Cocktail parties are such a great adult theme choice because everyone likes to try new drinks. And by making the event a drop-in, there are no worries about guests arriving late and missing out. So get your Mad Men on and break out the barware.
Chill Time Party Prep
Send your invites at least a week ahead of time. Because this is a no-fuss party that doesn't require special attire or gifts, now is the perfect chance to lure out all those friends you haven't seen in awhile. And you'll hear few excuses because who doesn't want to chill out on a summer night?
Whether hosting inside or out, make sure you have plenty of seating so everyone has a chance to relax. If you are outdoors, this is the perfect time to hang your hammock and light some tiki torches. For decorations, keep it simple. Choose your favorite bright colors and show them off with some coordinated party supplies. An eye-catching tablecloth becomes the backdrop to your bar set-up. Create some balloon bunches to hang for some added whimsy. If you want a more natural look, try a beautiful fresh flower centerpiece from your local florist.
Warm Weather Appetizers and Snacks
It's hot out so keeping the food simple and the drinks cold is a great plan. Fresh fruit displayed in a fun way is both refreshing and decorative. We love all these examples that mix summer favorites like watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, kiwi and cantaloupe. Using mini terracotta pots for veggies and dip are as cute as can be. Plus, it frees up your guests to grab and go mingle. Opting for some healthy salsa and festive blue corn tortilla chips help keep things on the light side. Don't forget that a pickle and olive tray works great for snacking and garnishing drinks.
Relax With Easy Cocktails
These make-ahead drinks are incredibly refreshing and look so pretty chilling in a tub of ice. You will enjoy compliment after compliment without ever having to play bartender during the party! Place colorful straws and a bowl next to the ice bucket so guests have a place to put the metal lids after opening their own individual serving of spiked lemonade. Might want to make more than one batch. They will go fast!
Mason Jar Spiked Lemonade
(serves 10)
You Will Need:
- 10 pint mason jars with lids
- 2 cups water / 6 cups water
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 2 cup fresh lemon juice (12-16) lemons
- 15oz rum (or your choice of liquor)
- lemon or lime slices for garish
— Make simple syrup by boiling 2 cups of water and adding 1.5 cups of sugar.
— Stir to dissolve completely. Steep herbs or berries at this stage for different flavors
— Chill syrup in fridge
— Mix together: rum, lemon juice syrup, 6 cups water
— Divide the lemonade into the 10 jars, leaving space for garnish and extra ice
— Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime
— Screw lids on tightly and keep chilled
Mix it up! Try these variations:
Strawberries
Blueberries
Mint Leaves and Fresh Ginger
Fresh Herbs (steep in simple syrup)
Cake-Flavored Vodka
Pink Lemonade
Limeade
Orangeade
Easy Livin' Summer Playlist
Throw together some old favorites with a few new highlights to make the night's perfect soundtrack. Whether you just want to lay back and groove or enjoy a dance or two, this mix has you covered.
Summertime – Billie Holiday- Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince
- Wouldn't It Be Nice – Beach Boys
- Hot In The City – Billy Idol
- Bar-B-Q – Wendy Rene
- Got My Mojo Working – Muddy Waters
- Roosevelt Island – Eleanor Friedberger
- Under The Boardwalk – The Drifters
- Pipeline – The Ventures
- Got To Give It Up – Aaliyah
- In The Sun – Blondie
- Little Latin Lupe Lu – Don Norviel and The Visions
- Heat Wave – Martha and the Vandellas
- Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and The Waves
- Rockaway Beach – The Ramones
- King Of The Beach – Wavves
- Summer In The City – Lovin' Spoonful
- Sunny Afternoon – The Kinks
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