Happy New Year!! Of course most of you know that the Chinese celebrate their New Year on a different day than we do here in America. Each year, the actual date of the Chinese New Year changes. In 2007 it will fall on February 18th. Being a product of both Chinese and American cultures, every year I get to partake in two New Years celebrations!

The one thing that both New Years celebrations have in common are the parties! I just love toasting in the New Year with family and friends! This year I’ve decided to put a little twist in the refreshments with some delicious Chinese inspired Cocktails! Try serving these at your New Year’s bash! Enjoy!

Sesame Delight
1 ½ oz light rum
½ oz lime juice
1 tsp tahini
2 tsp honey

Sesame is a main ingredient found in many of the dishes in Chinese food. Here is a new use for this nutty and delicious flavored seed! Stir together the lime juice, honey and tahini in a shaker. Add the rum and ice, shake and pour into a martini glass.

Chinese Mary
1 ½ oz Vodka
3 oz sweet and sour sauce
½ tsp worcestershire
3 drops Tabasco
½ tsp lemon juice
1 pineapple wheel

Here is a Chinese twist on a traditional “next day” drink. It is made very similar to the Bloody Mary, simply substituting the tomato juice with sweet and sour sauce, and the lime wedge with a pineapple wheel. Place the vodka, sweet and sour sauce, worcestershire, Tabasco, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake and then pour over fresh ice in an old fashion glass.

Ginger Tonic
1 ½ oz brandy
½ oz ginger flavored brandy
¼ oz lime juice
¼ oz orange juice

Ginger flavored brandy can usually be found at your local liquor store. There is a great brand called Mohawk which can be purchased online. Place all the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and pour into a cocktail glass.

Lychee Martini
1 oz lychee wine
1 oz gin or vodka
1/3 oz cherry liquor
½ oz pineapple juice

This drink is one of my favorites! I had the best Lychee Martini at the Four Seasons in Palm Beach. It was delicious! Lychee is actually a nut that you peel and eat the white fruit inside. It has a very sweet flavor. If you can’t find lychee wine, you can substitute with Gewurztraminer. Place all the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and pour into a cocktail glass.

Chinese Cocktail
1 ½ oz Jamaican rum
½ oz grenadine
1 dash bitters
¼ oz triplesec
¼ oz maraschino liquor

This is a traditional Chinese drink. Again, simply place all the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and pour into a cocktail glass and enjoy!