Buzz
Hosting a cocktail bash is an excellent choice for both home and work events. With guests mingling and standing, there are ample opportunities for interaction and networking. Since most cocktail gatherings offer appetizers rather than full meals, setting up the cocktail bar becomes a crucial decision. Preparing for the event often involves a trip to the liquor store and supermarket. If you don't have the necessary cocktail glasses, you can always rent them. This guide will walk you through setting up a bar for a cocktail bash.
Steps
Consider if you want to host a themed cocktail bash, as you might want to serve drinks that match the theme. For instance, if you're throwing a tiki-themed cocktail bash, you might opt for drinks like rum punch or Blue Hawaiian, which require different ingredients than those typically found in a home bar.
Determine your budget for the cocktail bash. Providing a full bar is not mandatory. As long as you offer a variety of spirits, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, your guests are likely to be satisfied.
Select the location for your bar. Ensure there's a smooth flow of people past the cocktail bar and into seating or standing areas. Position the bar away from appetizers and the entryway to prevent congestion.
- If feasible, place your bar in the kitchen for easier cleanup of spills on counters and tiles compared to carpets.
Protect the bar area by placing placemats on the counter or table and rugs on any carpeted or hard-to-clean floors. If the bar is distant from the kitchen, ensure there's a nearby water source and kitchen towels for spills. Cover the table with a tablecloth.
- If setting up a collapsible table for your bar, ensure it's about 30 inches (76 cm) wide and 6 feet (182 cm) long to prevent long waits for drinks.
Determine if you prefer a self-service bar or a bartender. Arrange for a bartender a month to a few weeks ahead, as reputable freelance bartenders get booked early.
Opt for a signature drink if you want to offer a beverage that matches your party's theme. This can be prepared in advance. For instance, for a winter cocktail party, you can pre-mix eggnog and have it ready for guests.
- If having a punch bowl, consider placing it on a separate table as it can occupy significant space along with the glasses.
Compile a list of the liquors, beer, and wine you wish to offer. For wine, select a white and a red but stick to the same type to simplify choices for guests.
- Consider stocking staple liquors for a self-service bar: vodka, rye whiskey, tequila, white rum, gin, and scotch or bourbon. For themed drinks, purchase additional ingredients like Blue Curacao or Irish Cream.
- Acquire mixers such as tonic water, club soda, cola, cranberry juice, and other sodas.
Ensure you have an abundance of ice. You can never have too much ice at a cocktail party. Display a full ice bucket and replenish it throughout the evening.
Gather the necessary glassware, including wine glasses, martini/cocktail glasses, highball glasses, and rocks glasses for serving whiskey on the rocks.
Arrange the essential tools. These include a long spoon for stirring, a metal drink shaker with a strainer, tongs for the ice bucket, a bottle opener, a wine corkscrew, and at least 2 small measuring cups, also known as jiggers.
Prepare fruit garnishes like lime wedges and orange peel in advance, about an hour before the party. Display them alongside toothpicks and bowls of cherries and olives just before the party begins.
Position a trash can beneath your bar.
Arrange your bar with the following layout consisting of 4 rows, starting from the back:
- The first row should feature liquor bottles, red wine, and white wine, placed from left to right.
- The second row should include a water jug, juices, and garnishes.
- The third row should contain soft drinks, jiggers, and other bar tools and openers.
- The fourth and front row should accommodate napkins, an ice bucket, and tongs.
- Keep only 1 or 2 bottles of each liquor or wine displayed at once, replenishing them as the night progresses.
Position glasses beside the bar layout.
Chill beer in a bucket filled with ice, placed beside the liquor layout or adjacent to the table for easy access.
Regularly restock ice, garnishes, beer, and bottles throughout the event.
Helpful Tips
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You can purchase bottle pouring inserts for your liquor bottles. Alternatively, if you don't have them, apply wax to the bottle spout's edge to prevent dripping.
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If you're serving hot beverages like coffee or tea, provide mugs with handles to prevent burns.
Essential Items
- Table
- Tablecloth
- Rugs
- Place mats
- Kitchen towels
- Hard liquor, such as rum, vodka, tequila, whiskey, scotch, and gin
- Wine
- Beer
- Garnishes
- Wastebasket
- Jiggers
- Mixers, such as water, juice, soda pop, tonic water, and club soda
- Cocktail shaker
- Ice
- Napkins
- Bottle opener
- Corkscrew
- Long-handled stirring spoon
- Glasses
- Tongs
- Wax (optional)
