Special Occasion Home Bartending: How to Create Cocktails for Your Next Dinner Party
Hosting a dinner party can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. One way to make your next dinner party even more special is to serve cocktails. You don't need to be a professional bartender to create delicious concoctions. With a few tips and tricks, you can create cocktails that will impress your guests. Here's a guide to help you get started.
Selecting Your Cocktails
The first thing you need to do is select the cocktails you'll be serving. Rather than offering a full open bar, it's best to choose two to three cocktails that you can make in batches. This will simplify the process and ensure consistency in each drink. Consider the taste preferences of your guests and choose cocktails that will appeal to a variety of palates.
Some classic cocktail options include:
- Martini
- Margarita
- Manhattan
- Old Fashioned
- Cosmopolitan
For a more seasonal twist, you can also consider using fresh, local ingredients to create cocktails. For example, a strawberry basil gin cocktail is perfect for summer, while an apple cider whiskey cocktail is great for the fall months.
Preparing Your Ingredients
Once you’ve selected your cocktails, it’s time to prepare your ingredients. This will make it easier and quicker to make cocktails when your guests arrive. Some things you can do in advance include:
- Squeezing citrus fruits and putting the juice in a container
- Making simple syrup for sweetening
- Chilling glassware in the freezer
- Preparing garnishes, such as citrus peel or herbs
If you're using fresh ingredients, be sure to buy them a day or two before your party so they’re at their peak freshness.
Setting Up Your Home Bar
Now it's time to set up your home bar. You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to create delicious cocktails. Here are the basics:
- Shaker: To mix cocktails, you'll need a shaker. A tin-on-tin shaker is preferred, but a Boston-style shaker works as well.
- Jigger: A jigger is a measuring tool used to ensure accuracy in your cocktail measurements.
- Strainer: To strain your cocktails, you'll need a strainer. A Hawthorne or Julep strainer works well for most cocktails.
- Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon is useful for stirring cocktails.
- Ice bucket: Keep ice nearby in an ice bucket or container so you can quickly chill your drinks.
Making Your Cocktails
With everything set up, it’s time to start making your cocktails. Here's how:
- Fill your shaker with ice.
- Add your ingredients and stir or shake, depending on the cocktail. As a general rule, shake cocktails with citrus juice or egg white and stir cocktails that are all spirits with no citrus or juice added.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Add garnish if required.
Serving Your Cocktails
Your cocktails are ready to serve! Offer them to your guests in pre-chilled glasses. You can even have some fun with presentation by using unique glassware or garnishing your drinks with fresh herbs or fruits.
With these tips in mind, you'll be able to create delicious cocktails that are sure to impress your guests. Cheers!