If you’re looking for a fun theme for your next birthday or anniversary party or just an excuse to unwind with your friends, then consider throwing a Classic Cocktail party. These parties can be a lot of fun and are flexible to plan so you can do almost anything you want. Let’s look at a few ideas on how to put one of these parties together and – even more importantly – what classic cocktails to consider serving your guests.

Ideas for Your Classic Cocktail Party

First, you’re going to need the perfect invitations. As with any type of party of party, you want your invitations to maintain the same theme as the rest of the event. Here are a few examples that would work for this type of get together: Cocktails, Bottle Shape, Martini Toasting, and Cocktail Party Jubilee.

Before you can send out those invitations, you’ll need to choose a location. Obviously, a private home is a good choice if you’re having a small party. If you want to invite more people, consider renting a private hall or the party room at your local restaurant or club.

If you’re decorating, then consider some elegant designs. Going with a black and white motif is always a good choice. You can also decorate with empty drink glasses filled with flowers, decorative marbles, or floating candles. Have a soundtrack of jazz music playing in the background.

Classic Cocktail Party Drinks

Invitations and decorations may be important but you can’t have this type of party without serving a selection of tasty classic cocktails. If you’re not sure what counts as a “classic,” then here are some ideas.

One of the most notable cocktails is the Bloody Mary with its combination of tomato juice and vodka and its unusual celery stick garnish. Of course, if you want something a little more simplistic and elegant try a dry martini. All you need for this drink is some gin and vermouth, plus an olive garnish.

Make sure to have some Angostura Bitter on hand if you’re running your own bar at the party. This ingredient is essential to two classic cocktails: the Rob Roy (also with Scotch and vermouth) and the Manhatten (Canadian whiskey and vermouth).

If you want a blended drink, then the screwdriver is one of the most famous. By combining vodka and orange juice in a cocktail shaker you can create this cocktail which is ideal for parties and even for brunches.

And, of course, you may want to make a batch of non-alcoholic Shirley Temples (grenadine and ginger ale) for those designated drivers at your celebration.