At a cocktail party, drinks should be simple and refreshing. For easy preparation and mixing, choose a small repertoire of classic cocktails that have only a few ingredients. Consider drinks with different base liquors for variety. To counter expectations of a full bar, include the set cocktail menu on your invitations and mention that beer and wine will be available, too.
Manhattan
The Manhattan's origins date back to the 1870s, when it was first created and imbibed at New York's Manhattan Club. Bitters offset the sweetness of the whiskey and vermouth. * 2 oz. rye or bourbon* 1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
* 1 dash bitters
* 1 maraschino cherry
Stir contents gently in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a substantial martini glass and garnish with a cherry.
Pisco Sour
A Pisco Sour is a Peruvian and Chilean cocktail made with Pisco (a regional brandy made of Quebranta or Muscat grapes that dates back to the 1500s), lime juice, simple syrup and bitters. * 3 oz. Pisco* 1 oz. lime juice
* 2 oz. simple syrup
* 1 dash bitters
Shake all ingredients except bitters with ice and strain into an old–fashioned glass. Top off with a dash of bitters.
Vesper
The Vesper was James Bond's drink of choice. Look for a paperback copy of Ian Fleming's Casino Royale, in which Bond names this martini after his love interest, Vesper Lynd. * 1 1/2 oz. vodka* 1 1/2 oz. gin
* 1 oz. Lillet Blanc
* 1 strip lemon zest, 3 inches
Shake all ingredients except lemon zest and strain into a chilled martini glass. Hold the lemon zest strip over the drink and twist its ends in opposite directions to release its oils before dropping it into the glass.
Quick Tips
* Mise–en–place (the French culinary concept of having your ingredients in order) is as important for bar setup as it is in your kitchen. Cut all of your fruit and garnishes in advance, store in covered containers and group together with the other ingredients in each drink at your bar station.* Put pouring spouts on all liquor and mixer bottles. Designate one cocktail shaker for each drink recipe that requires one.
* For a casual gathering, print drink recipes on 4 x 6 and display in frames at your bar station. That way, guests can mix their own cocktails once the party is in full swing.
* If you're serving Vespers, photocopy the page from Casino Royal when James Bond orders the drink, and cut the copies for use as fun coasters.
* Rather than pouring beer and wine yourself, set up a station with red and white wine glasses, beer glasses, champagne flutes and ice buckets. Uncork white wine and champagne, plug with decorative stoppers and place in wine buckets with ice. Decant red wine. Put bottles of beer in a larger beverage bucket with ice. Be sure to set out wine keys and bottle openers. The table can be a decorative focal point where guests can easily serve themselves.
* Set up several water stations with pitchers of iced–water and goblets for easy self–service.
* Use small bouquets of flowers, votive candles and low background music to add comfort and warmth to your gathering.
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