A cocktail-themed party is a great way to celebrate a special occasion with beer, wine, and other tasty libations. A cocktail party is best if you are hosting a grand event that will not go on for long hours. By nature, a cocktail party is meant to celebrate a special occasion, an achievement, or a memorable milestone with drinks.
Proactive planning is key to a successful cocktail party. It is best to thoroughly plan every aspect, from sending out invitations, selecting a catering menu, and choosing cocktail drinks that will be served at the event. Here are helpful tips to help you pull off a fun and memorable party for you and your guests.
Do not forget to send out invites
If you are hosting a cocktail party on behalf of your company, you must send out invites at least two weeks before the event. However, if you are planning something more personal, such as a cocktail party for celebrating a significant milestone, sending out e-vites is an excellent alternative. Whether you are sending guests traditional invitations or e-vites, it must have the following details:
- Dress code
- Date of the party
- Time of the party
- Venue details
- Information about parking, transportation, and other pertinent details
Decors
If you have chosen a venue, the next step is thinking about the theme or decor for the event. When it comes to cocktail parties, you don’t need elaborate decor. If you want a polished look, choose a colour motif or theme that is simple but sophisticated. The key to a luxurious look is utilizing the minimalist decors and placing them strategically in various parts of the venue. You can also obtain the services of an event specialist if you need recommendations on high-end decor and other luxurious cocktail party ideas.
Cocktails
After sending out the invitations, it’s time to select the drinks to include in your cocktail menu. You don’t need to purchase all types of alcohol for your event. Since a cocktail party only runs for a few hours, you can stick to four to five types of cocktails. Another excellent cocktail party idea is purchasing the base drinks for cocktails. In this way, your guests can request their favourite cocktails instead. To take your cocktail party up a notch, print out your cocktail menu and place it at the bar, so your guests can order what they want and help the staff streamline the process of creating drinks on the spot.
Here are a few staples that your cocktail should never go without:
- A lovely and sophisticated mix of vodka, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Make sure your bar has extra fresh ingredients, so your staff will be ready to prepare the different Cosmopolitan variations.
- Dirty Martini. This luscious concoction features olives and is served in a salted rim glass.
- Berry Rose Mojito. This cocktail mix will surely be a hit among the ladies. It includes a winning combination of strawberries, mint, sugar, and lime on a sparkling rose base.
- Beer Margarita. This thirst-quenching libation features two of the most popular drinks in social gatherings.
- Ginger Grapefruit Bourbon Sour. A refreshing drink full of flavour and personality. It’s the perfect cocktail to sip for outdoor cocktail parties in the summer.
- Tropical Agua Fresca. This is a refreshing cocktail you can serve in spring or summer. It’s a playful mixture of citruses, including lime, orange, rum, and tequila, that will get your guests in the right mood.
Don’t forget about the supplies
Besides the alcohol, you must never forget to purchase other cocktail essentials, including ice, glasses, and mixers. You will need to stock on ice to ensure the drinks are served at the right temperature. Pour cocktails into the right glass. For instance, wine glasses are for wines, copper mugs are for Moscow Mule, and glass mugs for beer and carbonated drinks.
Final thoughts
A lot of planning goes into planning a luxurious cocktail party. However, if you cannot fully commit your time to planning one, it is best to seek the expertise of party planning professionals. Working with the right suppliers will ensure your guests’ enjoyment and, ultimately, the success of your event.