DIY Cocktail Party

While drinking games and spin the bottle are in past for me I still think a party is better with an interactive element or an ice breaker shall we say. What better a plan then to make alcohol the focus for an evening.  My birthday was earlier in the month, so we hosted a cocktail party. Those joining were asked to bring the base alcohol they wished to drink and everything else would be provided. 

  Im blessed with a group of friends that includes 6 or so trained bartenders, but for those who aren't so alcohol inclined Prudence and I spent the few days prior inventing and writing out drink recipes on cue cards.  We based our drink choices off our common dislike for overly sweet beverages and the array of flavoured simple syrup I had made.  Needless to say the party turned out well, and with the holidays just around the corner we thought it was a good enough idea to share.

Keep reading to see materials needed and some of our favourite drinks from the night!

Materials Needed:

ICE

Straws

A Muddler

Martini Shakers 

Glasses.....

According to Martha Sewart a host should have 3 glasses per guest for a 2 hour party.  I'd say thats a little bit excessive but thats just me.  We went for mason jars as their inexpensive, can be bought in bulk and maybe someday i'll take feel the need to do a whole lot of canning.

Basic Alcohols: Vodka, Gin, Bourbon (or whiskey of your choice), Rum, 

Mixing Liquors: Disorono, Triple Sec, Sweet Vermouth, Dry Vermouth, Grand Mariner, Campari 

Fun but not Necessary: Van Gogh Espresso Vodak, Sake, Limoncello, Bailey's, 

Simple Syrups: Ginger, Cardamom, Rosemary, Coffee,  Hot n' Spicy, Star Anise, Pineapple (not pictured)  Here is our  Simple Syrup Recipe with directions and suggestions for flavouring.

Garnishes and Things to Muddle: Limes Slices, Lemons Slices, Orange Slices, Grapefruit Slices, Pineapple, Blackberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Cucumber Rounds, Ginger Slices, Fresh Basil, Fresh Mint, Olives.

Juices, Nectars, and Sodas:

Soda water, lots and lots of soda water, Ginger Beer, Pineapple Juice, Cranberry Juice, Pear Nectar, Peach Nectar, Pomegranate Juice, Blueberry Juice, Sparkling water for those may not want to drink.

Favourite Drinks (using our flavoured simple syrups):

Blackberry Cardamom Lemonade

Muddle then shake 1oz Vodka, 4 Blackberries, 1 oz Lemon Juice, 1 Tsp Cardamom Simple Syrup and Ice, Top with Soda Water 

Asian Pear

1oz Vodka, 1/2 oz Gin, 2 oz Pear Nectar, 1 Tsp Ginger Simple Syrup, 1 Tsp Ginger Juice

Top with Soda Water and Ice

Spicy Cuke

Muddle 1 oz Vodka, 1 Lime Wedge, 2 Cucumber Rounds

Add 1 Tsp Hot n' Spicy Simple Syrup, 1 oz Lime Juice, Ice

So Fresh $ So Clean

Shake 1 oz Vodak, 2 oz Grapefruit Juice, 1 tsp Rosemary Simple Syrup with ice. 

Top with Soda Water

Red Dragon

Muddle 1 oz Vodka, 4 Raspberries, 1 Tsp Hot n' Spicy Simple Syrup, Lemon Wedge

Add Ice, top with a splash of Cranberry Juice

Photos 1) Birthday Chalk Board 2) Simple Syrups 3) Garnishes 4) A Beautiful Waste

Xo Austere