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The cocktail party is a popular way to entertain. It's casual, it's friendly, it's often a great excuse to dress up, and you get to show your creativity behind the bar. Simply provide some background music, a buffet and some great cocktails, and just let the fun and games happen.

Planning the Cocktail Party

|The Preliminaries|The Party|Our Favourite Cocktails|

The Preliminaries

Plan ahead what drinks will be served. Many cocktails share similar ingredients, so good planning will save you money. Another good idea is to plan what spirits in liqueurs will be required, and ask guests to supply a particular bottle. There is an endless list of cocktails, shooters and mocktails you could make. To check out some of our favourites, click here.

Decide ahead of time the routine for making and serving drinks. Don't make the mistake of trying to do it all yourself otherwise you will never leave the bar. Enlist the help of a couple of friends. All decide where the cocktail will be made (eg. in the kitchen, outside, at the bar if you have one) and where the drinks will served (eg. a central location, by tray or come and get them).

You will need plenty of ice so make it in advance. You own ice will taste better and is healthier.

When preparing invitations try to get a good mix of males and females to ensure a fun party.

Stipulate the dress code for the night. Tropical (think balmy tropical evenings sipping cocktails by the pool), or a more traditional suit & tie/cocktail dress combo. The cocktail party is at its best if you dress for the occasion.

Cutlery is not required for the night. Simply provide ample napkins and paper plates. Don't forget a receptacle for the garnishes, picks and leftovers.

If you are unsure what drink to serve in what glass again the best idea is to buy a cocktail book, however click for a quick guide.

Buffet snack ideas - several tips accompanied by sliced carrots, celery sticks, corn chips and jatz. Prawn cocktails if you want to go to a little effort. Cold kebabs with luncheon meat, prawns or chicken, complimented with capsicum, onion, pineapple and tomato. Cocktail onions and olives. Hot finger food such mini pies and spring rolls, vol-au-vents and chicken wings. A selection of basic sandwiches is also advised.

Don't put all the food out at once. Bring out second and third rounds as the cocktails put many appetites into overdrive.

Tools you will need for the night - Bottle opener and corkscrew, bar spoon for mixing drinks, cocktail shaker and blender, measures (also called pourers, tots and jiggers - the most useful measures are 15ml and 30ml), ice bucket, tongs for ice and garnish, jug (should have a lip to hold back ice), juice extractor, cutting board, strainer, serving tray and various cocktail glasses.

Other useful items include swizzle sticks, straws, toothpicks, serviettes, coasters and cloths.

If you want worry free catering for your cocktail party, many of our Catering Service advertisers specialise in fine cocktail & finger food. To see what they have to offer, Click Here.

The Party

Greet all guests at the door.

Offer each guest a drink at the door.

Suggest the guests feel free to try any of the drinks on offer and help themselves to the nibblies.

Play appropriate background music, something with a little rhythm and soul, but not overpowering.

Cocktail parties generally generate their own entertainment especially if some good music has been chosen. The lounge room may quickly become a dance floor. However, if you do feel adventurous and want to organise a few games for the guests try our party games page.

Finish the night by offering remaining guests a cup of coffee or tea and a light snack. You may like to offer the more adventurous guests a liquer coffee, port or straight liquer to finish off with.

Cocktails, Shooters and Mocktails

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