Nothing brings elegance and sophistication to a special event quite like a cocktail. Offering guests a choice of cocktails is a fun way of getting an evening off to a good start, and if done well, an unforgettable evening is assured.
Sound a bit too daunting?
Don’t worry. The art of a successful cocktail party, in addition to having a gorgeous guest list, is the cast of drinks offered. Don’t go crazy and offer a million and one different tipples – rehearse a few classics until they are the best they can be. Try and select cocktails that suit a wide range of tastes, including an alcohol-free option. Feature some classic crowd-pleasers and toss in a few more unusual concoctions as well. Let the weather outside dictate choice. Whisky and brandy can be used with equal success in warming wintry cocktails or sharp, refreshing summery shots. Cocktails like Tequila Sunrise and the cooling Brazilian classic Caipirinha work well indoors or out, rain or shine.
Once the cocktail list has been established, there are other important details on which to focus. To present a cocktail in its best light, it is important to select the right glass. If the glass cupboard in the kitchen houses a motley crew of mis-matched, chipped and highly unsuitable candidates, perhaps it’s time to go shopping for some new sparkly vessels for those divine drinkies:
Tall glasses
These can be referred to as hiball or Tom Collins glasses and make a good choice for cocktails that call for a lot of ice. Select this glass off the shelf when shaking up a Long Island Tea, Tequila Sunrise, Sea Breeze or a Mojito.
Classic cocktail glass
The long stemmed Martini glass famous from 007 films is ideal for serving small cocktails that pack a punch. For the classics, such as a Manhattan, Sidecar or Cosmopolitan, have this elegant glass on hand.
Margarita glasses
The tequila based Margarita cocktail is best served in its specially adapted glass. In appearance, a bit like a Martini glass’ big brother, it holds more liquid and has a wide rim perfect for salt and sugar dipping, and plenty of space for mini parasols, sparklers and other cocktail trappings. This type of glass also works well with frozen cocktails, such as those in the delightful Daiquiri family.
Short tumblers
Short glasses and whisky tumblers are the ideal vehicle for drinks containing whisky or bourbon. A general rule is that the stronger the kick a drink has, the shorter the glass. Timeless cocktails such as Whisky Sour, Comfortable Screw, Old Fashioned and Hair of the Dog all taste best from a stout, heavy-bottomed glass.
Hurricane glass
No list of cocktails is complete without the much maligned but ever-popular Pina Colada. This creamy, tropical treat should be served in a curvy, short-stemmed Hurricane Glass. Also delicious in this glass, is the cocktail it was named after, The Hurricane – a heavenly blend of rum, passion fruit, citrus and pineapple juices.
It’s amazing the difference the right glass can make to the enjoyment of a cocktail experience. Remember, a cocktail is not a mere drink, it’s an event – so make sure it gets the perfect glass to show it off in all its glory. Oh and if you want to mix things up a bit and make a statement then these copper cups will do the trick.
