Traditionally, your New Year's Eve beverage would be a bubbly, expensive champagne. This year, shake things up with one of these new, creative cocktails we tested with LCBO product consultant Janet Nastamagu. They're quick and easy, and will leave your taste buds tingling with excitement.

"As long as you start with a sparkling wine, you can mix it with pretty well any liquor that you love, so just mix it with flavours you like," she says.

Most sparkling wines can be used as the base for a delectable concoction. Take this cool, refreshing cocktail - the French 75.

Shake gin, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice then strain into a champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a maraschino cherry. Presto, drink one complete.

If you're looking for a chic Sex and the City type drink, try this pear martini. In a cocktail shaker half filled with ice, combine pear-flavoured vodka, apricot brandy and lemon juice.

Shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a thin pear slice. Drink two is born, meet Love's Gift.

"It depends on what mood you're feeling in," says Nastamagu. "Each of these drinks has a different palette, a different aroma, so they will appeal to different people. But different people in different moods like different things."

Lastly, drink three - Holiday's Kiss. Ladies, this is a special treat even your guy can kick back with.

Place a soaked brown sugar cube in the bottom of a Champagne flute. Add the cognac and top with Champagne. Garnish with an orange twist.

It doesn't take much to create a delicious, festive drink. So go ahead - be daring and try your hand at something new!

by Sandy Caetano
all pictures by Sandy Caetano

We at ChickAdvisor encourage you to enjoy alcohol responsibly.  Please check with your local authorities for the legal drinking age in your area.