The A-Z Cocktail Party

So, why not invite your friends over and throw your own cocktail party. Better yet, get all your friends together and start your own cocktail club. My mom and her friends started doing this a few years ago after feeling too old for the club atmosphere, but still too young for the cocktail lounges. Your club can have an open bar with an array of cocktails, or just feature one or two different cocktails each week. The supplies can be bought by each host or via membership dues. It’s all up to you.

This will be a two part series. This first article will address the supplies and glassware for a cocktail party. By the end of the series, you will have a great collection of cocktail recipes and know all the right tools and glasses for cocktails. If you aren’t interested in the club or throwing a cocktail party, then you may still enjoy the collection of cocktail recipes in the next article!

Glassware

Let’s start with glasses. After all, what good is the booze without something to put it in! There are over 21 different types of glasses at a standard bar: rocks, highball, shot, collins, parfait, pousse-café, coffee, pilsner, beer mug, sherry, white wine, red wine, champagne flute, whiskey sour , cordial, cocktail, brandy snifter, margarita, stem-less champagne flute, stem-less wine, stem-less cocktail, etc… Of course, you do not have to buy all these glasses. In fact, for a cocktail party it is best to keep your glassware simple.

Cocktail or Martini glass

Shot glass – use for any shots, but can also be used as a measuring tool.

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Rocks or Old Fashion glass- use for most drinks that require ice.

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Collins - most versatile glass in the collection.

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Red wine glass- notice the bowl is larger than the white wine glass. This allows the wine more room to breathe

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White wine glass

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Champagne flute – the bottom of the bowl is more tapered than a wine glass. This prevents bubbles from escaping.

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Beer mug

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Pilsner glass – a beer mug can easily be substituted.

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Brandy Snifter – the short stem and extra large bowl allows the drink to easily be warmed by the hand.

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Margarita glass

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Bartender Tools

You will need a few basic tools to store, mix, and serve the drinks. Don’t try to go out and buy every gadget and tool at first. You can always add to your bar as you go. Start with these basic items:

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Cocktail strainer

There are several different types of strainers; the most popular being the Hawthorn strainer. It is the spoon shaped utensil pictured above with a spring coil making a half moon shape around its’ head. The great thing about the Hawthorn is that it fits perfectly over a steel shaker or most bar glasses. So, cocktails are easily strained.

Cocktail shaker

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There are two types of shakers: the Boston and the standard shaker. Either is fine. The standard shaker is pictured here. Most professional bartenders prefer the Boston because there isn’t a lid to screw and unscrew. But, beware, it is very easy to spill the drink out of a Boston. As a general rule, cloudy drinks should be shaken and clear drinks should be stirred.

Wine opener

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There is also an assortment of wine openers to choose from. The best wine openers are the Rabbit, pictured above, and the waiters wine opener. The waiters wine opener has a sharp blade instead of the corkscrew. It does require a fair amount of strength and precision to use. Whereas, the Rabbit has a single pump lever. Its’ mouth fits over the top of the wine bottle and clamps on. It requires little strength.

Paring knife and cutting board

Many drinks require a fruit garnishment.

Blender

Save counter space and money by getting a blender that has an ice crushing feature.

Garnish & containers

Some drinks are garnished with fruits, peels, onions, olives, etc..

Measuring glass and jigger

Ice bucket and scoop

Long bar spoon

Pitcher

Lidded spouts for liquor bottles

Straws, coasters, and napkins

Stay tuned for the A-Z great recipes in second half of this article!

In the mean time be sure to check out my Artichoke and Parmesan Quiche