Is it strange to plan your birthday party around alcoholic beverages?  Not to us! How about a grownup birthday cocktail party idea where attendees dress with more panache than usual, and enjoy retro cocktails and cocktail party food and hors d’oeuvres?

First, you need to select the cocktails.  You may want to start with one of the definitive guides to cocktail recipes. (Try The Craft of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroff for major  inspiration). If you’re not an experienced mixologist, consider making batches of cocktails or punch in advance, or you’ll be making drinks all night and never have a chance to enjoy the party. Even martinis can be made in advance in a pitcher for your cocktail party!  You can also hire a bartender for a few hours.  Many bartenders can suggest a variety of popular cocktails your guests are sure to love. They will also help you gauge the amount of alcohol you’ll need to purchase.

Select a diverse range of cocktails for the cocktail party. Offer cocktails that feature different liquors, so there is a white rum cocktail, a vodka cocktail, a gin cocktail, etc. You also want to have some fruitier options like a cosmopolitan, as well as something more classic like a Rob Roy.  Perhaps a chocolate martini!  Cocktail selection also depends on the time of day and theme of the party, but try to offer something that people don’t have the chance to enjoy every day.  Mojitos are fairly simple to make and can be made in advance if necessary. People also enjoy a spicy bloody mary at any time of day.  If it’s a cool time of year, you may also offer a hot beverage such as Irish coffee or spiced cider that you can keep warm in a crockpot and have guests serve themselves with a ladle.

We suggest going with high quality liquors and mixers for this special occasion birthday cocktail party. Make sure you provide not just fabulous cocktails, but suitable drinks for people who prefer beer or wine only.  A wine spritzer, sangria or a beer with lemonade can resemble a cocktail and keep non-cocktail folks happy.

Cocktail party appetizers are essential for a cocktail party.  A cocktail party menu features finger food that is easy to prepare in advance.  But what to make? We love having a wide variety of cocktail party foods for the casual snacker, but enough substantial options so that guests can enjoy a light meal if they like.  Consider Asian treats like mini egg rolls or fried wontons stuffed with seafood or mushrooms.  Different types of bruschetta are also a great make-ahead option.  You can arrange toasted bread slices with white bean puree and a drizzle of olive oil, or a classic combination of tomatoes and garlic. Mixed nuts, olives and an antipasto platter are crowd pleasers.  If you’d rather not prepare all the food, many grocery stores offer excellent frozen hors d’oeuvres such as mini quiches or meatballs, where all you need to do is heat, insert toothpicks and serve.

You may also want to offer water and non-alcoholic options, so that people can opt out or take a break between cocktails.  Depending on where you live, you can arrange for a trusted, non-drinking friend or family member to shuttle your party attendees home from the party. This way, guests can relax and enjoy the evening without drinking and driving.

Cheers!