A cocktail party is a relaxed social event focused on serving cocktails and light appetizers. It’s designed for mingling and conversation.

Key Features:

• Drinks: Focus on cocktails and beverages with light appetizers.
• Setting: Casual and informal.
• Timing: Usually in the evening or after work hours.
• Food: Finger foods and snacks.
• Entertainment: Mostly conversation.
• Dress Code: Smart casual attire.

Ideal Occasions for a Cocktail Party

• After Work Parties: Relax and unwind with colleagues.
• Casual Gatherings: Socialize with friends.
• Networking Events: Connect with new people.

CHECKLIST

1.FOOD

Characteristics:

• Convenient: Easy to eat without utensils.
• Variety: Offer diverse options that can be prepared in advance.
• Neat: Minimize mess and spills.

Food Suggestions:

Vegetarian:

• Veggie Skewers
• Bruschetta
• Stuffed Mushrooms
• Paneer Tikka
• Spring Rolls
• Small Sandwiches
• Charcuterie Board

Non-Vegetarian:

• Chicken Satay
• Mini Meatballs
• Stuffed Chicken Wings
• Shrimp Cocktail
• Chicken Spring Rolls

 

Serving Tips:

• Self-Serve Stations: Let guests help themselves.
• Napkins: Provide plenty around the venue, useful for serving as well as cleaning hands afterwards.
• Toothpicks and Snack Plates: Use for easy serving.

2. DRINKS

Setup:

• Cocktail Station: Dedicated area with all supplies - appropriate glasses and all bar accessories
• Ingredients and Tools: Spirits, mixers, garnishes, cocktail shakers, and more.
• Recipes: Provide menu or recipe cards.

 

 Variety:

• Offer vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, wine, and beers.
• Include non-alcoholic options - for non drinkers and for drinkers to hold off the alcohal, if the want to.

Preparation:

• Pre-mix popular cocktails like Margaritas and Sangria.

Serving Tips:

• Use ice boxes to keep drinks chilled, place beers and mixers in them.
• Put your signature cocktails in cocktail dispensers.
• Other drinks can be in pitchers
• Place drink stations around the house/venue.
• Offer entry drinks like shots to set the mood.

Drink Suggestions:

 

Alcoholic:

• Margarita (for pitchers)
• Old Fashioned
• Mojito
• Daiquiri
• Sangria (for pitchers)
• Gin and Tonic

Non-Alcoholic:

• Virgin Mojito
• Ginger Ale (with lemon and ice)
• Cold Drinks

Quantity Tips:

• Plan for 3-4 drinks (150-200 ml of alcohol) per person.
• 300 grams of ice per person ( atleast 50 percent will melt)

 

3. LIGHTS

• Use warm lighting.
• Avoid harsh lights.
• Illuminate the important areas like food and drink tables.

4. MUSIC

• Download music in advance.
• Keep the volume balanced for conversation.

5. ENTERTAINMENT

• Encourage conversation, that is the primary entertainment
• Use cocktail making and charcuterie boards as interactive activities.

Additional Tips

• Place trash cans around to avoid littering.
• Use name tags for guests who don’t know each other.
• Keep water pitchers available to prevent dehydration.