Cheers to a perfectly stocked bar cart and classy festive touches
The holidays are all about bringing people together, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a festive cocktail party. Luckily, throwing a fabulous soirée doesn’t have to be an overwhelming affair. There’s no need for a sit-down meal, a DJ, or a professional mixologist behind the bar — if you keep it simple and follow these seven cardinal rules, your next holiday cocktail hour will drum up nothing but good cheer.
1. Stock up on essential ingredients
To get those libations flowing, stock your bar cart with versatile ingredients for mixed drinks and cocktails. For instance, Grey Goose vodka, Tanqueray No. 10 gin, whiskey, wine, and bubbly will go a long way. For mixers, invest in basics such as soda water, tonic, ginger ale, lemons, limes, and ice — lots and lots of ice.
2. Prepare self-serve cocktails
If you’re keen to spend more time with your guests than serving up drinks, consider making a couple of batch cocktails or setting up self-serve stations. For example, a bubbly station could star cranberry mimosas, while a cocktail station is ready to go with pre-mixed hot toddies, eggnog or gingery Moscow Mules. For friends who don’t drink, be sure to have a couple of seasonal non-alcoholic options on hand, such as sparkling tea or apple cider.
3. Perfect your cocktail kit
Want to take it up a notch? A cocktail shaker, strainer, jigger, and fruit squeezer will enable a splash of spontaneity should inspiration strike. As for garnishes, seasonal ingredients such as cranberries, orange slices, rosemary sprigs, and mint will liven up even the simplest G&Ts.
4. Spread the cheer
All too often, guests tend to hover around the bar cart rather than mixing and mingling throughout your home. But if you strategically place snack and batch cocktail stations across living and dining areas, it will encourage people to spread out and chat. As a bonus, no one will be standing in line waiting for a tipple.
5. Prepare easy, delicious bites
After a drink or two, it’s only natural to feel peckish. Need some inspiration? Keep it simple, preparing just a few bites that can be made beforehand and served at room temperature. Cinnamon-spiced popcorn, bacon-wrapped dates, antipasto skewers, puff pastries with fillings like cranberry and brie, and grazing boards make delicious yet easy-to-execute snacks.
6. Set a festive mood
Just because it’s a holiday party doesn’t mean you have to lean too hard into the usual musical selections. Choose timeless renditions — think Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, or Bing Crosby — for a subtle yet festive atmosphere, or just create a playlist of songs that bring happiness. Next, add a few candles, twinkling tea lights, fresh evergreen branches, and a few mistletoe leaves and let the rest happen naturally.
7. Give toast-worthy gifts
What if you’re a guest, not the host? Great question. If you’re joining a party this holiday season, don’t arrive empty-handed. Surprise the host with a memorable wine or spirit — something they probably wouldn’t buy for themselves. For something extra special, try 400 Conejos, a smooth and smoky mezcal crafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. Another excellent option is National Cellar 1573, a special baijiu made to the original Ming Dynasty recipe in Luzhou, China.
Whether you’re hosting an epic holiday cocktail party or attending a seasonal soirée as a guest, just remember what the holidays are all about. Relax, unwind, and enjoy these special moments with loved ones.
