a pitcher of...? (for my cocktail party)...

Hi- I am having a few friends over for a cocktail party, and don't want to play bartender all night. What are some things I can mix in a large quantity in advance?

Sangria/Margaritas are obvious ones... any other suggestions, esp. Vodka drinks?

I am not a "cocktail" person generally, but thought I'd try it...

thx

emdub wrote:Hi- I am having a few friends over for a cocktail party, and don't want to play bartender all night. What are some things I can mix in a large quantity in advance?

Sangria/Margaritas are obvious ones... any other suggestions, esp. Vodka drinks?

I am not a "cocktail" person generally, but thought I'd try it...

thx

How many friends and are there flavors you really like?

Probably 8 or so people.. I guess I would like a variety, but maybe not things that are polar opposites. Fruity, summery drinks, and drinks that are easy to put together.

Mai Tais are popular in the summer, and they make good pitcher drinks.

How about hand-squeezing some fresh lemons and/or limes; keep straight juice in the refrigerator. As you need to make pitchers, add juice, sugar, water/ice and vodka (you don't need the best stuff) and call it the house drink. Need more festive? Throw in some cherries. More? How about tonic and little umbrellas?

For a block party this year, my boyfriend brought bourbon slushies (a pitcher of bourbon slush-y?). I have to check on the source of his recipe, but this one strikes me as very similar to the one he used.

Vodka drinks you say? How about a pitcher of Kamikaze? Equal parts vodka, triple sec, and lime juice.

Note: serve only at lowbrow cocktail parties

For hot summer days, one of my favorite things to drink is a bellini.

I went to a party once where the hosts had created wonderful fruit syrups and purees and then partnered them up with cold sparkling water and wine/champagne and had the fruit purees out for mixing. It was just delightful and tasty and probably one of my favorite cocktail solutions I've ever experienced.

You could also supplement with vodka or rum or liqueurs -- like Grand Marnier or Cassis.

Have a great time!

s

I am making bellinis this weekend with peaches from the Flaming Fury Peaches guy at the Green City Market. I'm pureeing the peaches with some simple syrup and lemon juice then mixing the puree with prosecco and dropping in some raspberries for a bit of color and all around perkiness.

My absolute favorite summer drink recipe is Pims:

1 bottle Pims (should be able to find at most liquor stores)
white rum (optional, to taste)
white grapes, sliced lengthwise
Sliced lime
Sliced cucumber (this is key!)
Sliced mixed berries (esp strawberries & raspberries)
Mint

Let sit for a day for flavors to mix.

Before serving, add sprite (or even better, sparkling lemonade) and ice. Soooo refreshing and delightful.

Here are a couple of possibilities:

1. Wine punch:
- bottle dry white wine
- muddled basil & mint
- sliced peaches
- splash of grand marnier
- vodka to taste

2. Drinks bar (this suggestion borrowed from the NYTimes). Set out the following for your guests:
- simple syrup
- seltzer
- sliced fruit & berries
- pureed fruit (peaches, pineapple)
- mint & basil
- lemonade or limeade
- ginger ale
- selection of liquor: vodka, rum, tequila
Let them mix up combinations for themselves!

3. Kir Royale (& variations)
in individual flutes, combine:
- 4 parts sparkling wine or champagne
- 1 part crème de cassis
- berries, fruit
or, in a punch bowl:
- dry white wine
- crème de cassis
- sliced fruit

So my simple solution is a Dark and Stormy or if you drink a few of them you may want to call them Black and Naughty.

A good spicey ginger beer with dark rum and lime...that is it...make sure it is nice and cold. Simple

When can I come over? :wink:

I did the same thing this weekend, but for 70 people. The alcohol choices were vodka, sparkiling wine, and tequilla. Two days before the party I made flavored simple syrups...Rasberry Tarragon, Mango Corriander and Lime, and an Apricot and Star Anise. These could be mixed with the sparkling wine, club soda, or lemonade. Delicous and a huge hit at the party.