If there’s one night of the year where I refuse to be stuck in the kitchen mixing drinks like a frantic barmaid, it’s New Year’s Eve. I’ve learned to batch anything I possibly can — snacks, playlists, even outfits — and these fancy cocktail ice cubes are hands-down the easiest trick for looking like the fun, organised friend when the clock strikes midnight.

The best part? You can make these cubes weeks ahead, pop them in the freezer, and forget about them until the bubbles are chilled and the mood is high. They melt slowly, look fabulous, and turn even a supermarket prosecco into something worthy of a midnight toast.

Here are my favourite New Year’s Eve–themed variations — bright, celebratory, and perfect for kicking off January with a little sparkle.

1. Champagne Citrus Firework Cubes

Bright, fizzy, and dramatic.
Per cube:
• 1 thin slice blood orange
• 1 thin slice lemon
• 1 pinch of edible gold flakes
• Fill with sparkling water

Pour over:
• Straight champagne or prosecco
The citrus slowly infuses as the gold catches the light. Pure New Year glamour.

2. Blackberry + Sage Midnight Cubes

Dark, moody, elegant — just like a New Year’s Eve dress code.
Per cube:
• 3 blackberries
• 1 sage leaf
• Fill with water

Pour over:
• 1 shot gin + soda
Or
• A dry sparkling rosé for a dusky pink glow.

3. Pineapple + Mint Party Cubes

A tropical pop for anyone manifesting warm holidays in January.
Per cube:
• 1–2 small pineapple chunks
• 1 mint leaf
• Fill with coconut water or plain water

Pour over:
• 1 shot white rum + soda
Very holiday-in-a-glass.

4. Lychee + Lime Sparkler Cubes

Delicate and fresh — perfect for those who prefer light flavours.
Per cube:
• 1 canned lychee, halved
• 1 lime twist
• Fill with water

Pour over:
• 1 shot vodka + lemonade
Or
• A splash of elderflower tonic water.

5. Peach + Basil Bellini Cubes

Because Bellinis belong at every celebration.
Per cube:
• 1 slice fresh or tinned peach
• 1 basil leaf
• Fill with peach nectar or water

Pour over:
• Prosecco or sparkling Moscato
Instant Bellini vibes with zero prep.

6. Blueberry + Lemon Burst Ice Spheres

Simple and stylish.
Per sphere:
• 4–5 blueberries
• 1 small strip of lemon peel
• Fill with filtered water

Pour over:
• 1 shot gin + tonic
Or
• A crisp white wine spritzer.

7. Strawberry + Rosewater Blush Cubes

Pretty, pink, and very “New Year’s Eve on a balcony at dusk.”
Per cube:
• 1–2 strawberry slices
• 1 drop rosewater
• Fill with water

Pour over:
• Champagne
Or
• Vodka + sparkling pink lemonade.

8. Ginger + Lime Fiesta Cubes

For the friend who loves a cheeky cocktail with a little kick.
Per cube:
• 1 slice fresh ginger
• 1 lime wedge (small)
• Fill with water

Pour over:
• 1 shot tequila + soda
Or
• Ginger beer for a spicy mocktail.

9. Raspberry + Vanilla Velvet Cubes

Sweet and sultry — the perfect slow-melter for midnight.
Per cube:
• 2 raspberries
• A few vanilla pod seeds or tiny splash vanilla extract
• Fill with water

Pour over:
• 1 shot vodka + cranberry juice
Or
• Sparkling rosé.

10. Gold Apple Cider Glitter Cubes

A little shimmer never hurts on New Year’s Eve.
Per cube:
• 1 thin apple slice
• A pinch of edible gold dust
• Fill with sparkling apple juice

Pour over:
• Sparkling cider
Or
• Whisky + soda for something stronger.

Make-Ahead Tip

Freeze your cubes in layers — halfway first, then top up. Keeps herbs and fruit floating in the middle so they look party-ready when you plonk them into a glass.

Hosting Hack

I always fill a big bowl with ice, nestle the cubes in clear containers beside it, and let everyone choose their “celebration cube.” It stops me playing bartender and keeps the atmosphere relaxed and fun.

My Favourite Amazon Ice Cube Trays

I’ve tried cheap trays, weird silicone ones that smell like the cupboard, and everything in between. These are the ones that never leave my freezer, especially in December:

Large Square Cocktail Ice Tray – perfect for rosemary sprigs, citrus slices, and whole cranberries. 

Sphere Ice Mold for Festive Cocktail Balls – this makes those gorgeous big cocktail spheres that look so elegant in champagne coupes or gin glasses. 

Jumbo Ice Cube Tray With Lid – great when you’re prepping for a  party and don’t want your ice smelling like last week’s leftovers. I love the ones with the lids as I can stack them and make bulk batches, but putting the lid on does mean you can’t have sprigs sticking out. So I mix and match.

For something a little extra special , I have this rose mold and love it.

These dried flowers are also great for popping into drinks- Dried ones mean you can buy them ahead of time , ready to go.

Use whatever shape suits your drink style — cubes feel classic, spheres feel bougie, and no one is mad either way.