Whether you've got a fancy dinner party coming up or you're in charge of organising staff drinks, every cocktail party needs cocktails! Instead of just asking for the usual champagne from your caterer or bartender staff at your venue of choice, get a little creative!
Here's 8 ways Laissez-faire Catering has done cocktails at some of our recent events, plus what inspired us and how you can decide on a cocktail for your next event.
1. Simple yet Classy Cocktails
Sometimes you need to look no further than a classic cocktail. Choose something popular or ask your guests before the event what drink they usually buy.
2. Use Fresh and Local Ingredients to Build your Cocktail
If you want to serve something different and delicious, head to your local farmers market and see what's in season. Grab a fruit, a herb and figure out what your cocktail base should be based on those ingredients.
Here's one we created with mint, pineapple and lime:
3. Cocktail and a Snack!
Got a sweet tooth and want your cocktail to make a statement? Here we've done cranberry juice, a sweet sparkling wine topped with... cotton candy! Guaranteed to surprise and delight.
4. Decorated Cocktail Glasses for the WOW Factor
Don't forget to give some love to the glasses themselves. A little decoration can go a long way. All you need is some sugar and something sweet to dip the glass into. Roll it in the sugar and your glasses are ready for some great wine, champagne or any cocktail you fancy.
5. Offer a Variety of Cocktails
Apart from classic crowd pleasers such as mojitos and margaritas, ask your caterer to create a bespoke menu to satisfy the Cocktail Connoisseurs.
Make sure your caterer has a few options up their sleeve:
6. Match your Cocktail to your Venue Theme
If there are distinct colours or themes at your venue of choice, ask your caterer to try to match the signature cocktails of the night.
Red carpets, big flower arrangement and romantic lighting could call for a red wine, a red or pink cocktail or a pink champagne with flower garnish.
A summery outdoor event could call for something that pops with colour, like these cocktails we served at Cell Block Theatre recently:
7. Try a Colour Contrast Cocktail
A colour contrast cocktail can also involve two distinct flavours. Our expert cocktail makers are great at separating the layers when building a bespoke cocktail.
Check out this cocktail we served at the Australian Maritime Museum with lime and watermelon flavours and a distinct layering effect:
8. An Icy Cocktail for Summer
More heat means you'll need more ice! Go for a thick and icy cocktail especially if your venue is outdoors or by the water in the warmer months. These will be super refreshing and a bit of fruit doesn't hurt either!
What's Next?
We love making cocktails at our client's events. Look how happy it makes us!
If you need a caterer, event planner or cocktail maker extraordinaire at your next event, make an enquiry or give us a call on (02) 9209 4810. We can't wait to hear from you!