It’s Time to Bring Back the Cocktail PartyI

I don’t know about you but I’m ready to start a movement–don’t worry, it’s nothing radical. Nor is it a political one, it’s a social one.  I’m on a mission–a campaign if you will–to bring back the cocktail party. Since starting my new business all I have done is work for the most part. When I see friends out and about I have no idea what is going on in their lives, I need to be around my friends and a cocktail party will fill in all the gaps.

You may be asking yourself right about now…”What happened to the cocktail party? I didn’t even know it was missing.” And that’s the whole point.  Somewhere between potlucks, picnics, and pool parties, the art of throwing a bona fide, grown up cocktail party was lost. Well, maybe not lost forever. I prefer to think it was just misplaced.  Some might like to blame it on the fact that we are just always chasing a busy schedule and oftentimes in a hurry so having a simple, extremely casual backyard barbeque gathering is easy. And a potluck, where everyone brings their favorite casserole, side dish, or dessert is even easier. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I am absolutely not casting a shadow on a barbeque or a casual potluck gathering. I love those types of get-togethers, too.  I love pool parties, porch parties, and tailgates, too.  But something conjured up a memory of a fabulous cocktail party I attended years ago and it immediately put me in a cocktail, party-planning mood. 

Organizing a cocktail party really isn’t that much more difficult than planning any other type of party. There are a lot of options.  You can pick a theme…or not.  You can make it a dressy affair…or not. It can be for a crowd…or not.  The choices are limitless.  

But there are a few things that you must have for the perfect cocktail party.  There must be a few appetizers to nibble on while enjoying said cocktails…and, of course, you must create the star of the show: the cocktail.  Now this is the really fun part–or at least it is for me. Planning the menu and picking a cocktail. And that’s where I can help.  You might opt for some fancy bites and a classic cocktail, like a martini or an Old-Fashioned, or you could go for a more simple menu and a signature cocktail.

Here are five effortlessly elegant cocktail party ideas featuring some of the products from our online shop, simple and delicious:

1.  Pimento Cheese might not be the first thing you think of for a cocktail party. But it is such a versatile ingredient it can be as fancy as you want it to be.  You could make Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs.  They are always a favorite and also always the first the go–so you know it is a popular dish.

2.   Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs are so easy to make but no one needs to know this party secret.

3. Cherry Tomato Crostini is also a very delicious and simple appetizer to prepare. Since tomatoes are coming into abundance, it is a perfect choice. 

4. Party Meatballs are always a favorite for a cocktail party and pairing them with our Strawberry Jalapeño Jam, Hot Pepper Jelly, or our limited edition Bourbon Blueberry Jam as a dipping sauce would be perfect.

5. Hot Cherry-Spiked Blue Cheese Crackers using our Boozy Cherries as a substitute in the recipe is just a great party nibble. I simply cannot resist a good cracker, and topped with cheese and a boozy cherry will make it over the top.

6. And speaking of boozy cherries, don’t forget to stock up on our party pantry supplies.  Our Bitters and Cherry Bundle is a fabulous choice to help you plan your party, it also make a thoughtful hostess gift. Boozy cherries are useful in so many cocktail recipes and our handcrafted orange and cherry bitters can take any drink to the next level.  Our 6-piece Bar Tool Set will make your bartender a very happy camper. Stock your bar with the proper tools and ingredients and your parties will be the talk of the neighborhood, I promise.

   And if you aren’t having the party yourself, but attending one, don’t forget a hostess gift.  I found the most the most fabulous scented candle from Lineage, a Bourbon & Ginger hand poured small batch candle is the perfect choice. 

Anytime is the right time for a cocktail party, so start planning one up today.  I already have my notebook and my favorite pen in hand to jot down a few notes and start figuring out my guest list. I just love planning a party….

Cheers!

MK