Twenty-sixteen is the year that nearly destroyed us all. So what better way to bid adieu to the year we lost Prince, David Bowie, and Harambe than by throwing an epic New Year’s Eve party?
Wait, but you don’t know what kind of food to serve at an epic New Year’s Eve party? Step away from the store-bought cheese platters. We’ve got recipes of the best desserts, cocktails, and appetizers inspired by our favorite TV shows and movies of 2016.
As you eat (and drink) your emotions this New Year’s Eve, use the recipes found below to impress your friends with your culinary pop culture prowess.
Supergirl: Cupcakes & Champagne
Let’s start with the basics. While not everyone is fortunate enough to have Kara Danvers’ alien metabolism, your party guests will appreciate the combination of fluffy vanilla cupcakes with their New Year’s Eve bubbly. (Bonus points if you learn how to do the champagne party trick.)
Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them: Apple Strudel
Unlike Queenie Goldstein – who uses magic to prepare a strudel in mid-air – an oven may be required to create this classic. But it’ll be worth it.
Luke Cage: Ginger Pork Dumplings
Dumplings are a staple in any Chinese restaurant, except maybe when it’s been destroyed by a rocket launcher. If Genghis Connie’s was still around, this ginger pork dumpling recipe would be at the top of our must-try list.
Westworld: Sherry
Coax your party guests into submission by serving Westworld Host Maeve Millay‘s drink of choice: sherry. Serve the sherry in dainty glasses before single-handedly executing an entire robotic revolution with your friends.
Gilmore Girls: Strawberry Pop Tarts
The return of Gilmore Girls gave us an excuse to eat and eat and eat. Homemade strawberry pop tarts will make for an excellent snack at any New Year’s Eve party.
Deadpool: Chimichangas
Chimichangas are solid proof that everything tastes better deep-fried. The creators of Deadpool, the Golden Globe-nominated movie starring Ryan Reynolds, know about the deep-fried thing. It’s also just a really fun word to say.
Suicide Squad: Fudgy Chocolate Pudding
If you invited Harley Quinn to your New Year’s Eve party, we bet she’d bring in some version of this chocolate pudding recipe.
Pokemon GO: Team Valor Cocktail
No party is complete without booze. Here’s a simple whisky cocktail inspired by Pokemon GO that’ll help ring in the new year.