With the New Year right around the corner, I thought now would be the perfect time to share my cocktail party guide. Of course, cocktail parties are fun any time of year, but in the midst of the biggest holidays of the year, everyone has an excuse to throw one of these swanky events.
Food
Because the focus of your party are the drinks, cocktail food should be quick, easy, and prepared as much ahead of time as possible. Dips such as my roasted red pepper hummus or crab dip are great because they can be prepared ahead of time, and put out, next to a mixed vegetable platter, or some crackers, minutes before guests arrive. A plate full of various cheeses along side of some crackers may sound unoriginal, but unless all your guests are vegan, no one ever turns down cheese and crackers.
Because this isn’t a sit down dinner, it can be very tough to determine how much food you need to make without running out. It is pretty safe to estimate one pounds worth of food per guest. Always have more food than you think necessary.
As a rule of thumb for cocktail food, it should be no more than two bites. I like to offer a variety of food, from savory, to sweet, to healthy (I know, when drinking cocktails you rarely think of your health, but I like a big plate of veggies!). Things such as chocolate dipped strawberries, pigs in a blanket, and kabob skewers are some great options for bite sized snacks. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, and have the free time, why not make these darling cream puff swans?
Drinks
Since this is a cocktail party, a stocked bar is key. If you don’t have the a liquor cabinet already built up, you can get away with just buying vodka, gin, whiskey, and a few mixers such as tonic water, orange juice, vermouth (for martinis), cola, and lemon lime soda. If you have a bit more cash, tequila, brandy, rum, and various liquors and juices really make for a swingin’ party. It is good to also have a few bottles of red and white wine, and various beers for the beer and wine drinkers.
If you are short of cash like I am, hiring a bartender is completely out of the question. Setting up a table or counter space with your liquor, mixers, ice, garnishes (limes, olives, cherries, etc.), cocktail shaker, straws, and glasses is ideal. I usually set a bar tending book nearby so that guests can look up their favorite drinks and make them, without interrupting the flow of the party. I highly recommend the Bartender’s Black Book. It is the most in depth and comprehensive bar book I have found. The back of the book contains a great index where you can look up any type of liquor, and see what drinks can be made with it. The book also has a section where they list all the different types of martinis, hot alcoholic beverages, blended drinks, shots, etc. for easy navigation through the land of liquors.
Having a specialty or “house” drink really helps save time, and confusion for those guests that don’t know what to drink. This can be made ahead of time in a big pitcher, or punch bowl, and guests can help themselves. It is much easier, and quicker than having each guest pour their own drinks. I love making a big pitcher of Sangria and setting it out with some wine glasses. Any drink could be made as your specialty drink, but make sure it is something that most everyone would like. Things such as punches, margaritas, daiquiris or other tropical drinks work well in big batches.
Estimate two drinks per guest per hour.
For a great and very retro How To guide in garnishing cocktails, click the thumbnail below.
Music
For a real swingin’ cocktail party, a good selection of music is ideal. Artists like Dean Martin, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald and Charlie Parker are all great for creating the perfect cocktail ambiance. I also really like the Ultra Lounge collections, because they do all the hard work for you. They now have over twenty different albums, each with a theme (such as Saxaphobia, A Bachelor in Paris, & Mondo Exotica), and various artists. Just put on one of these discs, and you don’t need to worry about playing DJ the entire evening.
Other Important Tips
♥ Ice, lots and lots of ice. I start making ice about a week before the party, and keep it in grocery bags in the freezer
♥ Plan on hosting your party for about two to three hours. I like to host mine from 7-10, so people have a chance to eat a light dinner, and are out of your hair before the neighbors go to sleep.
♥ Have at least two glasses per guest or one per guest per hour. Try to have a variety of different glasses, martini, wine, rocks, and shot glasses.
♥ Having at least two cocktail shakers really helps to unclog the crowd at the bar. Reserve one for sweet drinks, and one for unsweetened, that way the shakers don’t need to be rinsed between each use.
♥ Learn how to make a few basic drinks like the traditional martini, Southern Bride, or a white Russian, just to impress your guests who are unsure about making their own.
♥ Don’t provide too much seating, it is good to have your guests up and mingling.
♥ Hire a babysitter. Cocktail parties are not family events, and nothing can kill a grown up social event like screaming children.
♥ Have on hand the number for at least one or two local cab service, in case any of your guests take full advantage of your bar!
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Keith says:
Great tips on throwing a really cool and swanky cocktail party. Of course, if you are going to party you need some Dean Martin tunes on the stereo. There’s nothing like mixing some Dino and some liquid refreshment. Cheers!
January 13th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Ayomide says:
oh! This sounds like such fun! I don’t drink (never mind the fact that I’m well underage, even for Canada) but I will most def be using the food tips. And I’m sure cocktails still taste nice without the alcohol, right?
February 14th, 2008 at 2:58 pm