Hosting Essentials: Crafting the Perfect Cocktail
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November 21, 2022
When hosting any kind of gathering, there’s one single must-have that can’t be skipped: cocktails. Social drinking is one of the most common activities at parties and has been for as long as time. That’s why when I’m hosting, I make sure to offer a nice variety of options, but not too many leaving guests overwhelmed with choices.
The best way to go about serving your guests is to feature 1-2 signature cocktails, preferably premade so you’re free to mingle once the party begins. Since it’s that time of year, I’ll share the example from my recent friendsgiving gathering where I served Bacardi’s Friendsgiving Punch.
I have to admit, I hate following recipes. Nine times out of ten, I’ll modify to make it exactly how I like it. Well, this friendsgiving punch was the one out of ten that didn’t need any modification at all. Here’s how I made it:
You’ll Need:
1 part BACARDÍ Gold rum
1 part BACARDÍ Superior rum
3 parts apple cider
2 parts lemonade (sweetened)
1 tsp pumpkin spice pie
4 sticks of cinnamon (garnish)
1 apple cut into slices (garnish)
Instructions:
In a large punch bowl, combine all ingredients with an ice block.
Garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices.
Serve on the rocks.
So super quick and easy…and absolutely delicious! It was a huge hit and I think every single guest asked me for the recipe. It’s surprisingly refreshing, just the slightest bit sweet, and is oh-so-cozily fall. I can’t wait to make it again for my family on Thanksgiving!
When it comes to serving the cocktails, let the guests serve themselves (another reason to make the cocktails ahead of time!). I like to leave the garnishes out so guests can add them to their own drinks. Not only is it convenient, but it can also add to the decor. If you’re more of a laidback hostess, you can also leave the booze out for those who might want just a touch more.
Pin for Later:
Do you have a signature cocktail for your gatherings?
Photos by Ryan Carpenter.
Share the post "Hosting Essentials: Crafting the Perfect Cocktail"
Margie
November 11, 2019 @ 10:22 am
Love this post
Megan
November 11, 2019 @ 3:09 pm
Thank you! You have to try the punch! SO good.
Erica Valentin
November 11, 2019 @ 2:27 pm
I don’t have any signature cocktails but one of my favorite thanksgiving recipes is my Abuelas Boozy Bacardi Cranberry Sauce……….its soooooooooooooooooo good and its made with Bacardi Black Rum….cant go wrong with anything Bacardi! ….Im gonna share the recipe on the blog hopefully this week!
Megan
November 11, 2019 @ 3:10 pm
Omg that sounds delicioussss! I definitely want that recipe!
Delia Atenea
November 11, 2019 @ 7:16 pm
You’re so good at hosting! I love how creative this drink looks! I can learn a lot from all of this! I need some major hosting skills!
Megan
November 12, 2019 @ 2:43 pm
Omg you’re the sweetest!!! I absolutely love to host! I’m sure you’d do a great job!
Carolyn
November 11, 2019 @ 7:24 pm
I love cocktails but don’t really make them. However, you make this one look easy and especially super yummy! Perfect this time of year with the apples and cinnamon too!
Megan
November 12, 2019 @ 2:43 pm
It was honestly so easy to put together! So perfect for any get together this time of year!
erin
November 11, 2019 @ 7:58 pm
Love this! The pics are gorgeous and it looks like an awesome set up and a delish drink!
Megan
November 12, 2019 @ 2:42 pm
Thank you so much!! It is AMAZING. You have to try!
Stephanie
November 11, 2019 @ 8:17 pm
Someday I’ll find the perfect autumn cocktail that doesn’t have apple in it. Girl, you have no idea how much having an apple allergy sucks during this season haha! But this sure sounds delicious!
Megan
November 12, 2019 @ 2:42 pm
Omg noooo!!! That’s too bad!
Amanda
November 11, 2019 @ 11:06 pm
Ooooh I imagine this tastes like fall— it sounds so yummy!
Megan
November 12, 2019 @ 2:42 pm
Yes!! It really does! You have to try it!
CANDACE HAMPTON
November 12, 2019 @ 11:00 am
I don’t have a signature cocktail. But this makes me want to have one for my parties. I’m going to give it a try! Bacardi is one of my favorite rums.
Megan
November 12, 2019 @ 2:41 pm
I think you’ll absolutely love it!! It’s so delicious!
Azanique Rawl
November 13, 2019 @ 2:27 pm
This is the perfect quick and easy drink recipe for me to start trying. I love the topping and fruit on the rim. Thanks for sharing 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Megan
November 13, 2019 @ 5:11 pm
Yes! You have to try it out!!! It’s the perfect fall drink. I love the garnish too! Thanks babe!
Julia Comil
November 13, 2019 @ 3:29 pm
These cocktails sound so yummy! Love it!!
Megan
November 13, 2019 @ 5:10 pm
Thanks girl!! It was sooo good!
Julia Comil
November 13, 2019 @ 3:30 pm
I love your pictures in this blog post! Make me want to try it! My husband loves Baccardi. I am bookmarking this post for him!
Megan
November 13, 2019 @ 5:10 pm
Thank you so much!! My photographer is amazing!! 🙂 It is seriously SUCH a delicious cocktail. I’m sure your husband would love it!!
Lily
November 13, 2019 @ 9:07 pm
This cocktail sounds delicious! I’ll have to try it.
Megan
November 14, 2019 @ 9:07 am
Omg SO yummy!! You’ll love it!
kileen
November 15, 2019 @ 5:44 am
these photos are beautiful and can’t way to try out your recipe!
kileen
cute & little
Megan
November 15, 2019 @ 8:04 am
Thanks lady! It’s SO great! The best cocktail for holiday parties 🙂
Jennifer Prince
November 18, 2019 @ 9:00 am
Ooh! I can’t wait to test this out. It’s pretty, too, with the apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Those glasses, too!
Megan
November 21, 2019 @ 10:45 am
Isn’t the garnish perfect!? I love how it turned out!! And thanks girl! Definitely our new favorite glasses to use! 🙂
Nicole Flint
November 18, 2019 @ 9:21 am
The punch sounds amazing! Great tip for making it premade so you can enjoy your guests!
Megan
November 21, 2019 @ 10:44 am
It’s delicious!! And I completely agree. Making it ahead of time really makes things SO easy!