Creating The Perfect Cocktail Party Menu

It's almost summer, and maybe that has inspired you to plan a get-together with friends, or perhaps you’re planning a birthday party, bachelorette party, or even a wedding. When planning events like these, one crucial aspect is what will be available to drink. Creating a great cocktail menu requires a few key elements, including creativity, balance, and consideration of your and your guests’ preferences. 

Consider Guests Preferences: What do your guests typically enjoy in a cocktail? Do they tend to go toward more classic cocktails such as a Negroni, Cosmopolitan, Boulevardier, Whisky Sour, or a Margarita? Perhaps they enjoy more signature creations, trendy mixes, or even mocktail options. At NoCo, we have a special mocktail menu we recommend for guests who choose to enjoy the party without the alcohol. Lastly, always be aware of any dietary restrictions amongst your guests. 

Selection: We recommend offering 3 options for signature cocktails, and sometimes 1-2 for well cocktails. For the signatures, it's best to offer the three most popular spirits, which are usually vodka, tequila, and bourbon. It's also best to have the cocktails you offer distinctly different from each other to fit a wide range of tastes and preferences, for example, offering something sweet, sour/bitter, savory, etc. 

Seasonality: Using ingredients that go well with the season can help create a more tailored menu. For example, consider fruits like strawberries, cherries, blueberries, apples, oranges, and pineapples in your drink decisions. While fall and winter call for warming or spiced cocktails, spring and summer inspire lighter, more fruit-forward cocktails. 

Theme: We like to ask our guests if they have a particular theme for their party. If you’re having a birthday party, is there a particular cocktail the guest of honor would like? Is it a black-and-white party? If it is a wedding, what are the colors, theme, or even the go-to cocktails for the bride and groom? If you’d like to host a cocktail class, maybe everyone in the class loves gin and wants the focus of the cocktail experience to be on that. If you’re having a company event, maybe your company color is purple and you want to offer those colored drinks to go along with it. As you can see, there are so many directions you can go in, and having an idea can help guide your menu and your event more smoothly. 

Glassware: Glassware is something that should not be overlooked when planning a party. This can be tricky, as some venues do not allow glass for safety reasons. Also, if you’re planning a large party (over 120 guests) it can get pricey to rent glassware. However, there are some good options in the Denver area. If you do want to maintain a certain aesthetic or theme for your party, going with actual glassware might be a good idea. If you are more concerned with safety and convenience, plastic cups or flutes are also an option. We always recommend our guests consider both options in line with the cocktails they choose, as the glassware you use for a cocktail can add to the enjoyment and overall experience of it. 

Planning a menu for your cocktail party can be an exciting (but sometimes overwhelming) experience. NoCo Cocktail is here to help you plan your special event and make the menu one that guests rave about. Let us help you plan the menu so you can enjoy the party and spend time with friends and family. Fill out a free quote request HERE to start planning your unique event.