Stumped on what your New Year’s resolution should be this year? Instead of vowing to loose weight, save money or run a marathon…how about making a resolution to broaden your cocktail portfolio? Put an end to mixing up the same old cocktails at your next party in 2012 and try one of these delicious bevies instead.

1. EFFEN^® Cucumber Basil Temptress

Created by David Nepove – National President, U.S. Bartender’s Guild

1½ parts EFFEN^® Cucumber Vodka

1 part Lime Juice

¾ parts Simple Syrup

3 Leaves of Basil

1½ parts Club Soda

Method: Add all ingredients, except club soda, to a cocktail shaker over ice and shake.  Strain and pour into a tall glass with ice.  Top with club soda and garnish with a cucumber wheel and basil leaf.

2. Cruzan 9 Nova

1 part Cruzan Light Rum
1 part Cruzan 9 Spiced Rum
.5 part DeKuyper Apricot Brandy
1 part fresh lemon sour
3 parts pineapple juice
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into hurricane glass. Garnish with pineapple wedge and dusting of fresh ground nutmeg.

3. Basil Hayden’s® Apple Bubbly

1 part Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon

Sparkling Apple Juice

Method: Add Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon to a champagne flute and fill the remainder with sparkling apple juice. Garnish with a sliced apple
4. Knob Creek® Manhattan

2 parts Knob Creek® Bourbon

½ part Sweet Vermouth

½ part Dry Vermouth

1 dash Bitters

Garnish: Maraschino Cherry

Method: Fill a mixing glass with ice.  Add Knob Creek, vermouth, and bitters. Stir and pour into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.