Everyone loves a great party. It’s an excuse to get together with friends, share a laugh, and relax, all while enjoying delicious drinks. For a touch of class and sophistication, if only for an evening, try hosting a martini party. Mix in some details, shake in a bit of style, and serve over a cool jazz soundtrack. Add some great company to garnish.
Choose Your Booze
The primary ingredient in any flavored martini is… alcohol. Of course, alcohol can be quite expensive, especially if you’re expecting a big turnout. To put less strain on your party budget, ask your friends to bring a bottle of spirits, liqueur, or liquor.
Find a variety of martini recipes and write down all of the alcohol that you’ll need. Ask each person to bring something specific – including juice and garnishes (limes, oranges or, if you’re getting fancy, caramel and chocolate sauce).
Be sure to cover the basics:
- Gin
- Vodka
- Cranberry juice
- Lime cordial
- Ice
Create a Spiffy Atmosphere
Candlelight and soothing jazz will help add to the ambience and authenticity of your party. Think Rat Pack and casinos when deciding on the décor. For an authentically retro twist, try to scrounge up some vintage signs and posters, such as those for Campari and L’Instant Taittinger.
If you don’t already have a martini shaker or two, and martini glasses galore, rummage the second-hand shops in your area. If you don’t have luck there, visit your nearest discount shop. Because a martini just isn’t a martini without a martini glass!
And of course, what is a great setting without a great frock? Ask your guests to dress in suits and cocktail dresses for the party. Include this on the invitations so that everyone is on board.
Allow Everyone a Chance at Bartending
The most fun part of a martini party is how interactive it is; mixing drinks can be a great way to get conversation flowing. If you want to get things going, start with a martini-making demonstration. Whip up a classic cocktail while explaining how you're doing it. Your captive audience is sure to want to give it a try themselves when you’re done.
Put all of the alcohol, ice, and martini shakers in a designated bar area and let each of your guests be their own bartender. You can print a list of martini recipes, such as for Cosmopolitans, Kamikazes, and Classic martinis, for the less adventurous guests, and let the others run amok! There’s sure to be someone who will want to try every concoction imaginable.
Provide Ample Snacks
With alcohol comes a craving for salty snacks. If you want to keep things simple, throw a few bags of pretzels and peanuts into fancy bowls and call it a day. For a more elaborate affair, make savories such as cheese twists, lobster canapés, and – the retro classic – shrimp cocktail.
As with any party, preparing for your martini fete should be fun for you. The more you get into your party planning, the more likely it is that your guests will appreciate the efforts. So, grab an olive and get going!
 |
