Summer is one of my favorite times of year to gather with friends outside and enjoy a refreshing cocktail. While summer is winding down, that doesn’t mean the fun has to!
Make use of the bright, fun colors of summer and use those as your theme for your cocktail party. I used my favorite colors, coral, pink and aqua blue. The invitations were designed with a summer feel, and with my colors. Make sure your guests know it’s a cocktail party and if including appetizers that it is clearly stated.
The key to a successful cocktail party is to have a signature drink, and a few other drink options, which will make being a host much easier. Plus your guests will be impressed.
For this summer party I made a fun and flirty spiked pink lemonade cocktail, which was a hit! Here’s the recipe modified from Southern Living:
Ingredients
- 4 (12-oz.) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 9 (12-oz.) bottles light beer chilled
- 3 cup vodka, chilled
- Ice
- Garnishes: fresh strawberries
Preparation
- Stir together first 3 ingredients. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.
Other elements to a great cocktail party are using fresh fruit and flowers that are in season to tie your theme and colors together. I always get mine from our local farmers market. To make it easy on youself and your guests serve finger foods and appetizers that don’t require utensils. Make a few items yourself that you can prepare before the day of the party. Serve a few items you can warm up quickly and put out right before guests arrive such as cheese and vegetable plates, and spanakopita .
