A cocktail party can serve more than just cocktails. There is also room for wine, punch, and even beer at this soiree. Give the guests variety when spicing up the beverage list. Do not forget the water to keep the party hydrated.

Wine

When choosing the wine, remember the theme. If the theme is based upon a holiday or country, try some different wines from these traditions or regions to tie in with the theme. Chances are if the cuisine is based upon a region, the wine will add a nice complement. For tapas dishes, experiment with a white albarino, red tempranillo, and a sparkling cava — all wines from Spain.

Punch

The choice beverage at high school dances has become more sophisticated. As with cocktails, punches are also experiencing a resurgence. Ice molds laden with fruit and flowers adorn beautiful antique punch bowls and make stunning centerpieces on any bar.

Beer

A bucket of ice-cold beer can make some guests forget about cocktails altogether. Again, aim to have the beer selection fall in line with the theme. If that seems like a stretch, attempting to pair beer with certain foods might work easier. For example, some cheeses complement Belgian ale very well. For a variety, mix up the selection with local ales and lagers.

Nonalcoholic Beverages

Since cocktail parties occur in the evening, you might not expect children at these events. You should expect to find guests who are not of the legal age to drink. Assume also that there might be guests who simply do not drink. For these guests, take the emphasis off of the cocktail and offer a fun nonalcoholic beverage instead. Try sparkling juice cocktails made with sparkling water and juice. Serve the nonalcoholic cocktail in champagne flutes so young guests and nondrinkers can still feel festive. Be sure to use a juice different in color than your signature drink to avoid confusion.