Whether you are planning a cocktail party for colleagues or friends, fancy drinks can help start conversations and win over guests. Serving the same cocktails over and over again becomes boring, so it helps to use your imagination when designing your cocktail party menu.
Fancy cocktails might include an interesting garnish or a unique conversation of flavors. Serve fancy drinks in distinctive stemware or provide cocktail charms to help guests keep track of their beverages. Whatever the case, it is easier than you think to impress during a cocktail party.
1- Mango Margarita
A friend of mine came up with this idea after trying a mango iced tea drink at a Cheddar’s restaurant one evening. All you have to do for your cocktail party to make this drink is to add a cup or two of cubed mangos to your margarita mix.
Garnish with a lemon wedge or a slice of papaya to give it a truly tropical feel. Mango margaritas should be served in regular margarita glasses, but you might want to find some colorful glasses to bring home the theme. Just keep in mind that the mango further disguises the taste of tequila, so keep an eye on anyone who seems to be drinking too much.
2- Chocolate Martini
If you are having a late evening cocktail party, chocolate martinis are an excellent addition to your menu. These fancy drinks combine vodka with chocolate liquor, and I have found that they taste better with a shot or two of half-and-half to thicken the recipe.
These fancy cocktails should be served in chilled martini glasses, and you can get creative with the garnishes. A single chocolate kiss dropped into the bottom of the glass adds an interesting touch.
3- Pomegranate Mimosas
Mimosas are excellent additions to your cocktail party menu, and because they include champagne they definitely fall into the category of fancy drinks. However, you can add further punch to this favorite by adding pomegranate juice and seeds to your mimosas at a cocktail party.
You’ll want to use four parts champagne to three parts orange juice, to one part pomegranate so you don’t override the basic flavor. Drip the pomegranate seeds into the bottom of the chilled glass, and you’ve got yourself a hit.
4- Cabernet Sangria
If you are looking for punch-type fancy cocktails for your cocktail party, cabernet sangria is a flavorful choice. Simply combine cabernet sauvignon with sangria in a large punch bowl, then toss in a couple shots of cognac. Cube an orange and add it to the mix, then stir in three tablespoons of sugar. You can also add a bottle of club soda if you want to give it a sparkling punch taste.
These fancy drinks are served best in highball glasses with orange-slice or cinnamon-stick garnishes. You can adjust the concentration of cabernet to taste.
5- Cosmopolitan Variations
The cosmopolitan martini has become very popular in recent years, particularly because it was featured frequently on the television show “Sex and the City.” However, even if you don’t like the normal cosmo taste, you can create fancy drinks based on the recipe and score a hit.
For example, you can pour frozen cubed pineapples into a tumbler or highball glass, then pour the cosmopolitan over it for a more fruity taste.
