refreshing drink is the perfect way to celebrate the season of growth and new beginnings.

• 1 oz jasmine tea (cooled)
• 1 oz elderflower liqueur
• 1 oz gin
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• Club soda (to top)
• Lemon twist for garnish
• Jasmine flower or edible flowers for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew the jasmine tea and allow it to cool.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the cooled jasmine tea, elderflower liqueur, gin, and lemon juice.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda for a fizzy finish.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist and a jasmine flower or edible flowers for a decorative touch.

The Lunar Blossom Fizz is a visually stunning and subtly flavored cocktail that captures the essence of Chinese New Year with its lightness and balance. Its floral notes evoke the beauty of blooming flowers, symbolizing prosperity and peace in the new year. This cocktail is an elegant choice for toasts and celebrations, offering a refreshing alternative to heavier drinks while keeping the mood lively and festive.

Tangerine Tiger Mule

The Tangerine Tiger Mule offers a citrusy twist on the classic Moscow Mule, incorporating tangerine juice for a burst of sweetness and vibrant color, while still keeping the zing of ginger beer. A perfect cocktail for those looking to celebrate Chinese New Year with a bold and refreshing flavor, this mule brings together the qualities of good fortune and vitality.

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz tangerine juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Ginger beer (to top)
• Lime wheel and tangerine slice for garnish
• Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mule mug or copper cup, combine the vodka, tangerine juice, and lime juice.
2. Add ice and stir to combine.
3. Top with ginger beer, filling the mug to the top.
4. Stir gently to incorporate.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel, tangerine slice, and a sprig of fresh mint.

The Tangerine Tiger Mule is an exciting and lively cocktail, combining the richness of tangerine juice with the kick of ginger beer. Its bright, citrusy profile symbolizes vitality and new beginnings, making it a great choice to celebrate Chinese New Year. This drink brings energy and flavor to any gathering, offering guests a zesty toast to the fresh start of the lunar new year.

Prosperity Punch

Prosperity Punch is a sweet and spiced cocktail designed to bring good fortune and joy into the new year. Combining the richness of cinnamon and orange with the warmth of bourbon and a splash of honey, this punch is both comforting and celebratory, perfect for ringing in the Year of the Dragon or any Chinese New Year occasion.

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1/2 oz honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and warm water)
• 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• Dash of cinnamon
• Orange slice and cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, orange juice, honey syrup, lemon juice, and a dash of cinnamon.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.

The Prosperity Punch is a rich, warming drink that carries with it the promise of a prosperous year ahead. With its warming notes of cinnamon and honey, this cocktail evokes the spirit of Chinese New Year, which is all about good fortune, health, and happiness. It’s a comforting choice for any celebration, making it a great drink to share with friends and family as you toast to new beginnings and joyful moments.

Dragon’s Breath Margarita

The Dragon’s Breath Margarita is a fiery and bold cocktail with a delightful twist. This spicy margarita features jalapeño, agave syrup, and a splash of blood orange juice, which gives it a rich, vibrant color and a slightly sweet heat. Perfect for those looking to add a little spice to their Chinese New Year celebration, this drink symbolizes strength, courage, and passion for the new year.

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz blood orange juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz agave syrup
• 2-3 slices of fresh jalapeño
• Salt and chili powder for rimming the glass
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim the glass with a mixture of salt and chili powder for an added spicy kick.
2. In a shaker, combine tequila, blood orange juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and jalapeño slices.
3. Add ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and a slice of jalapeño.

The Dragon’s Breath Margarita is a bold and daring cocktail that embodies the strength and vibrancy of the Chinese New Year. With its spicy and citrusy profile, this drink is perfect for anyone who wants to celebrate the new year with a little extra heat. Whether you’re ringing in the Year of the Dragon or simply enjoying the festivities, this margarita will make a statement at your celebration, offering a bold contrast to more traditional drinks.

Golden Phoenix Sangria

The Golden Phoenix Sangria is a festive and fruity cocktail, bursting with citrus, pineapple, and apple flavors. This sangria is infused with a touch of brandy and white wine, creating a light and refreshing drink perfect for a Chinese New Year party. Its golden hue and tropical ingredients symbolize good fortune and renewal, making it a beautiful choice for a vibrant celebration.

• 1 bottle (750 ml) white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 pineapple, cut into chunks
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Club soda (to top)

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the white wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and pineapple juice.
2. Add the sliced orange, apple, pineapple chunks, and cinnamon stick.
3. Stir to combine and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
4. Just before serving, add a splash of club soda to give the sangria a little fizz.
5. Serve chilled over ice and garnish with extra fruit slices.

The Golden Phoenix Sangria is a refreshing and aromatic cocktail that’s perfect for larger gatherings. The blend of citrus, tropical fruits, and wine creates a lively, flavorful drink that evokes feelings of joy and prosperity for the new year. Its golden color makes it a visually stunning drink, perfect for toasting to new beginnings and celebrating the blessings of the Chinese New Year.

Fortune Fizz

The Fortune Fizz is a light and refreshing cocktail that combines the sweet and tart notes of yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit, with the effervescence of sparkling wine. This cocktail offers a unique twist on a traditional fizz and is perfect for those looking to add a touch of luxury and flavor to their Chinese New Year celebrations. It’s a drink that brings good fortune and zest to your festivities.

• 1 oz yuzu juice (or substitute with lemon or lime juice)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz gin
• Sparkling wine (to top)
• Yuzu peel or lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine yuzu juice, simple syrup, and gin.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
4. Top with sparkling wine, filling the glass to the top.
5. Garnish with a twist of yuzu peel or lemon for a citrusy finish.

The Fortune Fizz is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that combines the exotic flavors of yuzu with the elegance of sparkling wine. Its effervescence and bright citrus notes make it an ideal choice for a celebratory drink during Chinese New Year. Light yet flavorful, it represents both fortune and prosperity, making it a perfect toast to the year ahead.

Red Lantern Cocktail

The Red Lantern Cocktail is a festive and vibrant drink that symbolizes the bright and auspicious red lanterns traditionally seen during Chinese New Year celebrations. Combining the richness of pomegranate, cranberry, and a touch of vodka, this cocktail is both sweet and tart, with a bold crimson color. Perfect for any celebration, it represents the good fortune and happiness that come with the new year.

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Pomegranate seeds for garnish
• Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass.
4. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lime wheel.

The Red Lantern Cocktail is a beautiful and festive drink that perfectly captures the vibrant energy of Chinese New Year. With its rich pomegranate and cranberry flavors, it represents prosperity and health for the coming year. This cocktail not only looks stunning but also brings a bold and refreshing taste to your celebration, making it an ideal drink to toast to new beginnings and good fortune.

Jade Emperor Martini

The Jade Emperor Martini is a smooth and sophisticated cocktail that draws inspiration from the legendary Jade Emperor of Chinese mythology. The cocktail combines the herbal notes of green tea and gin with the refreshing citrus of lime, offering a crisp and light flavor that’s perfect for toasting to wisdom, balance, and good fortune in the new year.

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cooled green tea
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/4 oz simple syrup
• Lime twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew a strong cup of green tea and let it cool to room temperature.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, green tea, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add ice and shake until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime twist.

The Jade Emperor Martini is an elegant and refreshing drink that channels the wisdom and serenity of the mythical Jade Emperor. Its smooth balance of green tea and gin gives it a unique flavor profile that is both light and satisfying. This cocktail is perfect for a more refined Chinese New Year gathering, offering a stylish drink that symbolizes harmony, wisdom, and prosperity for the year ahead.

Lucky Plum Sour

The Lucky Plum Sour is a sweet, tart, and slightly savory cocktail that incorporates the rich flavors of plum and a touch of ginger, making it a perfect drink to bring good luck during Chinese New Year. With its balance of fruity sweetness and tangy citrus, this cocktail offers a refreshing twist on the classic whiskey sour, ensuring prosperity and joy in the coming year.

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz plum wine
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 oz ginger syrup
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Dash of Angostura bitters (optional)
• Lemon wheel or plum slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, plum wine, lemon juice, ginger syrup, and simple syrup.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Add a dash of Angostura bitters if desired for added depth of flavor.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel or a slice of plum.

The Lucky Plum Sour is a bold and unique cocktail that’s perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year with its sweet, tart, and slightly spicy notes. The plum wine adds a rich depth of flavor, while the ginger syrup brings a touch of warmth to the drink. This cocktail is a fun and flavorful way to welcome in the new year, offering a memorable drink that celebrates both luck and fortune.

Celestial Blossom

The Celestial Blossom is a beautifully fragrant and refreshing cocktail that embodies the delicate yet vibrant essence of Chinese New Year. With the combination of jasmine tea, gin, and elderflower liqueur, this drink offers floral notes that symbolize purity and new beginnings. It’s a perfect toast to health, prosperity, and a fresh start in the coming year.

• 1 oz gin
• 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
• 1 oz chilled jasmine tea
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 oz simple syrup
• Jasmine flowers or lemon zest for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew jasmine tea and let it cool to room temperature.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, elderflower liqueur, jasmine tea, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add ice and shake until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a few jasmine flowers or a twist of lemon zest.

The Celestial Blossom cocktail is an elegant and aromatic drink that embodies the grace and beauty of the Chinese New Year. The floral flavors of jasmine tea and elderflower liqueur provide a delicate balance to the refreshing citrus notes. It’s a sophisticated drink that celebrates new beginnings, purity, and the arrival of good fortune for the year ahead.

Prosperity Punch

The Prosperity Punch is a vibrant and fruity cocktail that blends the flavors of tropical fruits with the smooth richness of rum. Its bold, bright color and sweet flavors symbolize wealth, good fortune, and abundance. Perfect for large gatherings during Chinese New Year, this cocktail will bring a festive touch to your celebration, embodying the promise of prosperity in the year to come.

• 2 oz rum (white or spiced)
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/4 oz grenadine
• Pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine.
2. Add ice and shake well until chilled.
3. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple and a maraschino cherry.

The Prosperity Punch is a lively, sweet, and tangy cocktail that brings an uplifting spirit to any celebration. Its vibrant colors and tropical flavors are perfect for a Chinese New Year gathering, symbolizing the arrival of abundance and good fortune. This cocktail is a festive drink that will have guests toasting to a prosperous and joyful year ahead.

Sweet Mandarin Martini

The Sweet Mandarin Martini is a citrus-forward, smooth cocktail that celebrates the sweetness and joy of the Chinese New Year. With the bright, fresh taste of mandarin orange paired with the smoothness of vodka and a hint of vanilla, this cocktail is both refreshing and indulgent. It’s the perfect way to ring in the new year, symbolizing happiness, good fortune, and a zest for life.

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz fresh mandarin juice (or orange juice)
• 1/2 oz vanilla syrup
• 1/4 oz fresh lime juice
• Mandarin slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine vodka, mandarin juice, vanilla syrup, and lime juice.
2. Add ice and shake until well chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with a slice of mandarin orange on the rim of the glass.

The Sweet Mandarin Martini is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that adds a burst of citrus sweetness to your Chinese New Year celebration. With its bright mandarin flavor and smooth vanilla notes, it symbolizes joy, optimism, and new beginnings. This cocktail is a perfect way to celebrate the occasion, offering a sip of good fortune and happiness as you toast to a prosperous year ahead.

Note: More recipes are coming soon!