Inspiration
Planning An Outdoor Cocktail Party
Looking for some inspiration? We've got tips and tricks to keep it fun.
Everyone loves a good cocktail party. With great music and fun drinks, friends and light snacks - it's hard to resist the idea. Cocktails are getting the chance to shine lately too. Since the revival of the classic cocktail within the last 20 years or so, it seems like everywhere you go there are new liqueurs to try, fun riffs on old classics and every bartender in town is putting their own spin on their favorite drink. Cocktails are fun to try and they're fun to make. It's easier than you think you host an outdoor cocktail party at home.
With a few of our tips below, you'll have the confidence you need to pull off a fun outdoor evening with your family and friends. Don't forget the speakers and the music!
Tip #1
The drinks you love
The key to throwing successful cocktail party is to keep it simple. You know the kinds of drinks you love, right? Whiskey sours or cosmos or mai tais, maybe? Whittle your cocktail menu down to two to three drinks that you know the recipe or ratio - while it might sound fun to offer your guests an unlimited menu, you don't want to be thumbing the internet for cocktail recipes when your guests are thirsty. Offer a few drinks that showcase a variety of liquors if you're feeling brave, but remember, you can always set out a few favorite bottles for guests to sample!
Tip #2
Mis en place
Mis en place is a french culinary term that literally means "put in its place." That is to say, when you're nearly ready to start the party, make sure all the ingredients are set out and ready to be used. Liquors, ice, bitters, tools, garnish, glassware, and anything else you'll need goes at your workstation. Does your recipe call for citrus? Squeeze in advance (no earlier than the day of) and find a cute bottle to display it. The best part of mis en place? Once the party starts, you won't have to rush inside to grab more supplies.
Tip #3
Ice, ice baby
All ice is not created equal. A trip down the kitchen gadget aisle of your local grocery store will prove it to you. If cocktails are having a moment, ice is having an even bigger moment. There are ice molds in all sizes and shapes - spheres for finer whisk(e)ys, large cubes for cocktails in a wide glass, and small cubes for tall, thin highballs.
No matter what ice shape or size you choose, make sure you have plenty (read: more than enough) of ice on hand! During warmer months, it's important to keep your cocktails and guests cool!
Tip #4
Have non-cocktail options available
"You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."
If the guest list is long enough, you are bound to have at least one person that is not a fan of cocktails. For these individuals, be sure to have other options ready and available.
Tip #5
Non-alcoholic options
Having some fun non-alcoholic options available serves multiple purposes. First, it's thoughtful to offer something more than water for non-drinkers (think seltzer waters, fizzy juices, and sodas). Second, some fun drinks could be great mixers (a spicy ginger beer, for example) for those that want to make their own concoctions!
Also, consider cocktails that offer "mocktail" alternatives. This will allow non-drinkers to be more involved with the festivities.
Tip #6
Stay hydrated!
When hosting an outdoor gathering that involves alcohol, it's essential to have plenty of water that is chilled and readily available. During the summer it is still hot and humid in the evenings and everyone (including you!) needs to stay hydrated while outdoors. Ideally, you and your guests should be drinking a glass of water with every cocktail.
Cocktail Recipes We Love
Looking for some more inspiration? Try some of these cocktails from the Outdoor Dreams' Cocktail Hour!
Hiring a Professional
When offering cocktails, consider hiring someone to man the bar. There are professional companies that specialize in private events and many local bartenders might also jump at the opportunity. A professional can help with selecting the best signature cocktails as well as ensuring the integrity of the cocktails during the party. Additionally, a professional can help to control alcohol consumption during the party.
For the Outdoor Dreams' Cocktail Hour, we partnered with Beth Dixon of Salt & Acid to create our signature cocktails. Beth has been in the restaurant industry for over 19 years, working at many of Richmond's finest restaurants including Can Can, Pasture, Perch, and L'Opossum. She also currently serves as President for the Richmond, VA chapter of the United States Bartenders’ Guild. Her company Salt & Acid provides professional bartending services for private events, special occasions, and beverage consulting.
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