Your guest list is finalized, and invitations are sent. You've planned the perfect menu of delicious small plates, sumptuous entrees and decadent desserts. Before you close shop on your party plans, don't forget to include some adult beverage selections. While wine is traditional and an easy option for events, classy cocktails add a little something extra to the mix. These charming drinks give your guests a delicious beverage to sip as they mix, mingle and break the ice.
Whether you're planning a holiday party, a birthday celebration, brunch with friends or a formal dinner, there are tons of easy yet delicious cocktails you can serve. With that in mind, here are seven of the best cocktails for any type of house party.
1. Mojito
Perfect for outdoor summer parties, this Spanish inspired cocktail has a refreshing sweet and sour taste your guests are sure to love. Mojitos are made up of white rum, sugar, soda water and mint leaves along with the zesty taste of fresh lime.
2. Moscow Mule
Maybe it's the delightfully fizzy effect. Maybe it's the stylish copper mug this cocktail is typically served in. For whatever reason, the Moscow Mule has made a splash on the cocktail scene, and it's sure to be a popular choice at your party. This drink is made with tangy ginger beer, vodka and fresh lime.
3. Screwdriver
A favorite among brunch buddies across the country, the screwdriver is a classic cocktail. The simple, refreshing drink contains orange juice and vodka over ice.
4. Gimlet
The Gimlet is a throwback cocktail from the 1920s. Perfect for vintage-inspired affairs, it blends gin, lime juice and perhaps a splash of simple syrup to sweeten it up.
5. Citrus Spritzer
It's always considerate to include a few non-alcoholic selections into your cocktail menu. We recommend the Citrus Spritzer, a zesty cocktail made with lemons, oranges, honey and soda water. Add some fresh rosemary for a new take on this refreshing beverage.
6. Classic Old Fashioned
Often considered the grandfather of all cocktails, the Classic Old Fashioned is a simple yet impactful drink that will introduce your guests to the joys of bourbon. This beverage requires bourbon whisky, lemon, simple syrup or sugar and, of course, two dashes of bitters — a concentrated blend of herbs and spices.
7. Martini
When it comes to classy cocktails, it doesn't get any better than the drink popularized by 007 himself. The martini is a simple, cool cocktail with vodka or gin and dry vermouth. Serve it with an olive or twist of lemon peel.
A Few Basic Guidelines for Serving Cocktails
Serving cocktails at your upcoming soiree is bound to be a hit. Here are a few helpful hints to ensure your cocktail service runs smoothly.
Plan How You'll Serve Your Drinks
There are three main approaches when it comes to serving cocktails, and each has its benefits:
Full bar: If you have a well-stocked bar that includes a wide variety of liquors and mixers, you can let your guests choose their own favorite cocktails.
Cocktail menu: This gives your guests the option of choosing a drink from your pre-determined list of offerings.
Signature cocktail: This approach is the easiest by far. Choose one or two of your favorite cocktails, preferably made with different alcohols. Usually, your cocktails should match the season or the theme of your party.
Be Sure to Have Everything You Need
You'll want to plan for each of your guests to have at least two to three drinks. You should also have the following:
Ensure Your Guests Make it Home Safely
Whether it's arranging some designated drivers or helping them call an Uber or Lyft, it's important to keep track of guests who have had too much to drink.
Add a Wow Factor to Your House Party
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