Toasting To The New Year

By Nicole B. Brewer

White Winter Sangria

Fragolì Passion

Planning a party at your home for New Year's Eve requires a myriad of lists - a guest list, the menu, the set-up, and more. Setting up your bar is another list that is often overlooked until the last minute and then it's a mix of old liquors and dusty wine bottles from the bottom of your wine rack, and you're bound to run out of something. This time plan ahead and only get the essentials - plenty of ice, beer, a few bottles of wine, and instead of going for a full bar, choose one signature drink. This approach is so much simpler and more fun for the host and hostess.

When it comes to wine try to have a red, a white, and a rose or blush as part of your choices. They do not have to be expensive limited production wines from France or Italy, but if you have a few oneophiles on your guests list feel free to have one knockout bottle they will rave over. Some of the most delicious wines are right here on the East End. For a great selection head right over to Peconic Bay Winery (31320 Main Road, Cutchogue, 631-734-7361, www.peconicbaywinery.com) for their popular Rose of Merlot or Merlot. Just a bottle or two of each depending on the number of guests you're expecting.

For the more international wines head over to Amagansett Wines and Spirits (203 Main Street, Amagansett, 631-267-3939, www.amagansettwine.com) and try something from the other side of the globe, namely New Zealand. The sauvignon blanc from Cloudy Bay has been receiving rave reviews and is highly suggested by the folks at the spirits shop counter. You'll also find plenty of spirits like Tommy Bahama Golden Sun Rum as well as some unique fruit-infused spirits like Fragolì strawberry liqueur.

Paradise Punch

For beer - that's a tough call as everyone has a favorite type and brand. Thinking local to the Hamptons, drop by the Southampton Publick House (40 Bowden Square, Southampton, 631-283-2800, www.publick.com) and pick-up their Secret Ale. The mellow flavors go with just about anything. For the more discerning in your group pick up the Saison, Abbot 12, or Grand Cru.

Picking your signature cocktail can be fun - here are a few delicious ideas that will have your guests looking for the recipes for their next party.

No party is complete without a punchbowl. Here's one with island flavors that is sure to please your guests and another that is a twist on a classic sangria.

Paradise Punch
2 parts Tommy Bahama Golden Sun Rum
1 part pineapple juice
Splash of orange juice
• Mix ingredients in a large punchbowl over ice. Garnish with orange wedges.

White Winter Sangria
2 bottles dry white wine (or sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version)
1 large grapefruit, thinly sliced into rounds
2 tangerines, thinly sliced into rounds
1 pear, cored and sliced
1 apple, cored and sliced

Peppermint Twist

1 cup pear nectar
1 bunch fresh mint leaves, reserving some for garnish
1/2 bottle of lemon-lime soda
• Combine ingredients - except soda - in a glass pitcher and let sit at room temperature for one hour. Refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight. Garnish with mint.

Most people like champagne - going sweet try Fragoli, an Italian strawberry liqueur, with your favorite bubbly.

Fragolì Passion
4 parts of Champagne, Proseco, or sparkling wine
1 part Fragolì Strawberry liqueur
• Pour the bubbly and then float the liqueur on top.

After dinner cordials with mint or anise flavors are staples at many parties. Here's one to try that has fewer calories and plenty of flavor.

Peppermint Twist
1 part Sambuca
2 parts Pure Cool Triple Chill
• Add Sambuca to an ice filled cocktail glass and top with Pure Cool Triple Chill.

Enjoy your New Year's Eve parties and Cheers Cheerio, A Votre Santé, Cin Cin, Skål, Salud, Prost, and more to 2009!