25 Champagne Cocktails That Prove Holidays Are Better with Bubbles

Posted on January 1, 2025December 31, 2024 by Reluctant Retiree

Make your holidays (or any day!) a bit more bubbly with these effervescent champagne cocktail recipes.

Nothing marks the start of a celebration quite like popping a bottle of bubbly. And for champagne enthusiasts, the holidays are the perfect opportunity to do just that. Whether you’re a bellini fan, a mimosa lover or a party punchbowl proponent, these champagne cocktail recipes are sure to delight during the most wonderful time of the year.

Skip your fanciest bottles here and instead opt for delightful cheap champagnes. You can even make them booze-free with one of these nonalcoholic champagnes for an elevated mocktail alternative.

Taste of Home

From My Kitchen

52 Best New Year’s Eve Appetizers for Your Party

Posted on December 30, 2024December 28, 2024 by Reluctant Retiree

Need help deciding which New Year’s Eve appetizers to make for your party? These one-bite apps, hand-held snacks and mini desserts will stand out on any table, no matter where you are when the clock strikes midnight.

With a countdown ending the night, there’s a lot on the line when hosting a New Year’s Eve party. Did you choose the right New Year’s Eve traditions? Do you have your resolutions ready? Will you get kissed when the clock strikes midnight? And—most importantly—how are your New Year’s Eve appetizers holding up?

Food sets the stage for any party, but we find ourselves exhausted with sit-down holiday dinners by the time New Year’s Eve rolls around. Leaning on New Year’s Eve appetizers is a fantastic way to combat this. Think light bites, decadent but portable finger foods (like quick and easy puff pastry appetizers) or anything on a skewer or toothpick. Or go the sweet route and create a table lined with mini desserts.

These foods will lay the foundation for a party that you’ll actually get to enjoy. We’ve hand-selected the best New Year’s Eve appetizers that work whether you’re attending a sparkly soiree or just hanging out in your jammies while you watch the ball drop. Just be sure there’s a bottle of bubbly to pop right before midnight—even the best cheap Champagne will feel extra celebratory.

Taste of Home

From My Kitchen

52 Best New Year’s Day Brunch Recipes

Posted on December 29, 2024December 26, 2024 by Reluctant Retiree

Kick off a brand new year with a festive brunch. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet day at home with family, make these New Year’s Day brunch ideas to wind down after the holidays.

You had an incredible New Year’s Eve party spread last night, the ball dropped and everyone sang whatever lines they knew of Auld Lang Syne. Now the Champagne bottles are in the recycle bin, the party favors are put away and you’ve had a good night’s sleep. It’s time to eat! Start the day with a fab New Year’s Day brunch of waffles, breakfast tacos, mimosas, French toast and more. And don’t forget New Year’s Day good luck foods for later.

Taste of Home

From My Kitchen

30 Best Mocktail Recipes and Creative Nonalcoholic Cocktails

Posted on December 27, 2024December 26, 2024 by Reluctant Retiree

Versatility is the name of the game with these mocktail recipes. Our collection of nonalcoholic cocktails includes everything from summery sippers to mocktails fit for holiday parties.

Whenever I throw a party, I always make an effort to offer nonalcoholic cocktails. Preparing mocktail recipes is a wonderful way to ensure that sober friends and non-drinkers feel welcomed and fully included in the festivities. I never want anyone to feel like their only option is a glass of water or a can of soda from the kid’s cooler!

This list has something for everyone, including spritzer recipes and “virgin” versions of classic cocktails. The booze-free drinks will be appreciated by designated drivers, dry January participants and anyone who just can’t deal with a morning hangover anymore (ahem, me). Made with creative ingredients and sophisticated garnishes, these mocktails are so interesting that your cocktail-loving friends may even request a glass.

If you’re wondering where start, try making alcohol-free margaritas or slushy nojitos. If you’re running short on time after prepping your party food, try making a big-batch recipe like punch and pairing it with store-bought nonalcoholic canned cocktails.