Top 10 Lightened-Up New Year’s Eve Cocktail & Appetizer Recipes

It’s time to see the year out in style, with my top 10 favorite New Year’s Eve cocktail and appetizer recipes.

I may not be able to stay up until midnight anymore (seriously, what is wrong with me? Am I 95 years old already?!), but I love everything about New Year’s Eve. The hors d’oeuvres, the cocktails, the fondue, the kisses…and the promise of a new year and fresh slate just around the corner.

If we’re going to to send out the old year and bring in a new one, it needs to be done in style. That’s why I’ve pulled together my favorite cocktail and appetizer recipes in hopes that you’ll find something here to add to your celebration.

Let’s dive in!

#1 Mini Hummus & Roasted Pepper Phyllo Bites

These easy, irresistible Mini Hummus & Roasted Pepper Phyllo Bites are perfect for entertaining or healthy snacking! And believe me, I’ve eaten enough for afternoon snacks to attest to that!

Mini Hummus & Roasted Pepper Phyllo Bites

#2 Pink Grapefruit Margarita

These Pink Grapefruit Margaritas will impart a burst of freshness into the typically heavy offerings of the season. There’s no fake stuff in this drink…all fresh juices!

Pink Grapefruit Margarita

#3 Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Appetizer with Caper Yogurt

We made this Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Appetizer with Caper Yogurt recipe for New Year’s Eve last year and again for a Christmas dinner appetizer this year. It can be made ahead of time and it always curbs our craving for smoked salmon.

Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Appetizer with Caper Yogurt

#4 Hot Cranberry & Whiskey Lemonade

This Hot Cranberry & Whiskey Lemonade cocktail will warm you from the inside it. This is the drink that made me fall in love with whiskey!

Hot Cranberry & Whiskey Lemonade

#5 Healthy Mediterranean 7-Layer Dip

Here’s a fresh take on the 7-layer dip, putting a Mediterranean spin on this healthy appetizer recipe. This Healthy Mediterranean 7-Layer Dip will be a hit at your New Year’s Eve party!

Healthy Mediterranean 7-Layer Dip

#6 Skinny Pesto Pizza Crostini {Vegetarian}

These easy, make-ahead Skinny Pesto Pizza Crostini will be the hit of the party. They’re perfect for the holiday season and they’re easy enough that the kids can help put them together.

Skinny Pesto Pizza Crostini

#7 3-Ingredient Brie & Cranberry Phyllo Turnovers

In these 3-Ingredient Brie & Cranberry Phyllo Turnovers, melted Brie cheese and cranberry sauce are tucked into phyllo dough to make irresistibly flaky and cheesy appetizer turnovers.

3-Ingredient Brie & Cranberry Phyllo Turnover

#8 Cranberry Kamikaze Shot or Cocktail

I’m reviving my “kamikaze queen” status with this cranberry version of a classic shot or cocktail. It’s perfect for New Year’s Eve! Here’s the Cranberry Kamikaze Shot (or Cocktail) recipe.

Cranberry Kamikaze Shot (or Cocktail)

#9 Cinnamon Apple & Goat Cheese Crostini

This is what happens when I listen to my son’s recipe ideas. Apples, cinnamon and goat cheese come together into one fantastic crostini appetizer or snack. Here’s Cinnamon Apple & Goat Cheese Crostini recipe.

Cinnamon Apple & Goat Cheese Crostini

#10 Mini Sherry Shrimp & Tarragon Phyllo Bites

These cute Mini Sherry Shrimp & Tarragon Phyllo Bite appetizers may have fancy (and wonderful!) flavors, but they are a breeze to put together!

Mini Sherry Shrimp & Tarragon Phyllo Bites

Have a wonderful and safe celebration!