5 cocktails for a perfect cocktail party

the best entertainers give their guests a comfortable experience they’ll never forget.

A cocktail party has long been the event of choice for those looking to bring old friends together, make new friends, wind up in a social setting, or wind down with an intimate group.

While the featured cocktail of a cocktail party is very important to the overall enjoyment of the experience, the real heart of any cocktail party is the friends and family that attend.

That means that if your drink of choice is chosen with your guests in mind first and foremost, you’re guaranteed to give your guests an unforgettable experience, and they’ll be checking in regularly to see when you’re hosting again.

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batched

option

caipirinha

(kye-peer-eenya)

The first option on our list, the caipirinha, is perfect for those who want an intriguing, familiar, and delicious cocktail, without the burden of creating a complicated cocktail while thirsty guests await.

The caipirinha is the long-time most popular cocktail of Brazil, because of its simple and refreshing deliciousness.

Made with the Brazilian national spirit: cachaça (ka-sha-sa), a white rum made from Brazilian sugarcane, simply add lime and simple syrup, and you have a drink as refreshing as a margarita with the intrigue of something most people (that haven’t traveled to Brazil) haven’t tried.

If you want to make a caipi alongside your guests it’s as simple as:

  • 1 lime cut into wedges

  • 2 tsps. of sugar (or 2oz of simple syrup)

  • 2 oz. of cachaça

  • Shaken or stirred, served over lots of ice

If you’d prefer to keep it simple and make a batch of caipis before your guests arrive, this recipe will provide about 15 caipis that your guests can serve themselves to:

  • 4-1/4 cups of cachaça

  • 3 cups of simple syrup

  • 2.5 cups of lime juice

  • Serve with lots of crushed ice

This delicious and light cocktail is sure to be a crowd-favorite, comes with an awesome story, and best of all, you can get it made ahead of your guests so that you can focus on being part of the party.

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The eye-popper

lavender gin martini

The next cocktail on our list is for those who are looking to catch eyes and turn heads with their drink of choice; one that is easy to make, but uses some out-of-the-box ingredients that result in a photo-worthy cocktail every time.

The Lavender Gin Martini is a flavorful spin on a classic favorite, that will excite both cocktail enthusiasts and newcomers alike:

  • 2 oz. Gin

  • 3/4 oz. Lavender syrup

  • 3/4 oz. Lemon juice

  • 3/4 oz. Simple syrup

  • 2 drops Lavender bitters

  • 2 drops Essence of lavender

Shake with ice and strain into a Nick and Nora glass, and top with champagne or prosecco.

If making a social media splash is your goal with this cocktail party, or simply treating yourself to something with an artistic and up-scale feel, the lavender gin martini is guaranteed to create a look and taste that your guests will never forget.

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The Crowd Pleaser

Moscow mule

The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail that has withstood the test of time for two reasons: it’s simple and it’s delicious. If only we could be more like the Moscow Mule.

If you’re serving a very diverse audience and you are unsure as to how adventurous your guests will be with what they would like to drink, than this is the option for you.

As a host, your number one priority should be that everyone feel comfortable at your event, and with a very wide audience a safe drink choice such as this is one way to make sure you don’t alienate any of your less adventurous guests.

  • 1/2 oz. Lime juice

  • 2 oz. Vodka

  • 6 oz. Ginger beer (half a can)

  • Garnish with a lime wheel

Stir together and serve over ice in a traditional copper glass.

Everyone remembers the comforting taste of ginger on a sick day at home, and you can offer that same comfort to your guests with this timeless classic that works for everyone.

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The entertainer

Raspberry lemon drop

Creating something together is one of life’s simplest joys and the fourth option on our list is perfect for those who want the fun of making the cocktail to be a part of their cocktail party experience that every guest can share and enjoy.

Not to mention it’s delicious as well ;)

  • 2 oz. Vodka

  • 1/2 oz. Triple sec

  • 1 oz. Simple syrup

  • 1 oz. Lemon juice

  • 3/4 oz. Cassis

Start by having your guests fresh squeeze one ounce of lemon juice into a jigger, then measure out the other ingredients as well and shake them all together with ice.

Strain the drink into any kind of glass you would like, garnish with a lemon wheel and raspberries, and share the experience of making a delicious cocktail with old and new friends alike!

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adventurous

ChoicE

Jazzin’ gin fizz

Trying to entertain cocktail savants who have been around the block once or twice can be a real challenge. You have to think out of the box with something that is not only different but delicious and fresh as well.

The Jazzin’ Gin Fizz combines the floral nature of gin, jasmine, and rosemary, with the sweetness and citrus of pineapple, all tied together with the thickness of aquafaba (a foamy neutral binder made from chickpeas).

This adventurous cocktail is as refreshing as it is interesting:

  • 2 oz. Jasmine-infused gin

  • 1 oz. Pineapple juice

  • 1 oz. Rosemary simple

  • 1 oz. Aquafaba (an egg white can replace this)

  • Top with champagne

This cocktail will interest and excite even the most well-traveled cocktail drinkers and guarantee that your guests leave with a new favorite and an unforgettable experience.

have your guests anticipate the next time you’re hosting.

At Blue Rook Distillery, our mission is to help you make the drinks that YOU want to make. From our spirits to our people, our goal is to give you the tools to express yourself creatively through the drinks you enjoy and share with others.

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