Lunar New Year is a time of vibrant festivities, rich traditions and delicious feasts. It’s a celebration of family, prosperity and new beginnings, often marked by tradition and toasts to good fortune. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet celebration at home, crafting unique cocktails is one way to elevate the occasion.

Enter The Glenlivet Groundbreaker Collection, Chapter One: The Journey Inward. This limited-edition release is inspired by the artistry of Red Hong Yi, celebrated as ‘The Artist Who Paints Without A Brush.’ Red’s work explores the transformative power of travel, with influences spanning Borneo’s mountains to the bustling streets of Shanghai, and beyond to the Livet Valley in Scotland. 

This single malt whisky, selectively finished in double-charred American oak and European red wine casks, mirrors her journey. It’s the perfect addition to your Chinese New Year celebrations, offering a rich, layered profile that complements both traditional and contemporary cocktail creations.

Ready to raise a glass? Here’s a line-up of whisky cocktails to make this Lunar New Year.

This cocktail combines The Glenlivet’s signature smoothness with soothing tea flavours. The Small Voice of Calm blends whisky with chamomile honey syrup, a hint of lemon, and chilled chamomile tea for a refreshing yet calming drink. Serve it as a welcoming cocktail to set the tone for a relaxed and sophisticated gathering.

For a Lunar New Year twist, consider infusing the chamomile honey with a touch of ginger or goji berries for added depth and symbolism.

A classic with a bold edge, the Smoky Old Fashioned pairs The Glenlivet with the traditional mix of bitters and sugar, as well as a pour of smoky whisky. 

The subtle twist adds complexity, making it an excellent choice for after-dinner sipping or as a companion to charred, crispy duck.

The Ool La La is a whisky-forward cocktail layered with oolong tea and spiced syrup. This aromatic drink balances sweetness and spice, perfect for pairing with rich dishes like dumplings or roasted meats.

Garnish with a slice of candied kumquat or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add texture and a Lunar New Year aesthetic.

The Glenlivet Royale transforms whisky into a celebratory sparkler, combining it with Champagne and a splash of citrus. It’s an elegant way to kick off the festivities or toast at midnight. Tie it into the occasion by replacing the citrus twist with a sliver of mandarin.

The Old Reserve offers a rich, velvety experience with its blend of The Glenlivet, ginger liqueur, a spoonful of honey and orange bitters. It’s a refined choice for those looking to indulge in something luxurious.

Pair this cocktail with traditional Lunar New Year desserts like nian gao (sticky rice cake) to highlight its sweet and bitter notes.

Matcha meets whisky in the Scottish Spring Matcha, a vibrant cocktail combining green tea’s earthiness with The Glenlivet’s smooth profile. This refreshing drink is ideal for a daytime gathering or to cleanse the palate between courses.

For a thematic twist, dust the glass with a touch of gold powder, symbolising prosperity.

The Marmalade Sour is a tangy and citrus-forward cocktail that perfectly balances sweet and sour. Made with marmalade, lemon juice and The Glenlivet whisky, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Experiment with a Chinese-inspired marmalade, such as one made with mandarin or lychee, to add a distinctive twist.

Exotic and vibrant, the Mango Tea Lime Smash pairs tropical mango with zesty lime and the smoothness of The Glenlivet. It’s an energetic cocktail perfect for lively gatherings.

For a Lunar New Year spin, garnish with fresh dragon fruit or a starfruit slice to amplify its festive appeal.

The Chocolate Orange Old Fashioned brings together rich chocolate and bright citrus with The Glenlivet. It’s indulgent and perfectly suited for dessert or as a standalone treat.

Enhance the theme by using a Chinese dark chocolate or orange peel candied with Sichuan pepper for added spice and warmth.

A whisky classic, the Vieux Carré blends The Glenlivet with sweet vermouth, bitters and herbal liqueurs. The result is a complex cocktail that has all the characterful flavours of China; sweet yet bitter, smoky yet smooth, with a touch of spice. 

Serve it alongside Lunar New Year platters featuring savoury snacks and dried fruits.

Light and refreshing, the Grapefruit Paloma combines whisky with fresh grapefruit juice and soda. This bright cocktail is great for daytime celebrations or as a palate refresher.

For a festive update, add a pinch of Sichuan pepper or garnish with a sprig of mint.

Warm and comforting, the Bonfire Hot Toddy is a classic cocktail featuring whisky, honey and lemon. Plus extra spice from a generous pour of ginger syrup. It’s the ideal drink for cosy evening celebrations during the colder weather.

Embrace a traditional garnish of cinnamon sticks and cloves for additional festivity.

The Umeshu Highball takes inspiration from Japanese and Chinese flavours, combining whisky with umeshu plum liqueur. It’s light, sweet and incredibly fruity, perfect for serving to guests this Lunar New Year.

For a seasonal adaptation, use wumei jiu, a traditional Chinese plum wine, to complement the whisky’s smoothness.

Taken from our collection of whisky cocktails, these drinks offer a unique way to celebrate the season, whether classic or reinvented with a Lunar New Year twist. Raise a glass to prosperity, joy and the journey ahead!