Big-Batch Pineapple New Years Cocktails

New Years Cocktails | Dine X Design This holiday season we want to change up that  bottle of bubbly with some on the go new years cocktails...

So we asked Nathan Hazard to create three completely different big-batch cocktails all using pineapple (the symbol of hospitality and luxury!) for a wide variety of new years celebrations - and the result is exotically exciting.

Whether you're in the mood for a holiday punch, a sparkling cocktail or a warm night cap, we've got you covered with these three pineapple big-batch cocktails sure to please while ringing in the new year!

Big Batch New Years Cocktails | Dine X Design


A native plant of South America, Columbus "discovered" the pineapple on the island of Guadeloupe in 1493. He is also responsible for the storied confusion with the pine cone, introducing the fruit as piña de Indias; "pine cone of the Indies." Europe swooned. The fragile export became an instant status symbol. 
 
This play on the Kir Royal features two of Hawaii's "royal" exports, and is bubbly, so instantly fun. 
 
~Nathan

 
Hawaiian Royal
 
Makes one cocktail:
3/4 oz Pineapple-Honey syrup
1/2 oz Macadamia Nut Liqueur
Angostura bitters
Sparkling wine
 
For the Pineapple-Honey syrup:
1/2 cup pure honey
1/2 cup water
1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch cubes
 

Combine the honey and water in a small saucepan and stir over medium heat until honey dissolves. Add pineapple and simmer for five minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let cool completely. Transfer syrup and pineapple cubes to an air-tight container, seal and chill until use.

For each cocktail, in a Champagne flute combine 3/4 oz syrup, 1/2 oz Macadamia Nut Liqueur (Amaretto or Benedictine are fine subsititutes here), and a dash of bitters. Top with chilled sparkling wine and garnish with rosemary sprig and a honeyed pineapple cube.

Hawaiian Royal And Makahiki Hou Punch | New Years Cocktails | Dine X Design


At the height of its popularity, a whole pineapple was a hospitality gift fit for a king, and serving its sweetmeats the crowning achievement of a superior hostess.
 
Fitting, then, to treat your party host with a bottle of pineapple punch! This Makahiki Hou cocktail (Makahiki Hou is Hawaiian for "New Year") is easy to pre-batch and tote along in a bottle (or two, or three) and is guaranteed to upstage offerings of bubbly. 
 
~Nathan

 
Makahiki Hou Punch
serves 12
 
12 oz gin
9 oz Amontillado sherry
12 oz pineapple juice
6 oz orgeat (we used Small Hand Foods)
6 oz fresh lemon juice
several dashes Angostura bitters

Combine all ingredients. Funnel into air-tight bottles and chill thoroughly before serving.

Hot Buttered Grog | New Years Cocktails | Dine X Design


After arriving in Spain, pineapples became popular scurvy-protection amongst sailors, as was "grog" - the marriage is only natural. This winter warmer is more than medicinal though, and nods to another favorite night cap - hot buttered rum.
 
The base can be prepared in advance - Just add hot water and the compound butter to serve. 
 
~Nathan

 
Hot Buttered Grog
serves 12
 
12 oz aged rum
6 oz light ale or wheat beer (such as Maui Brewing Co.'s Mana Wheat)
12 oz pineapple juice
6 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
24 oz hot water
cinnamon butter
nutmeg
 
For the cinnamon butter:
1/2 cup butter (at room temperature)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoon honey
pinch of smoked salt
 
 

In a bowl, combine butter, cinnamon, honey and salt. Thoroughly mix until well-combined. Spoon butter mixture onto parchment paper and roll into a cylinder. Wrap in foil and chill butter until solid. Will keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Combine rum, beer, juices, sugar and spices in a saucepan over low heat and stir, heating slowly to dissolve the brown sugar but not cook off the alcohol. Boil water separately. Combine to serve. Top with a pat of cinnamon butter and grated nutmeg.

Pineapple Big Batch New Years Cocktails | Dine X Design

How will you ring in the new year!? With punch, bubbles or a warm spicy sip? We're thinking of enjoying  the season (and the pineapple) by indulging in ALL THREE!  Made ahead of time, with not much prep needed once you arrive to your party, these cocktails are the perfect way to celebrate in style.

Want more drink ideas for your party!? Check out all our cocktail inspiration for your celebratory needs.

Happy New Year Everyone - Cheers!

 


 

Cocktail Consultation & Recipes: Nathan Hazard
Styling & Photography: Kristin Guy

You can find more of Nathan on instagram, twitter & making an appearance on our on-going original series You Got Served.
 
And if you live in the Los Angeles area also check out his cocktails at theatrical tiki experience The Coconut Club.