Are you hosting a cocktail party soon, but stuck for ideas on where to begin? We’ve put together a few simple steps on what tools you’ll need, what glassware you’ll need, and ideas with where to even begin choosing your cocktail flavours. 

1. Decide on a Theme

Not every cocktail evening needs a theme. But it helps as a starting point. Treat the whole night as a fruit-themed fiesta, or turn the evening into a journey, offering energy-boosting cocktails to start and sophisticated coffee-inspired or martini-style cocktails to finish the evening.

2. Create a Cocktail Menu

Preparation is key to a successful event. It doesn’t matter how many ingredients you think you have laying around in your cupboards, you’ll certainly need to get a couple more. First things first. Gather a realistic amount of recipes. We suggest 3-4 different cocktail ideas, this will give some variety for your guests without overwhelming them (and you) with too many options. Don’t forget to create an alcohol-free option too!

Tip: choose only two different types of spirit as the base of your cocktails. Again, this will give your guests choice, without overcomplicating your ingredients list.

3. Make sure you have the right glassware

Did you know that a glass’ shape can actually influence a drink’s taste? Follow our simple guide below to find out what kind of glass is best for your cocktail of choice:

• For sparkling cocktails - use a tall Collins glass or narrow champagne flutes to make the fizz last longer

• White wine, rosé, gin based cocktails or martinis - use a long stemmed glass, to prevent warm hands affecting the coolness of the tipple 

• For whiskey-based cocktails and red wine - use a wide-bowled glass to aerate the alcohol and enhance the flavour

4. Gather the right bar tools

To make cocktails the *proper* way, you’re best bet is to get a beginner’s kit, like a cocktail master set, it will have all the basic tools you’ll need to get started:

• Cocktail shake -, try to get one with a built-in strainer, they’re a lot easier to use

• Double jigger spirit measure - so you can get accurate single and double measurements

• Muddler - to crush and infuse herbs and fruit

5. Get creative with ice

If you’re feeling extra fancy, (and you have time the night before to prepare) you can get as creative as you want to with your choice of ice. Use uniquely-shaped ice moulds like diamond shapes or giant ice balls, with your choice of garnish such as edible flowers, fruit and herbs to create a stunning effect.

6. Don’t forget to garnish

Garnishing your cocktails is key to taking your drink’s look to the next level. Easy garnishes you can try are:

• Fruit twists - peel the skin of a lime, lemon or orange to make a quick twist

• Cocktail sticks - pierce a handful of olives, cherries or berries using a reusable cocktail pick

• Slices and wedges - simply chop up fruit into slices or wedges, add inside the drink or on the rim

• Sugar rim - empty a small pile of sugar (or salt if you’re making margaritas) onto a plate, use something sticky like lemon or lime juice or even sugar syrup to wet the rim of your glasses, dip into the plate of sugar and you’ll create a beautiful sugar rim.

7. Don’t take on all the work

Of course a good host usually gets the job done themselves. However, you can try to make things fun by getting other people involved. Ask everybody to bring their own signature cocktail, perhaps pre-made, in a carafe or jug. You could even make a competition out of it, the loser has to host the next cocktail party?

These tips can help you get started if you’re a newbie to hosting, but you’ll soon get into the swing of things. Don’t forget that preparation is key. Get your ice and ingredients ready the day before, and have your tools, glassware and garnishes at the ready right before your guests arrive. Good luck!

Keep an eye on our blog page for more cocktail how-to’s and inspiration. Why not follow us on Instagram to check out our latest barware and gifting products.