How to Fix a Drink for Any Occasion

At your next party, welcome your guests with festive drinks to set the mood. Whether you're looking for sophisticated classics or retro fun, mixed drinks and cocktails are easy to prepare. And many drinks are quite forgiving: Alcohol amounts can be adjusted for personal preference or, with practice, eyeballed for quick mixing.

Instructions

1. Breakdown you list of occasions to better manage your drink menu. For example, you could have categories like cocktail hour, breach party, weekend brunch, elegant apertifs, winter wonderland (i.e. drinks for cold weather).

2. Find a drink that's appropriate for you event. A cocktail party might best be poured with a Manhattan or martini. Beach parties come with the obligatory margarita and daiquiri, but might also welcome a tequila sunrise or sangria. A whiskey toddy, hot butter rum or Irish coffee are great cold-weather drinks.

3. Make sure you stock accordingly. Purchase all necessary alcohol to make the drinks, but don't overlook mixers, garnishes and the gadgets you need to make them, like shakers and blenders.

Tips & Warnings

• Serve alcohol responsibly. Offer food with your drinks and provide nonalcoholic alternatives. Always be aware of how much your guests are drinking. Call a cab for those who have consumed too much.