Specialty Cocktails
Gone is the day of the simple martini. It is the drink of choice of many, but these days you may find liquids of all colors and flavors in a martini glass. Bars and nightclubs around the country are looking for the next “it” cocktail. Not too long ago it was a Cosmopolitan, made with vodka, cranberry juice, and lime. There have been a few since then (anyone want an apple martini or mojito?), but the search for the new cocktail has bartenders looking toward the past.
Mastering the Art of Cocktails
With the cocktail renaissance of recent years, liquor companies are racing to create new products and flavors. Some bartenders have jumped on this train, while others decidedly have not. Once upon a time, a cocktail was something that was prepared and took time, much like a meal.
Thankfully, a revolution has begun and classic cocktails are making a comeback. Aviations, Whiskey Smashes, and Mint Juleps are beverages you might see at cocktail parties these days.
A Signature Cocktail
With so many choices for cocktails, how can anyone choose? As an event planner, you may suggest offering a signature cocktail, especially for an off-site location. This means you only need to bring preparations for one cocktail rather than thirty, which will also allow you to better estimate the supplies you'll need to order. You may want to have enough staples on hand to prepare commonly requested drinks such as a gin and tonic or vodka and cranberry juice.
The signature cocktail should be paired with the menu. Use an ingredient from the kitchen for your creation, like mint or even basil. Being adventurous is acceptable if there are staples like wine and beer for guests to fall back on. Write up some fun literature for the guests as a conversation piece.
Bartender Extraordinaire
For smaller cocktail parties, hire one bartender. Suggest setting up a second bar with self-serve beverages such as wine, beer, and punch so the host doesn't have to get involved with the service. As with all events that serve alcohol, give your bartender instructions for intoxicated guests. For larger parties with more than forty guests hire two or more bartenders.
Alert
Lend a hand in creating a responsible host. Post a taxi number near the exit. Some hosts have even gone so far as having guests leave car keys in a dish on the way into the party. A guest can only retrieve his keys if he is able to perform a sobriety test of the host's choice. It adds a little fun to a very serious matter.
Trendy Glassware
With all of these miniature dishes, it is hard to imagine your guests carrying around a twelve-ounce martini glass. Use fun, trendy glassware to highlight the signature drink. Glassware comes in all shapes and sizes. Petite glasses will complement the petite fare and look great while being passed by the servers. Petite glassware will also keep the liquor consumption slightly under control. Your client, the responsible host, will appreciate this effort.
