You can’t have a party without some type of cocktail…right?  I guess the correct thing to say would be, I typically don’t have parties without some form of a cocktail.  I’m constantly growing my bar – I like to have enough options to be able to offer guests whatever classic/simple cocktails they prefer like:  gin and tonics, rum and cokes, bourbon and/or whiskey drinks, vodka – you get the point.  Here are a few cocktails I’ve tried and have found to be very successful in a party setting.  Enjoy!

1.  Whiskey Punch (recipe located at the bottom of the link)

{the punch is what you see in the glass beverage dispenser}  Self-serve punches are great for gatherings.  By serving a punch, you don’t have to worry about standing over a bar and spending your entire party making drinks for your guests. I always make extra so when the punch runs out, simply refill the beverage dispenser and you’re good to go.

2.  Jello Shots

These aren’t your normal jello shots you had in college.  These still have the same potency as the college jello shots but these look more appropriate.  You can do these types of shots with a variety of flavors and fruits and there easy to eat.    

3.  Apple Cider Margaritas

These were a beverage choice for a Thanksgiving gathering I had a couple years ago. Fantastic alternative to your usual lime, peach and strawberry margarita flavors.  If you’re having a party in the Fall, try this cocktail as an option.

4.  Cucumber Gin Spritzer

I like gin.  Not everyone does but I thoroughly enjoy it especially in the spring and summer.  This is a perfect cocktail for an outdoor gathering – with the added cucumber, it’s pretty cooling on a warm summer day.

Here are a few cocktails I have yet to make but I’ll definitely be serving up soon:

Limoncello Gin Cocktail

photo via The Kitchn

Sweet Tea Granita*

photo via Garden & Gun

*non alcoholic but can be made into an ‘adult beverage’ easily by adding bourbon or vodka.

Boozy Watermelon Mint Lemonade

Photo via Host the Toast

Send me your favorite cocktail recipes!