The Chinese calendar – based on lunar cycles beginning with the second new moon after the northern hemisphere winter begins – is divided into 12-year cycles with each year representing different animals. The rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and boar impose their personalities on their allocated years. This year, 2012, is the Year of the Dragon with celebrations beginning on January 23 and continuing for 15 days.

Because the dragon is a mythical creature we can expect a year of surprises marked by excitement, unpredictability, exhilaration and intensity.

And on that note, we take a look at what to drink during the celebrations. The drinks you choose for your Chinese New Year party must reflect the long traditions and festivities that are synonymous with this holiday.

Stock the basics 

Beer, wine, vodka, rum and whiskey. If you are running low on funds, just beer and wine will suffice.

Turn orange

To the Chinese, oranges and tangerines represent wealth, luck and abundant happiness. Some examples of orange drinks are Orange Martini, Screwdriver and Fuzzy Navel.

Go crazy for coconuts

Coconuts represent togetherness. Consider traditional Pina Coladas.

 

Pick pomegranates

Pomegranates symbolize fertility and abundance. Make a Pomegranate Martini. It is delicious and comes with Oprah Winfrey’s seal of approval.

Think Red

The color red means happiness. Mix a batch of Bloody Marys or red sangria

Source: http://www.ehow.com/

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