How to Host The Perfect Cocktail Party
How to host the perfect cocktail party
Sharing special moments with your loved ones makes for the very best occasions. A classic cocktail party is the perfect way to celebrate and create memories together.
First rising to popularity in the early 1900s as cocktail bars returned after the era of prohibition, they remain a staple occasion in any social calendar today.
In this guide we are pleased to share our top tips on how to curate the perfect gathering. Whether it is small and relaxed, a celebratory get-together, an in person gathering or a virtual cocktail party on Zoom, discover the best way to create a stylish and special cocktail party, whatever the occasion.
Cocktail party ideas
When planning and designing your cocktail party, there are a few elements to consider which can really elevate your gathering and bring out the best in every moment.
The space: Cocktail party at home
The setting for your gathering really helps to set the tonality for the entire evening. If you are hosting at your own home, think about the rooms and spaces you could use and modify to create the best venue for your cocktail party. Sometimes simply rearranging a couple of pieces of furniture can really transform the atmosphere of a room. Our top tip is to provide a mixture of opportunities for guests to connect with a blend of open spaces, inviting seating, places to perch, and intimate corners for conversation.
Consider if you want the party to take place inside, outside or in a combination of areas. As not all of us live in the tropical climate of the Dominican Republic (where we double cask age our Brugal 1888 rum) you may want to create a plan in case of cold or stormy weather. You can still utilise your outdoor space with the help of a rain cover, heaters or an inside refuge.
Setting the tone
While planning, think about the tone of the event, customizing the mood to the occasion or season, such as a relaxed summer evening or a snug winter celebration.
Once decided, help set your tone by letting your guests know what to expect – for example a relaxed affair, or a more formal one. Tell them in advance what time they should arrive and when it is likely to finish. Does it end by 10:30, or are they welcome to continue celebrating later into the night?
Focus on the details of the event to help set the right ambiance, such as selecting some key decorations to curate and design your space. A few candles or flowers can help to easily elevate your setting. Music is also a great way to instantly set the vibe. Invest in or borrow some good speakers and create a few choice playlists ahead of time.
Cocktail party drinks
The most important part of any cocktail party is of course the various cocktails on offer. You don’t need a fully stocked bar to meet everyone’s needs for a magical evening. Providing a select menu of cocktails will satisfy most palates, while stocking up on some choice wines, beers and soft drinks will ensure a good balance is on offer for everyone to enjoy.
Choosing your spirits and cocktails
We recommend investing in truly exceptional spirits to elevate your cocktails, such as double aged Brugal 1888 rum. This premium sipping rum provides the perfect base to create nearly neat cocktails which can be made to delight and surprise your guests.
When choosing which cocktails to offer, try to select a few complementary options that will bring out the best in the flavour of your spirit. Consider choosing options to suit a range of different palates; from sweet to dry, bitter to sour. Overly complicated serves can become challenging to coordinate on the night, so we recommend focusing on simple but stylish options such as a Negroni, Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
The atmosphere of your occasion can also help you decide. For example, a Jungle Negroni is the perfect refreshing cocktail for a summer soirée, while a classic Nightcap Old Fashioned might be the best choice for a relaxed get-together. Explore our cocktail recipes to discover more recipes that will surprise and delight your guests in equal measure.
Remember to also provide options for anyone abstaining from alcohol. This doesn’t have to be boring – think about including a deliciously refreshing mocktail on your menu. Ensure you also have water (both still and sparkling) and glasses available for all of your guests.
Pre-party preparation tips
Pre-party preparation tips
To allow you to enjoy the party, it really helps to prepare everything you can beforehand so you can relax with your guests. Here are our top tips:
- Check you have the tools you need to create your cocktails. Discover our list of what you need to equip your home bar.
- Do any prep needed for your garnishes. Wash and chop fruit, and cut the stalks off your herbs as these can release bitterness into your drink.
- Stock up on ice. You may need large ice cubes or spheres for your drinks, along with ice to fill buckets to keep bottles cool.
- Get your glassware ready (two glasses per person should suffice) and polish it before neatly laying out.
- Estimate around 2-3 drinks per person, and plan what ingredients you need from there. Simply times the average number of drinks by the number of attendees.
- Create a batch of cocktails in advance by multiplying each ingredient by the number of serves required. At the start of the evening add ice, stir and decant into chilled glassware ready to serve.
Complementary cocktail party food
The food options you offer depends on the type of party you want to design. Typical cocktail party food means offering simple grazing options that are available throughout the gathering. Stay away from anything that is hard to eat while standing up (such as anything too crumbly or saucy) especially if there is limited seating on offer.
Make sure there’s at least a couple of options that all of your guests can enjoy, regardless of their dietary needs. Remember to provide enough napkins, plates, and cocktail sticks on hand.
For a sophisticated approach, consider what flavours will complement the cocktails you’re serving. See our guide to pairing food with rum to help select the best nibbles to complement the flavor notes of your drinks.
Hosting a virtual cocktail party on Zoom
There are still many ways to host an excellent cocktail party over a virtual platform like Zoom. In fact, there are many benefits, such as the opportunity to invite your friends from all over the world. Here are our top tips for organizing a virtual cocktail party.
Foresee technical issues
Test out the software beforehand to make sure you’re comfortable with the platform and are ready to seamlessly host! You may want to buy a Pro account so that you aren’t limited by time or functionality.
If any attendees aren’t familiar with Zoom, be on hand before and during to offer advice. Encourage everyone to use a desktop or laptop as joining using a mobile may prevent them seeing every participant.
At the beginning of your party, let everyone know how to mute and unmute themselves, and encourage all participants to turn their video cameras on.
Decorate your background
There are plenty of ways to add some color and fun to your screen. Put up some decorations on the wall behind you, or make use of the Zoom custom background function. If you’re at home but would rather be somewhere else, let your background take you there. Think beautiful palm trees on a Dominican beach, or a candlelit garden.
Dress up for the occasion
Another way to set the tone for your virtual cocktail party is to suggest attire – dressing up for the occasion can make you feel like you’re at a real party, even if you haven’t left your living room.
Zoom cocktail party drink recommendations
Crafting a virtual cocktail party online requires a little creativity. Consider sending out recommendations for cocktails to try during the party by providing a shopping list, instructions and even some suggested food pairings. Part of your party could even involve hosting a cocktail making class, to share with your loved ones how they can craft the perfect serve to enjoy whilst catching up.
For extremely special occasions, you could even send out cocktail making kits to your participants. Either make your own or buy cocktail kits online.
Keep it short
Establish how long the party will last for so revelers can plan their time. Try to end on a high with a chance for people to say goodbye before dialing off.
There’s always the chance that people won’t want to leave. In that case, let the after party commence!
Crafting the perfect cocktail party
Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party in person or virtually, bring out the best in every occasion with Brugal’s range of aged rums. After all, there’s no better way to connect with those closest to you for a celebration to remember.
