If you’re preparing to host a dinner party, the meal is probably your main concern. However, it’s important to spend some time on the drinks! After all, the perfect cocktail can save even the worst of meals. If you’re looking for some ideas, here are six cocktails to serve at a dinner party.
1. Moscow Mule
If you’re looking for a widely popular drink that suits several occasions, you may want to choose a Moscow mule. The Moscow mule ingredients consist of vodka, lime juice, and spicy ginger beer. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, you can serve the drink in copper mugs. These mugs are generally used when professionally serving Moscow mules, although you may want to find ones that are plated with stainless steel or bronze. While the risk level is debated, drinking out of a copper mug might cause health issues. After pouring the drink, top it off with a lime slice and serve!
2. Mojito
When you’re serving guests with sweet tooths, mojitos are usually an appropriate choice. This cocktail includes white rum, mint, sugar, soda water, and lime juice. In order to make the drink properly, you’ll need to invest in a muddler. Essentially, muddlers are the equivalent of pestles for bartenders. The tool mashes up ingredients in drinks to produce more flavor. Once you’re done making the mojitos, add in some decorative mint leaves.
3. Old Fashioned
If your dinner party needs to be excessively distinguished, you may want to consider making everyone an old fashioned. This drink goes way back to the nineteenth century, and it’s generally viewed as a refined cocktail. In fact, suave businessman Don Draper from Mad Men could often be seen drinking an old fashioned. The cocktail consists of whiskey or brandy, sugar, bitters, and water. It’s often garnished with an orange slice. Similar to the mojito, you’ll want to use a muddler.
4. Bellini
In the event that your dinner party is a bit less formal, you might want to try serving Bellinis. These drinks are fruity and delicious. There are also several different flavors you can make, although peach is the classic option. Bellinis are made with Prosecco and, if you’ve decided on the original version, peach puree. If you want to have the classic pink hue, you should also add a pinch of raspberry juice. Once you’ve prepared the drink, you can serve it in a champagne flute.
5. Martini
When you’re hosting a sleek or swanky event, few drinks are more fitting than the martini. This cocktail consists of gin and vermouth. It’s usually served with either an olive or a lemon twist. If you’re looking for a good dinner party story, you might want to serve some Vesper Martinis. Ian Fleming, the creator of martini-lover James Bond, actually invented this version of the cocktail. Even better, mention that the drinks are shaken, not stirred!
6. Margarita
If your dinner party is relaxed and somewhat tropically-themed, margaritas could be a great choice. The cocktail is made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. There are three basic ways to serve a margarita: on the rocks, straight up, or frozen. If you’re unsure about which option to choose, just ask your guests beforehand! In order to make a classic margarita, you should also find some margarita glasses to serve the drinks in. Finally, add salt to the rim of the glasses.
Finding the perfect drink can be stressful, especially when you’re hosting a dinner party. Luckily, few choices are truly wrong when it comes to cocktails. Think about the atmosphere of your party and make an informed choice. If you need help, you can always ask the nearest alcohol expert. Have fun and make some drinks!
