How to Stock Your Bar for a Cocktail Party
Although you may know that your guests aren't big drinkers, you don't want to run out of beverages at your festive soiree.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Bartender Manuals
- Bottled Water
- Bourbons
- Club Sodas
- Cocktail Onions
- Fruit Juices
- Ice
- Lemons
- Limes
- Liquor
- Maraschino Cherries
- Olives
- Red Wines
- Snacks
- Sodas
- Sparkling Wines
- Tequila
- White Wines
- Blenders
- Cocktail Glasses
- Cocktail Mixers
- Cocktail Napkins
- Cocktail Sets
- Cocktail Shaker
- Cocktail Toothpicks
- Corkscrews
- Cutting Boards
- Paring Knives
- Pitchers
- Shot Glasses
- Swizzle Sticks
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1
Invest in a good bartender's manual; if you entertain even a couple of times a year, you'll find it as useful as a comprehensive cookbook.
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2
Assume that each guest will consume two drinks per hour.
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3
Buy enough to go around based on the following guidelines: A standard-size bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) = 5 to 6 servings. The same size bottle of spirits = 17 drinks @ 1 1/2 oz. (45ml) per shot. A 12-ounce (355ml) soft drink or can of beer = 1 serving.
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4
Buy or make enough ice to fill buckets and cooler chests to capacity.
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5
Assume that each party guest will consume a quarter to a half pound of ice in drinks.
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6
Stock plenty of soft drinks, bottled water and fruit juices for non-imbibers and designated drivers.
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7
Buy or rent plenty of glasses. Count on using at least one per person per hour.
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8
Estimate that for every hour of the party, each guest will eat two handfuls of chips or nuts and three to four servings of more elaborate finger food - and estimate even more if your party is a cocktails-only affair and not a prelude to dinner.
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9
Buy more of everything than you think you'll need; you can always eat any leftover food, or send it away with guests. The wine, liquor and mixers will keep for another occasion.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Buying high-quality wines and spirits needn't mean the most expensive. If you find the profusion of brands and the range of prices confusing, ask the advice of a professional bartender or wine steward before you start shopping.
Bear in mind how you'll be using the spirits you buy. For instance, those pricey single-malt Scotches are meant to be sipped and savored without embellishment, as you'd quaff a fine brandy. Their glories (and your cash) will be wasted if you dilute them with ice cubes and water. Likewise, a tequila meant to be taken straight with a wedge of lime might not make the best-tasting margaritas.
Be sure to have the right cocktail making equipment and a blender for mixed drinks.
As a responsible party host, see to it that your guests return home safely. If any guests have had too much to drink, arrange alternate rides home or invite them to stay over.
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Comments
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Jul 07, 2006
Having personally witnessed the devastation that is caused by a DUI accident, I wonder if it is ever not appropriate to call the police if someone leaves your party having decided that it is OK to drive drunk. -
Jul 07, 2006
Having personally witnessed the devastation that is caused by a DUI accident, I wonder if it is ever not appropriate to call the police if someone leaves your party having decided that it is OK to drive drunk.
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Dec 16, 2005
Ask each guest to bring their favorite drink (or the ingredients). This way, you can assure enough drinks for all the guests at your party, a good variety of drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). And for a personal treat, ask a few guests to bring your specialty drink(s).
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Nov 22, 2005
A fun but useful party gift could be those test strips that estimate your blood alcohol content (by putting them on your tongue). If someone drinks too much, put their keys in your shoes (if your shoes are by the door). They won't find the keys and you won't forget to return them later.
