Choosing Cocktails For Your Event
Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or planning a grand party, I understand the importance of creating a memorable experience. So here's my tips to pick the right cocktails for a spectacular party.
Keep It Concise
It's best to keep things concise. While it's tempting to include numerous options, my experience has taught me that sticking to 3-4 cocktails is the sweet spot. This encourages guests to explore and have fun working through the list.
Offering too many options can feel a little overwhelming, especially to guests that are new to the world of cocktails.
It's also important to have plenty of stock for each drink. If you have a menu with 10 different drinks, you either need a lot of stock for each option, which can be expensive, or have limited stock for each, leading to the possibility of running out of a specific choice.
Simplifying your menu streamlines the process and ensures everyone can enjoy their preferred beverage throughout the event.
Embrace Variety
People often prioritise the base spirit of a drink when making their decision, so it's great to have a variety.
While a Whiskey Sour and a Manhattan have distinct vibes, both are whiskey based drinks. It's a great idea to incorporate a beverage with a different alcohol base, like a traditional Mojito, to appeal to a wider range of preferences.
Consider the time of day
Different times of the day call for different types of drinks. For daytime events, lighter and refreshing cocktails like Mojitos or Sangrias work well. In the evening, consider offering more robust options such as a classic Daiquiri or a Negroni.
Don't Forget The Mocktail
Not everyone chooses to drink alcohol, so it's great to include something delicious for the drivers and non-drinkers.
One straight forward idea is to include a dedicated mocktail option, like a fiery ginger mojito.
Alternatively, you can consider cocktails that can be transformed into alcohol-free versions. For instance, it may be challenging to offer a last-minute alcohol-free Old Fashioned, which heavily relies on whiskey, but an English Garden makes a great mocktail without the gin.
Renaming Your Drinks
The easiest way to theme your cocktail menu is to just rename your drinks. That way you can pick your favourites and still stay on theme. I've bartended Harry Potter parties with Poly Juice Potions and Liquid Lucks or hen parties that have incorporated nicknames. The main thing is to have fun with it.
and Finally...
Unwind and take pleasure in the moment. When the drinks are flowing and conversation's flourishing, it creates the ideal recipe for an enjoyable evening. Remember, it's your party and you absolutely deserve to make the most of it.