Just because you aren’t going out to celebrate New Years this year does not mean you can’t celebrate like you are. As a former bartender and big Food Network Fan, here are some suggestions that are different, easy, and sure to please. 

What is New Years without champagne?  But instead of just popping open a bottle, and pouring into a champagne flute, why not try mix it up by adding a few ingredients to your favorite champagne.

• Cranberry Bog Champagne
• Classic Champange Cocktail
• Champagne Apricot Punch
• Pinapple Orange Mimosa

Although we have not had much snow yet this year, it’s chilly out there! So why not try some of these warm drink recipes that are delicious and will warm you and your guest right up. 

• Hot Cranberry Cider
• Hot Dulce De Leche
• Hot Buttered Rum
• Butter Rum Coffee

If you are being the designated driver, do not drink, or simply don’t want to start off 2012 with a hangover, you can still sip on something delicious and New Years Eve worthy by drinking what the Food Network calls a “Mocktail”.

• Sparkling Cidar Mimosa
• Virgin Pomegranate and Cranberry Bellini’s
• Sugar Plum Soda

To make sure you are able to get everything you need for your New Year’s celebration, here are local liquor New Years Eve hours:

ShopRite Liquors:Opens Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. and will remain open until 9:00 p.m.

Max’s:

• Raintree Towne Center location: Open Saturday: 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

• Route 33 West (Park Ave) location: Open Saturday 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

• Route 9 N and Elton Adlephia location:  Open Saturday 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Freehold Spirit Shoppe: Will be open Saturday 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.