By Stephen Phillips

Stephen Phillips, host of Great Cocktails

For me, how and where and with whom I spend my New Year's celebration is symbolic of the kind of year I hope to have.

This coming year it’s all about making life simpler -- and healthier! So this New Year's Eve, my wife and I will be serving several festive cocktails that combine a touch of elegance, great taste and easy preparation ('cause when the clock strikes 12, I don’t want to be caught mixing up drinks -- I want to be out there "mixing it up" with my friends!).

What I like most about these cocktails is that they are either healthy alternatives, or they can be served with or without alcohol. A truly great way to start off the New Year -- now that’s something to cheer about!

Here are my top five favorite cocktails to help keep the party flowing and take you and your guests easily through the night.

Rumpope: An Ecuadorian Eggnog
Everyone will fall in love with this one -- a great way to "greet" your guests. I love it because it’s festive and can be enjoyed with or without spirits. Pronounced "Rom-poe-pay," this Ecuadorian family recipe has been passed down over generations. My wife has graciously passed it onto me, and it’s truly one of the most delicious and most popular holiday drinks I’ve ever had or served. My guests are still asking for it a year later!

Ingredients:

8 eggs
1 can of condensed milk
3 to 4 canned peach halves or 8 to 10 canned peach slices
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
two 8-ounce cups of rum (optional)
cinnamon powder or cinnamon stick for garnish

Preparation:
Whip eggs in blender for 4 to 5 minutes. Add condensed milk, canned peaches, vanilla extract and blend thoroughly. Slowly add rum as the ingredients are blending (you can increase or decrease quantity as per your taste).

For a nonalcoholic eggnog: Do not add the rum; simply have your guests add 1-1/2 to 2 oz. of rum to their own individual drink.

Sprinkle cinnamon around the top or add a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Makes 4-6 Servings

Tip: For larger parties make several pitchers (keep refrigerated) and serve in a large punch bowl surrounded by ice to keep it fresh and cool throughout the evening.

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