Cocktail parties are encountering a renaissance, and for a good reason. They’re easier than a dinner party, a good excuse to connect with friends, and an even better excuse to sample all those new vodkas and gins.  So drink up, Buttercup, and take a jump into cocktail culture! 

Steps to Success

The variations of Martinis are enough to cause a dizzy spell – before you’ve even had a sip. Chocolate martinis or fruit martinis.  Vodka martinis or gin martinis.  Herb martinis or infused martinis.  For the martini purist, there’s only one: the original gin martini.  But these days, anything goes.  

Some advice to keep you sane: keep it simple.  Choose three complementary martinis for your party.  Decide whether you’ll be serving gin or vodka martinis – or both.  Shake things up by offering a variety of garnishes (citrus, cheese stuffed olives, onions, cherries, mint, fresh fruit, chocolate curls, etc) and let your guests do the picking.

Martinis are strong.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a fruity martini or the original thing.  So it’s a necessity to serve a few nibbles to your guests.  You can keep it simple with a spread of cheese crackers and fruit slices and nuts; or take it up a notch with the addition of cured meats r meat skewers.  If it is an after dinner cocktail party, offer some desserts or chocolate fondue.

Some Hints:

• Mix your Martinis in a pitcher in batches if you’re having over 6 guests
• Chill glasses in the freezer or refrigerator before serving, to keep drinks refreshing
• Chill Vodka and Gin in the freezer beforehand
• Don’t chintz with plastic martini glasses – use the real thing.  They can be found inexpensively in discount outlets.
• Don’t waste your time chopping lemons and limes as you go – prepare your garnishes in advance
• Don’t forget cocktail napkins

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