How to Set up a Bar for a Cocktail Party

A cocktail party is a simple and great way to get friends, business associates or family together. Whether you use the cocktail party as an introduction to a dinner or more formal event, or as the highlight of your evening, it's important that the bar be a central point of attention in your planning.

Instructions

Setting up the bar for a cocktail party

1. Know your guest list and get a count of those planning to attend. Be sure that you buy enough alcohol to cover all your guests. Plan to have beer and wine for those who do not consume hard alcohol. Purchase one bottle of liquor for every three guests you invite.

2. Decide on your drink menu: a sampling of three or four cocktail mixed drinks is a good idea. Choose fun named or appropriately selected drinks for themed parties or in honor of a special event or guest. Use several recipes that will incorporate at least two popular types of alcohol, like rum and vodka. Plan to have plenty of ice for those who may order their drinks on the rocks.

3. Buy ingredients and garnishes. Make cocktails more fun by adding cherries, limes and other fruits as garnish. Be sure to purchase obvious necessities, like olives for martinis, depending on your selection of cocktails.

4. Collect your supplies. Equip your bar with miniature swords or umbrellas to hold garnishes, napkins for drips and spills, and a tip jar if you are having a bartender. Place common items within reach of your guests, like straws or extra ice.

5. Select glasses. Purchase glasses that match with the drinks you will be serving. Visit a party store or use your own stock to lay out martini, wine, cocktail and beer glasses or supply them to the bartender. Keep a small towel nearby to wipe up any spills and to keep the countertop dry.

6. Plan a self-serve bar by making stations on a designated counter-top. Place the appropriate liquor or beverage, along with its accompanying garnishes and mixers, along side the glasses. Space them evenly so that guests can easily access their desired beverage.

7. Store alcohol and excess beverages in a nearby freezer or fridge. Remember that you will not want to place all of your stock out at one time, and will need to continue to refresh the ingredients and alcohol. Plan to monitor the consumption so that you can keep the bar full. Have extra ice on hand, as well as in a designated container in your bar.

8. Consider printing or hand-writing a bar menu. Show your guests what is being served, and if your bar is self-serve, how to make each drink. Purchase shakers for mixed drinks, bottle openers, cork-screws and other preparatory tools as needed.

9. Don't forget the food. Remember that many cocktails tend to have a distinct powerful taste, and that drinking on an empty stomach is not advisable. A selection of salty and savory treats can make the difference in your cocktail party's success. Try nuts, olives, cheeses and light sweets as a sampling of snacks to moderate the hunger of your guests and balance the taste of your drinks. Have these near, but not necessarily on, your bar.

References

• Cocktail Recipes