While you may not be able to update your house decor, makeover your family or befriend celebrities in time for your annual New Year's party, you can still up your rank in the hippest host stakes this season. The easiest way? Offer some creative new libations to your party goers. These suggestions will add some sparkle to your traditional soiree.

The Updated Essential

There's an often overlooked selection that is especially appropriate during the holidays, and will add that little bit of glamour to your bar.

Bar owner Toufik Sarwa of Toronto's chic Cinq 01 and Amber believes that champagne should be a standard option for parties at this time of year--"and anytime frankly", says Sarwa. "It brings the whole atmosphere up a notch."

If you are on a budget, sparkling wine from areas other than Champagne is less expensive and is just as festive. Sarwa recommends several options: Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine; Cremant, from France; Cava, from Spain; and of course our own home-grown Canadian varieties.

The New Twist

Spiced punch or a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (light rum, grenadine and lemon juice) can be fun holiday-themed drink offerings, but Sarwa prefers something more elegant. "Your guests will always notice the extra effort. A special drink enhances the mood and experience." Sawa's choices? Twists on old classics.

For example, instead of drinks using old stalwarts like vodka and gin, try Campari and soda, or an Americano: Campari, Sweet Vermouth and club soda.

Want something even more unique? Try offering your own version of Cinq 01's Gertrude Stein beverage.

GERTRUDE STEIN
2 ounces of Pim's
2 ounces of chamomile extract
A freshly squeezed lemon
Garnished with cucumber

The Everything Old is New Again

Despite -- or maybe because of -- its infamy, absinthe, a drink especially popular in 1920's, is enjoying a chic revival. Sarwa suggests offering shots of absinthe or mixing it for a drink that guests will definitely find unique and memorable this season. Originalabsinthe.com offers this simple seasonal recipe:

ABSINTHE EYE
1/3 peppermint
2/3 Absinthe Original

Shake well and pour into cocktail glass.

The Long Goodbye

We asked Sarwa for his current favourite holiday drink. It's a version of the French Martini he calls the Bauldelaire:

1 1/2 oz vodka
1/4 oz Chambord® raspberry liqueur
1/4 oz Black Currant
Fresh Lime

The Usual Suspects

No matter which creative cocktails you offer, don't forget to stock the standards: rum, vodka, gin, scotch and tequila. After all, some people are less adventurous than others. Good ol' Uncle Ed won't be happy if you don't have his usual gin and tonic on hand.

Salut!