When was the last time you were really wowed at a party? You may have had fun, but after a while, don’t all parties start to seem the same? Chances are you enjoy yourself, but never quite feel spectacular. Well, it’s time to think outside the box…and not just outside the box of wine!
Imagine a roving bar of retro dinner trays, filled with “assemble-it-yourself” cocktails in funky vintage glasses. Sounds pretty fun, right? These DIY cocktails take no time at all. On each tray, start with a collection of funky drinkware – champagne coupes, highballs, whiskey tumblers – after all, who says a bourbon on the rocks can’t be served in a fluted champagne glass once in a while? In each different tray, the various glasses should contain the liquid elements of each cocktail, but not the garnishes or non alcoholic elements. Instead, set these to the side and allow the guests to mix those in for themselves. Here are examples of cocktails you can lay out on each tray:
Oh My Sweet Citrus
Liquor: Contratto Bianco, sparkling wine
Additional ingredients: Bitters, lemon zest
Suggested glassware: Champagne flute
Elderflower Spice
Liquor: Vodka, St. Germain
Additional ingredients: Jalapeño, basil, grapefruit, and lemon
Suggested glassware: Snifter
The Rooted Mint
Liquor: Gin, Canton, Aperol
Additoinal ingredients: Beets, lemon, mint
Suggested glassware: Basic tumbler
Swing Thai
Liquor: Gin
Additional ingredients: Coconut milk, ginger, lime, and sparkling water
Suggested glassware: Martini glass
Brown Betty
Citrus Infused Bourbon, Demerara, and Bitters
Suggested glassware: Highball
You don’t have to go with these cocktail suggestions – try making your own. Fancy up each party tray with hand-written labels, naming your “assemble-it-yourself” creative cocktails. Your guests will be wowed. And, chances are, you may just even wow yourself.
