The Extras
Cocktail Party Ideas
A little showmanship and presentation makes all the difference between amateur effort and professional result. Impress your guests with quality ingredients, sparkling clean glassware and pretty garnishes. Don't have a set of matched glassware? No worries. Mix it up with a creative selection of cut glass, crystal and stemware you were clever enough to find at thrift stores, yard sales and second-hand shops. Check out these cocktail party ideas.
Achieve Garnish Greatness
Start with the freshest Sunkist citrus. Look for fruit that is firm and heavy for its size, with bright, colorful skin for picture-perfect garnishes.
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To make citrus wedges: Cut the fruit in half crosswise, then cut the halves into lengthwise quarters or eighths, depending on the size of the fruit. |
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To make citrus cartwheels: Cut a thin slice from both ends of unpeeled fruit. Then slice the fruit crosswise into the desired thickness. Cut a slit along one segment halfway thru and lightly twist along the slit in opposite directions for a full cartwheel. Or cut rounds in half for half-cartwheel slices. |
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To make citrus curls: Using a slightly sawing motion, cut only the outer colored peel away in a continuous spiral, leaving the white membrane. Cutting lengthwise with curve of fruit, remove the white membrane. |
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To make citrus twists: Slice fruit into quarters and remove pulp. Use the tip of a spoon to scrape away most of the white membrane. Flatten the peel gently and cut into 2-inch long strips about ¼ inch wide. Give each piece a "twist" before dropping it into your cocktail to release the fragrant oil. |
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To make citrus slivers: Follow same procedure for twists, but stack two or three pieces of peel together and cut into them into the thin slivers for an elegant garnish. |
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To make citrus zest: Wash and dry the fruit: Using a citrus peel grater or zester in quick downward strokes, remove the outer, colored layer of the peel. Use minimal pressure to avoid removing the bitter white inner pith. |
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Pro Bartending Tips |
- Stale ice is the fast track to flavor failure. Better to buy a few bags than risk ruining your drinks.
- Set up your home bar with basic tools: cocktail shaker, strainer, ice bucket and tong, clean cutting board and sharp paring knife, citrus reamer or juicer, jigger/shot glass, a supply of clean bar towels.
- Hand wash glassware in a solution of baking soda and hot water to remove soap residue. Rinse well and dry with a clean lint-free cloth. Chill glassware in a clean tub of cracked ice, if desired.
- Build most cocktails in this order: sugar (if called for), ice, liquor, mix, and carbonated soda.
- Shake drinks with hard-to-blend ingredients. Stir drinks made with clear liquids.
