A Host's Guide to Cocktailing – Start with the Basics

Cocktail parties use to be the rage in the 60s and 70s. They are now making a comeback. Mixed drinks are experiencing a recent resurgence. Cocktail and martini parties are becoming the new social trend. If you haven’t hosted a cocktail party in awhile, you may need a hosts guide to cocktailing. There is a lot of information available to make sure that you have all of the resources it takes to make your cocktail party a success. You can do it yourself or have some professional help. A professional bartender may be helpful to have for the party.

The possibilities of the cocktail party are unlimited. It can be a creative endeavor that allows you to experiment with a variety of food and drink. It is helpful to have theme for your party so that you can have a basis around which to plan your party. Find out which drinks are the most popular and stick with offering several of these choices. Good options are variations on the martini. You could offer Cosmopolitans, Chocolate martinis and Dirty martinis along with beer and wine. Other popular liqueurs are also good to have on hand. A host's guide to cocktailing can help with the drink selections.

The menu doesn’t have to be too complicated for your cocktail party. Mostly finger type foods and hors d’oeurves are served. This could include tarts, cheeses and vegetable and fruit trays. It is good to provide a variety of choices so that everyone can find something that they enjoy. A host's guide to cocktailing can help food selection ideas. It can be difficult to determine how much food will be eaten, but plan to have more food than you need. It is better to have some leftovers than to run out of food.

Cocktail parties should be fun for the guests as well as the host. A host's guide to cocktailing would include ways to ensure that guests are relaxed and happy. Once the party has begun the host should have time to mingle and interact with the guests. Cocktail parties are a way to connect with business associates, friends or family. It can be formal or informal. When contemplating your cocktail party, start with the basics. Some good food and a few well chosen cocktails are the place to begin. Use your creativity to expand on the basics and make your party an event that everyone will enjoy and remember.