65 New Year’s Shots to Toast the Year in Style

The strike of midnight deserves more than a single clink of a flute. Tiny, flavorful shots bring color, fizz, and fun to your countdown and well past the ball drop. From bubbly riffs to dessert-like treats, these 65 shooters cover the spectrum of spirits, fruits, and spices, so you can build a tray that suits every palate. Mix, chill, and pass them around—cheers to fresh beginnings!

1. Champagne Jelly Shot

Dissolve unflavored gelatin into sparkling wine and a splash of elderflower liqueur, then let it set in mini molds. The result wiggles like childhood dessert but carries unmistakable adult sparkle. Cut into cubes and serve on spoons for an elegant, mess-free toast.

2. Midnight Kiss

Vodka, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice meet in a vibrant cobalt hue that mimics a starry night. A tiny squeeze of lime keeps the sweetness in check. Hand these out a minute before twelve for a citrusy good-luck smooch.

3. Golden Glitter

Goldschläger’s suspended cinnamon flakes already feel celebratory, but layering it with vanilla schnapps rounds the spice with sweetness. Serve well-chilled so the metallic flecks twirl slowly. It’s a glimmering way to wish friends prosperity.

4. Pomegranate Sparkler

Pomegranate juice, vodka, and a quick stir of simple syrup create a jewel-toned base. Top each shot with a whisper of prosecco right before serving for gentle fizz. The tart pop pairs beautifully with rich party snacks.

5. Espresso Firecracker

Combine espresso vodka with coffee liqueur and a dash of homemade chili tincture. The heat creeps in just after the roast-coffee notes fade. It’s a jolt of caffeine and spice that keeps everyone dancing.

6. Cinnamon Toast

RumChata and Fireball team up for a creamy cereal-inspired shooter. Shake with ice, strain, and sprinkle cinnamon over frothy tops. Even folks who usually skip shots go back for seconds thanks to the nostalgic flavor.

7. Raspberry Lemon Drop

Infuse vodka with fresh raspberries overnight, then shake with lemon juice and triple sec. A sugared rim offers sweet crunch against tart liquid. Serve icy cold for maximum zing.

8. Maple Bourbon Bomb

Equal parts good bourbon and dark maple syrup deliver campfire warmth in a single gulp. A micro-crisp of candied bacon on top adds smoky contrast. It’s the shot version of a hearty winter cocktail.

9. Candy Cane Crush

Vanilla vodka, white crème de menthe, and a splash of cream create a silky mint base. Roll rims in crushed candy cane for sparkle and crunch. These look festive on a mirrored tray beside the tree.

10. Spiced Pear

Bartlett pear purée, spiced rum, and a drop of clove syrup build gentle sweetness with depth. Fine-strain for a smooth finish. The subtle spice whispers of mulled cider without overpowering the fruit.

11. Lychee Martini Shot

Vodka, lychee syrup, and a hint of vermouth channel the ever-popular lychee martini into petite form. Keep them ultra cold for a crisp finish. It’s a lightly floral palate cleanser between heavier drinks.

12. Salted Caramel Chocolate

Layer chocolate liqueur and caramel vodka, then finish with a speck of salt right before serving. The contrast turns each sip into liquid candy. Ideal as a dessert shooter when the clock hits twelve-thirty.

13. Kiwi Lime Fizz

Muddled kiwi meets white rum and fresh lime for tropical tang. A quick top of club soda right before pouring introduces lively effervescence. The color alone earns ooohs from across the room.

14. Blood Orange Negroni Shot

Swap standard gin for blood-orange-infused gin, then mix equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth. Chill thoroughly and strain into chilled shot glasses. The bittersweet profile suits aperitif fans craving complexity.

15. Melon Ball

Midori, vodka, and pineapple juice join forces for a 1980s classic in half the size. Shake with ice to lighten the texture. Serve with a mini honeydew ball for a playful nod to the drink’s name.

16. Fireball Cider

Warm apple cider yields to Fireball cinnamon whisky for sweet heat. A dash of allspice dram deepens the seasonal flavor. Chill the mixture before pouring so the spices hit first, then the apple lingers.

17. Tropical Sunrise

Build grenadine at the bottom, then gently add orange juice and coconut rum. The gradient forms on its own and looks like a tiny sunrise in glass. Garnish with a sliver of maraschino cherry for extra pop.

18. Gingerbread Snap

Combine Irish cream, spiced rum, and ginger syrup for a liquid cookie experience. A dash of molasses carries authentic bakery aroma. Sip it after holiday desserts or as a sweet pre-midnight treat.

19. Peach Bellini Shooter

Blend peach purée with prosecco and a whisper of peach schnapps. Strain to remove pulp, keeping texture silky. The tiny raspberry sinks slowly, echoing a full-size Bellini in miniature.

20. Blueberry Cheesecake

Vanilla vodka, blueberry purée, and cream liqueur emulate dessert in a gulp. Shake with ice until frothy, then strain. A graham crumb rim seals the cheesecake vibe.

21. Apple Pie Moonshine

Use commercially made apple pie moonshine or craft your own by steeping neutral spirits with apple, cinnamon, and clove. Serve at room temperature so spices bloom. It’s comfort in sip-sized form.

22. Blackberry Sage

Muddle blackberries with simple syrup and shake with gin plus a quick sage tincture. Double-strain for velvety texture. Earthy herb tones ground the berry sweetness nicely.

23. Creamy Pistachio

Pistachio liqueur and white chocolate cream blend into a silky, nut-forward shooter. Chill thoroughly so the oils don’t separate. The color pairs perfectly with gold party décor.

24. Tiramisu Tease

Layer coffee liqueur, mascarpone-infused vodka, and vanilla cream. A light shake of cocoa completes the café effect. It’s like dessert and espresso rolled into one sip.

25. Coconut Rum Snowball

Coconut rum, cream of coconut, and a dash of white crème de cacao deliver tropical sweetness that still feels wintry. Serve in frosted glasses for visual chill. Shredded coconut on top resembles fresh snow.

26. Strawberry Basil Burst

Muddle ripe strawberries with basil leaves, then shake with vodka and lemon. The herb brightens the fruit without taking center stage. Fine-strain so the color stays vivid but seeds stay out.

27. Fig & Honey

Infuse bourbon with dried figs for a week, then mix with a spoon of honey and splash of lemon. Warm, dark fruit notes balance the spirit’s bite. It’s a refined sipper for whiskey lovers.

28. Lavender Lemon Gin

Steep dried culinary lavender in simple syrup, then shake with London dry gin and lemon juice. Strain to keep the drink clear yet floral. The aroma alone calms pre-midnight jitters.

29. Mango Chili

Blitz ripe mango with blanco tequila and lime, then add a tiny splash of agave. A chili-salt rim brings sweet-heat contrast. This one disappears quickly among spice fans.

30. Almond Joy

Amaretto, coconut cream, and dark chocolate liqueur recreate the famous candy bar in liquid form. Shake hard for froth, then strain into chilled glasses. Chocolate shavings melt slightly, blending aroma and taste.

31. Grapefruit Rosemary

Fresh grapefruit juice, vodka, and rosemary simple syrup yield a bitter-sweet balance. Double-strain to avoid pulp clogging small glasses. Rosemary’s pine notes feel right for winter parties.

32. Hazelnut Espresso

Shake chilled espresso with hazelnut liqueur and vodka for a nutty caffeine punch. The crumble rim gives tiny crunch between sips. Ideal for the late-night crowd who still isn’t ready for bed.

33. Passionfruit Pop

Passionfruit purée and white rum create a tangy base, while vanilla syrup softens edges. Seeds add texture and dramatic speckled look. The tropical aroma lifts winter spirits instantly.

34. Cranberry Rosemary Spark

Combine cranberry vodka, homemade rosemary syrup, and a splash of dry sparkling wine. Express a rosemary sprig over the tray for aromatic smoke. Color and scent make this shot unforgettable.

35. Irish Cream Espresso Jelly

Brew strong espresso, sweeten lightly, then set with gelatin for the bottom layer. Top with silky Irish-cream gelatin once the first layer firms. The multi-texture bite is part drink, part dessert.

36. Pineapple Upside-Down

Vanilla vodka and pineapple juice shaken with ice form the main pour. Carefully add a drop of grenadine so it settles at the base. Each sip moves from fruity vanilla to sweet cherry finish.

37. Matcha White Chocolate

Whisk sifted matcha into warm white-chocolate liqueur, then cool and shake with vodka. The umami note keeps sweetness in check. Dust a pinch of extra matcha on top for contrast.

38. Orange Blossom

Gin, orange-blossom water, and fresh orange juice mingle for a delicate floral sipper. Keep the blossom water minimal so it doesn’t overpower. The aroma hints at spring even while snow falls outside.

39. Black Forest

Layer cherry brandy, chocolate liqueur, and whipped cream. A quick dust of shaved chocolate channels the famous cake. Dessert fans flock to these instantly.

40. Watermelon Mint

Fresh watermelon juice, white rum, and mint simple syrup keep things light and refreshing. Fine-strain twice so pulp doesn’t cloud the glasses. Even in winter, the flavor brings a hint of summer fête.

41. Chai Spice

Infuse vodka with black tea and spices like cardamom and clove, then shake with half-and-half and honey. The shot tastes like a creamy chai latte with hidden kick. Perfect alongside holiday cookies.

42. Yuzu Gin Fizz

Yuzu juice’s floral tartness sings against gin and small-batch tonic syrup. A vigorous shake makes a frothy cap without egg. Serve immediately so the fizz stays lively.

43. Peppermint Mocha

Combine peppermint schnapps, coffee liqueur, and chocolate milk, then shake over ice. A quick whipped-cream dome and cocoa dust bring café vibes. It’s like a holiday coffee run distilled into one gulp.

44. Cucumber Elderflower

Muddle cucumber slices, add vodka and St-Germain, then fine-strain. The result is cool and floral, great between richer drinks. Serve extra cold for ultimate refreshment.

45. Apricot Brandy Brûlée

Apricot brandy and vanilla cream form a custard-like base. Top each shot with a thin sugar layer, torch lightly until amber. Crack the crust with a spoon for sweet crunch before sipping.

46 .S’mores Shooter

Chocolate liqueur, marshmallow vodka, and a graham-cracker rim recreate campfire memories. Torch a mini marshmallow just until golden and perch it on top. The fragrance alone draws a crowd.

47. Hibiscus Tequila

Steep dried hibiscus flowers in blanco tequila for 24 hours, strain, then sweeten with agave. A squeeze of lime elevates florals to cocktail territory. The color pops beautifully under low lights.

48. Lemon Ginger Drop

Vodka, fresh lemon, and ginger syrup come together for a bright, spicy kick. A sugared rim tempers the heat. It’s the grown-up cousin of classic lemonade.

49. Butterscotch Bomb

Butterscotch schnapps meets spiced rum for a rich, toffee-like sip. Shake with milk to soften intensity. A quick swirl of syrup on top amps up dessert vibes.

50. Cherry Cola

Cherry vodka and cola liqueur mimic the soda fountain classic in mini form. Add a tiny dash of vanilla extract for authenticity. The fizz tickles as you shoot it back.

51. Turmeric Tonic

Vodka infused with fresh turmeric roots gains earthy warmth. Shake with honey, lemon, and a pinch of black pepper to increase absorption of the spice. Healthy glow, party flow.

52. Key Lime Pie

Vanilla rum, lime juice, and condensed milk create zesty custard notes. A graham-cracker rim seals the pie effect. Chill well so flavors meld into silky bliss.

53. Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Muddle blackberries with mint and simple syrup, then add bourbon. Double-strain for a clear, jewel-tone shot. Smoky oak meets ripe berry in each sip.

54. Honeydew Cooler

Blend honeydew chunks into juice, mix with gin and elderflower tonic syrup. The subtle sweetness feels refreshing amid richer drinks. Serve frosty cold for best flavor.

55. Red Velvet

Chocolate vodka, cream, and a touch of beet juice for natural color replicate the cake. Rim with sweetened cream-cheese frosting and red sugar crystals. It’s practically a miniature cupcake.

56. Lychee Rose

Shake lychee liqueur, vodka, and a few drops of rose water. Strain and pour in chilled glasses so aromatics stay delicate. Floral lovers keep asking for refills.

57. Pineapple Jalapeño

Infuse tequila with jalapeño slices for just two hours, then blend with pineapple juice and lime. The spice level stays gentle yet noticeable. A quick salt rim rounds the flavor.

58. Hazelnut Praline

Frangelico, caramel vodka, and a dash of cream equal nutty dessert bliss. A crumble of candied pecan on top adds toasty crunch. Perfect for those nursing a sweet tooth.

59. Mandarin Mule Shot

Combine mandarin vodka, lime, and ginger beer concentrate for a mule in micro form. Pour right before serving to keep ginger’s sparkle alive. The citrus zest wakes up tired taste buds.

60. Blue Curaçao Coconut Wave

Blue curaçao and coconut rum swirl into tropical color. A dash of cream lightens the texture without muting hue. It looks like the ocean captured in glass.

61. Spicy Tamarind

Blend tamarind concentrate, mezcal, and agave syrup for smoky-tart complexity. Chili-salt around the rim keeps flavors balanced. Adventurous guests will rave about this one.

62. Cotton Candy Vodka Pop

Stir vanilla vodka with raspberry liqueur, then pour over a fluff of spun sugar just before serving. The cotton candy melts dramatically, sweetening the drink. It’s part magic trick, part cocktail.

63. Dark Chocolate Orange

Use high-cacao chocolate liqueur, blood-orange vodka, and a touch of espresso for depth. The combo tastes like a sophisticated truffle. Serve slightly warmer than fridge temp so chocolate aromas bloom.

64. Vanilla Chai Cream

Blend vanilla vodka, chai-infused cream, and dark rum. Shake hard to froth, then strain into pre-chilled glasses. Warm spices play beautifully against smooth vanilla.

65. Sparkling Rosé Gummies

Sparkling rosé, strawberry purée, and gelatin set into bite-sized gummies, then go into shot glasses for tidy serving. A quick sprinkle of luster dust makes them shimmer. They’re the sweetest way to end, or maybe start, a brand-new year.