10 Classic New Year's Eve Midnight Shots to Toast 2026

 10 Classic New Year's Eve Midnight Shots to Toast 2026

As the clock ticks closer to midnight, it's time to raise a glass and welcome the New Year with a bang! Ditch the complicated cocktails for a moment and embrace the tradition of the midnight shot. These 10 classic recipes are simple, celebratory, and the perfect way to toast 2026. Each one is designed to be a quick, delicious burst of flavor to kick off the next 365 days.

1. The Classic Lemon Drop

A sweet, sour, and perfectly balanced shot that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The sugared rim adds a nice texture and balances the tart lemon juice.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Vodka (chilled)

• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• 0.5 oz Simple Syrup

• Granulated sugar, for the rim

Directions

1. Prepare the glass: First, take a small, shallow dish and spread a thin layer of granulated sugar on it.

2. Moisten the rim: Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your shot glass to moisten it slightly.

3. Sugar the rim: Carefully dip the moistened rim of the glass into the sugar, ensuring a thin, even coat adheres to the edge.

4. Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the chilled vodka, the fresh lemon juice, and the simple syrup.

5. Add ice: Fill the shaker about three-quarters full with ice cubes.

6. Shake thoroughly: Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds. This is crucial to properly chill and slightly dilute the mixture.

7. Strain and serve: Open the shaker and carefully strain the mixture into the prepared, sugared shot glass. Serve immediately before the New Year countdown!

2. B-52

A famous layered shot that looks as impressive as it tastes. The B-52 is a sweet, coffee, and cream delight, made from three distinct liqueurs carefully poured to remain separate.

Ingredients

• 0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlúa)

• 0.5 oz Irish Cream Liqueur (like Baileys)

• 0.5 oz Orange Liqueur (like Grand Marnier)

Directions

1. Chill the liqueurs: Ensure all three liqueurs are well-chilled before you begin. This helps the layers set properly.

2. Pour the first layer: Start by gently pouring the 0.5 oz of coffee liqueur into the bottom of the shot glass. This is the heaviest layer and will be the base.

3. Pour the second layer: Take a bar spoon (or the back of a small regular spoon) and turn it upside down over the glass. Place the tip of the spoon just above the surface of the coffee liqueur. Very slowly and carefully pour the 0.5 oz of Irish Cream Liqueur over the back of the spoon. The spoon diffuses the pour, preventing it from mixing with the bottom layer.

4. Pour the third layer: Wipe the spoon clean, then repeat the technique. Slowly and carefully pour the 0.5 oz of Orange Liqueur over the back of the spoon onto the Irish Cream layer. It should rest on top as the final, lightest layer.

5. Serve: The shot should show three beautiful, distinct layers. Serve immediately. Note: Traditionally, the top layer is sometimes ignited, but for safety, we recommend serving it as is.

3. Kamikaze

A straightforward, potent shot with a perfect blend of vodka, triple sec, and lime. The name suggests a quick, decisive strike—just what you need at midnight.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Vodka (chilled)

• 0.5 oz Triple Sec (Orange Liqueur)

• 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice

Directions

1. Gather equipment: Locate a cocktail shaker and your shot glass.

2. Measure ingredients: Pour the 1 oz of chilled vodka, the 0.5 oz of triple sec, and the 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice into the shaker.

3. Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes until it is almost full.

4. Shake vigorously: Place the lid on the shaker and shake very hard until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold to the touch. This ensures maximum chill and optimal dilution.

5. Strain: Remove the lid and carefully strain the mixture from the shaker into the shot glass.

6. Garnish (optional): You may choose to garnish the rim with a small lime wedge to enhance the citrus aroma.

4. Tequila Slammer

A fizzy, vibrant, and fun shot that requires a bit of theatrics! It's a celebratory favorite, often drunk quickly after slamming the glass on the table to create a foam.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Tequila (Blanco/Silver)

• 1 oz Carbonated Mixer (Club Soda, Lemon-Lime Soda, or Ginger Ale)

Directions

1. Choose the glass: Use a sturdy shot glass or a small tumbler that can handle being lightly slammed.

2. Pour the tequila: Carefully pour 1 oz of Blanco/Silver Tequila into the glass.

3. Add the mixer: Gently pour 1 oz of the chosen carbonated mixer on top of the tequila. It is important to leave a little headspace at the top of the glass.

4. Cover the glass: Immediately cover the top of the glass with a napkin, your palm, or a coaster, ensuring a tight seal.

5. Slam and drink: Lift the glass about half an inch and firmly slam it down onto a sturdy surface (like a table or bar). This creates fizz and foam.

6. Consume immediately: As soon as the foam appears, remove your hand and quickly drink the entire shot while it is still fizzy.

5. Green Tea Shot

Despite the name, this shot contains no actual green tea. It's a delicious, fruity-yet-whiskey-based shot that is surprisingly smooth and refreshing.

Ingredients

• 0.75 oz Irish Whiskey (like Jameson)

• 0.75 oz Peach Schnapps

• 0.25 oz Sweet and Sour Mix

• A splash of Lemon-Lime Soda

Directions

1. Measure the base: In a cocktail shaker, pour the 0.75 oz of Irish Whiskey and the 0.75 oz of Peach Schnapps.

2. Add the sour: Include the 0.25 oz of Sweet and Sour Mix.

3. Fill and chill: Add ice to the shaker and seal it. Shake the mixture well until it is very cold.

4. Strain: Strain the chilled mixture into a shot glass.

5. Top it off: Add a small splash of lemon-lime soda directly into the shot glass to give it a slight effervescence and to brighten the flavor.

6. Serve: Present the vibrant green shot right away.

6. Jägerbomb

A truly high-energy New Year's shot. This involves dropping a shot of the herbal liqueur into a glass of energy drink, creating an instant celebration.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Herbal Liqueur (Jägermeister)

• 4 oz Energy Drink (like Red Bull)

Directions

1. Prepare the large glass: Pour 4 oz of your chosen energy drink into a small highball glass, pint glass, or a sturdy beer mug. Ensure the glass is wide enough to catch the shot glass when dropped.

2. Prepare the shot: Pour the 1.5 oz of herbal liqueur into a standard shot glass.

3. The drop: Carefully balance the shot glass filled with the liqueur on the rim of the glass containing the energy drink.

4. The slam: On the stroke of midnight (or your chosen toast moment), push the shot glass of liqueur into the energy drink so it drops and mixes instantly.

5. Chug: Immediately lift the glass and drink the entire mixture quickly.

7. Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A sweet, dessert-like shot that tastes exactly like its namesake. It’s a fun, simple way to enjoy a "slice of cake" without the mess.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Vanilla Vodka

• 1 oz Pineapple Juice (chilled)

• A splash of Grenadine

Directions

1. Prepare the grenadine: Start by adding the small splash of grenadine directly into the bottom of the shot glass. It should form a thin layer.

2. Combine the main ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, mix the 1 oz of Vanilla Vodka and the 1 oz of chilled Pineapple Juice.

3. Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and slightly frothy.

4. Layer the shot: Slowly strain the vodka and pineapple juice mixture over the back of a spoon into the shot glass. Be careful not to pour too quickly, which would disturb the grenadine layer at the bottom.

5. Presentation: The shot should have a white/pale yellow body with a red layer at the bottom, mimicking the appearance of the dessert.

8. Cement Mixer

A classic, though polarizing, shot known for its unique, textural reaction. This is purely for the adventurous crowd looking for a laugh.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Irish Cream Liqueur (Baileys)

• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice

Directions

1. Prepare the glasses: Pour 1 oz of Irish Cream Liqueur into one shot glass and 1 oz of fresh lime juice into a separate shot glass.

2. Drink the lime: Quickly drink the shot of fresh lime juice and hold it in your mouth without swallowing.

3. Drink the cream: Immediately after, take the shot of Irish Cream Liqueur into your mouth, combining it with the lime juice.

4. The reaction: Swish the two liquids together in your mouth. The acidity of the lime juice will cause the cream liqueur to curdle instantly, creating a thick, cement-like texture.

5. Swallow: The traditional method is to swallow the mixture immediately.

9. Polar Bear

A cool, minty, and sweet shot that is perfect for a winter celebration like New Year's Eve. It's simple, refreshing, and tastes like a grown-up peppermint candy.

Ingredients

• 1 oz White Cacao Liqueur (Créme de Cacao Blanc)

• 1 oz Peppermint Schnapps

Directions

1. Chill everything: Ensure both the liqueurs and the shot glass are very well-chilled, preferably having spent time in the freezer.

2. Combine in shaker: Pour the 1 oz of white cacao liqueur and the 1 oz of peppermint schnapps into a cocktail shaker.

3. Add ice: Add a small amount of ice to the shaker. Since the ingredients are already cold, you only need a quick chill.

4. Shake lightly: Shake the mixture briefly—about 5 seconds—just to combine and ensure an extra cold temperature.

5. Strain: Strain the mixture directly into the chilled shot glass. The resulting shot will be clear or a very pale blue (depending on the Schnapps used).

6. Serve cold: Serve immediately to enjoy the bracing, minty flavor.

10. Jelly Bean Shot

A sweet, slightly tart, and very colorful shot that is surprisingly complex and delicious. The combination of flavors mimics a handful of fruity jelly beans.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Black Raspberry Liqueur (Chambord)

• 0.5 oz Anise Liqueur (Sambuca)

• 0.5 oz Sour Mix

Directions

1. Prepare the base: Pour the 1 oz of Black Raspberry Liqueur, the 0.5 oz of Anise Liqueur, and the 0.5 oz of Sour Mix into a cocktail shaker.

2. Ice and shake: Fill the shaker with ice cubes. Seal the lid and shake the mixture thoroughly for about 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.

3. Strain: Carefully strain the vibrantly colored mixture into the shot glass.

4. Serve promptly: This shot provides a unique mix of berry, licorice, and sour flavors, perfect for a celebratory, unexpected taste at midnight.