Friday, September 27, 2013

Time to Party: How to Master the Art of the Cocktail



This post was created in partnership with Hallmark UK & Ireland

I don't know about you guys, but when I hear the phrase, "cocktail party," my imagination is immediately flooded with images of the roaring twenties or the swinging sixties. It's glitz, glamour, and all things fancy! As amazing as that sounds, that kind of cocktail party is a little out of my league. Let's be real: I cannot recreate the party scenes in The Great Gatsby in my own home, despite my best efforts!
But ya know what? Cocktail parties aren't just for the rich and famous! We can make the cocktail party our very own. When you stay in for a cocktail party, you can skip the lines, the covers, the high drink prices, and the taxi fares involved with a night out on the town.
Here are some great ideas to help get you inspired to throw your own cocktail party!
Cocktail Experience
If you like the idea of throwing your own cocktail party, but aren't super confident in your bartending skills, you might be surprised to find that your favorite local bars may offer the "cocktail experience." Usually these sessions are booked as private parties where you're given a demonstration and then get a chance to try those mixology skills out yourself. The "cocktail experience" can be a great opportunity to get some friends together, get introduced to the world of cocktails, and get yourself warmed up for your own bash!
Take a Class
If you want to learn more about cocktails in less of a party atmosphere, you can always take a class in the art of mixology! If you look online, you can be sure you'll find the bartender training course nearest to you. You can also look for cocktail classes at places that offer cooking classes! In just one class you can gain the skills you need to become a pro in no time!
Buy a Book
If you don't have the time or money to sign up for a cocktail class, don't worry! One of the most accessible ways to master the art of the cocktail is to simply buy a book! There are all sorts of books available online or from your local bookstore and you can take your time to learn from them at your own pace. Whether you are looking for a book about the history of the cocktail, how to make your own bitters, how to make classic cocktails, or how to make fun seasonal drinks, you should be able to find a book that's right up your alley!
Seasonal Inspiration
Cocktail parties are fantastic, because you can throw them any time of year. One of my favorite suggestions is to style your cocktail party with seasonally themed drinks. You can go light and fruity with Greyhounds on summer nights, or warm and spicy with Hot Toddys for an intimate winter get together. There are all sorts of fun seasonal drinks, so do some research and you'll be sure to pick some winning cocktails.
With all your new knowledge of cocktails and drink mixing, your party is sure to be a hit! Even if the drinks dry up at the end of the night, the conversation will keep on flowing. To help it along, you can even brush up on the history of some of the drinks you are serving. They didn't just appear out of thin air!
So, what's stopping you? Get to Hallmark and send out your invites today! Your next cocktail party could be just a few shakes away!

Til next time!

-Becca

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16 comments:

  1. I love a good cocktail party but have never hosted one myself. You have inspired me to do one with a Gatsby theme.

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    1. Oh I'm so glad! I've had a couple and they are a total blast!

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  2. Such a fun post! I can't wait to throw cocktail parties when I'm a classy adult!

    Xo, Hannah

    sweetsweetnoir.net

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  3. So awesome :)


    -my blog; abeautifulheart07.blogspot.com/2013/09/anchors-awiegh.html

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  4. I'd love to throw a cocktail party - I love night outs, but my favvourite part is the nit at the end when you come home and sit in the living room talking, so sometimes I wonder why I bother going to a bar. I love your suggestion of going to bartender lessons, that would be an awesome thing to know how to do! xx

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    1. I totally agree! I haven't actually taken official bartender lessons yet, but I think it would be fantastic! For the time being, I just bend my bartender friend's ear and ask for some tasty cocktail recipes from her!

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  5. A cocktail party sounds so fun and fancy! I've always wanted to master a couple of key cocktails to serve. Thanks for the lovely tips Becca!

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    1. You're very welcome! I think it's great having a couple of cocktails under your belt. My favorite simple cocktail is called the Brown Derby. It's amazing!

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  6. Luckily my fiancè is a batender and I don't have to worry about making cocktails :P
    (¯`·._.·Nymphashion·._.·´¯)

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  7. I went to a class last night on a hen do! It was so much fun! Although I'm not very good at getting the glass unstuck from the shaker...! xx

    Hips Like Cinderella

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    1. Oh how fun! I'm not very good at that either : /

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  8. I can't drink cocktails yet but I'm sure this will come in handy some day!
    Also, I thought you should know that I've nominated you for the Liebster Award :)
    theearththroughalens.blogspot.co.nz

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