New Year’s Eve has a funny way of making us feel like we should be hosting a glamorous party with canapés, cocktails and a perfectly timed countdown… even if the reality is pyjamas by 9pm and one decent drink before bed.
And honestly? That’s fine.
Whether you’re welcoming 2025 solo, having a couple of mates pop by, or just want something a bit more fun than your usual glass of wine, this New Year’s Eve cocktail guide is all about small-batch drinks, low fuss, and zero waste — because nobody needs leftover jelly shots haunting the fridge until February.
We’re talking jelly shots that don’t taste like regret, classic and modern martinis for grown-ups, and a gentle reminder that celebrating responsibly means you actually remember the countdown.
Let’s raise a glass (or a jelly cup) to that.
Jelly Shots: Not Just for Uni Students Anymore
Jelly shots have come a long way since their fluorescent vodka-and-sugar days. These days, they’re a genuinely fun way to serve cocktails in small, controlled portions — which is very much a Plan4One win.
Each recipe below makes 4–6 jelly shots, because we’re celebrating New Year’s Eve, not catering a music festival.
1. Classic Lime Vodka Jelly Shots
Simple, nostalgic, and surprisingly refreshing.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 sachet lime jelly
- ½ cup vodka (plain or citrus)
- Juice of ½ lime
How to make them:
- Dissolve the jelly powder in boiling water.
- Stir in vodka and lime juice.
- Pour into small cups or silicone moulds.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Plan4One tip:
Serve with a tiny wedge of lime on the side — it makes them feel intentional, not accidental.
2. Strawberry Rosé Jelly Shots
These feel dangerously elegant for something that jiggles.
You’ll need:
- 1 sachet strawberry jelly
- ¾ cup boiling water
- ½ cup chilled rosé wine
- ¼ cup vodka
How to make them:
- Dissolve jelly in boiling water.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then stir in rosé and vodka.
- Pour into moulds and chill.
Why they work:
Lower alcohol than straight spirits, very drinkable, and perfect for pacing yourself through the night.
3. Espresso Martini Jelly Shots (Yes, Really)
For people who want dessert and caffeine.
You’ll need:
- 1 sachet unflavoured gelatine
- ½ cup freshly brewed espresso (cooled)
- ¼ cup coffee liqueur
- ¼ cup vodka
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
How to make them:
- Bloom gelatine in 2 tbsp cold water.
- Heat espresso gently, stir in gelatine until dissolved.
- Add coffee liqueur, vodka and sugar.
- Pour and chill.
Serve with:
A single coffee bean on top if you’re feeling fancy (or ironic).
Martini Time: Grown-Up Cocktails for the Countdown
Martinis are perfect New Year’s Eve drinks — elegant, simple, and best enjoyed slowly. Which, conveniently, is exactly how responsible drinking works.
4. Classic Dry Martini (Single Serve)
Sharp, clean, and unapologetically adult.
You’ll need:
- 60 ml gin
- 10 ml dry vermouth
- Ice
- Lemon twist or olive
How to make it:
- Stir gin and vermouth with ice until well chilled.
- Strain into a cold glass.
- Garnish and sip slowly.
Plan4One note:
This is not a “top-up” drink. One is plenty.
5. Lychee Martini
A little sweet, very popular, and easy to overdo — so measure properly.
You’ll need:
- 45 ml vodka
- 30 ml lychee liqueur
- 15 ml lychee syrup
- Ice
Shake everything with ice, strain, garnish with a lychee.
Why it’s great for NYE:
Feels celebratory without needing multiple rounds.
6. Lemon Drop Martini
Bright, zesty and perfect if you don’t love bitter drinks.
You’ll need:
- 45 ml vodka
- 20 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
Shake with ice, strain into a sugar-rimmed glass if desired.
Solo serving tip:
Make just one. The second one always sneaks up on you.
No-Alcohol Alternatives (Because Not Everyone Wants a Hangover)
Not drinking on New Year’s Eve doesn’t mean you’re boring, broken, or “missing out”. Sometimes it just means you’d like to wake up on January 1 feeling like a functional adult.
These no-alcohol options still feel festive, still look good in a glass, and — importantly — don’t require explaining yourself to anyone.
7. Lime & Mint Sparkling Jelly Cups (Alcohol-Free)
All the wobble, none of the wooziness.
You’ll need:
- Lime-flavoured jelly (alcohol-free)
- Fresh lime juice
- Finely chopped mint
- Sparkling water
Prepare according to packet instructions, replacing part of the cold water with sparkling water. Stir in mint before setting.
Why they work:
They look celebratory, taste fresh, and no one feels awkward holding one.
8. Zero-Proof Espresso “Martini” Mocktail
For the coffee lovers who still want something special at midnight.
You’ll need:
- Freshly brewed espresso (chilled)
- Sugar syrup or vanilla syrup
- Ice
- Optional alcohol-free coffee spirit
Shake with ice, strain into a coupe glass, garnish with coffee beans.
Why it works:
Feels grown-up, indulgent, and perfect for pacing yourself through the night.
9. Lychee & Soda Celebration Spritz
Light, floral and quietly elegant.
You’ll need:
- Lychee juice or syrup
- Sparkling mineral water
- Fresh lime juice
- Ice
Build in a glass, stir gently, garnish with lychee or lime.
Why it works:
Looks like a cocktail, drinks like a refresher.
10. Lemon & Rosemary Fizz
A little fancy without trying too hard.
You’ll need:
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sugar syrup or honey syrup
- Sparkling water
- Fresh rosemary sprig
Serve over ice and garnish with rosemary and lemon peel.
Why it works:
Herby, refreshing, and genuinely interesting — not just “juice in a wine glass”.
Responsible Drinking (Without the Lecture)
Let’s be real — New Year’s Eve is meant to be fun, not foggy.
A few gentle reminders from Plan4One that don’t kill the vibe:
- Space your drinks. Jelly shots count as alcohol, even if they wobble.
- Eat first. A proper meal beats “I’ll just snack later” every time.
- Alternate with water. Sparkling water still feels festive.
- Set a soft limit. Decide before the first drink, not after the third.
And if you’re driving, hosting kids the next day, or just don’t feel like drinking much — that’s not boring. That’s self-respect.
Hosting Light? This Is All You Need
If you’re having one or two people over, this combo works beautifully:
- 1 jelly shot flavour
- 1 martini option
- Plenty of ice
- Water and snacks
No massive clean-up. No leftovers you don’t want. No wasted bottles.
Very Plan4One.
A Final Toast to 2025 🥂
Whether you’re clinking glasses with friends, FaceTiming family, or quietly reflecting on the year that was — here’s to cooking more at home, drinking a little smarter, and starting the year feeling good rather than dusty.
Happy New Year from Plan4One.
May your jelly shots set properly, your martinis be cold, and your resolutions be kind to yourself.
