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| What kind of bar to offer? |
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For casual gatherings, it's appropriate to simply offer wine and beer. Pair the creamy rich flavor of Boursin® with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Champagne. Reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot will also balance its rich creaminess; while a brown ale will complement Boursin's soft, creamy texture.
After dinner, during a cheese course or dessert course, pair Boursin with Gewurztraminer or a sparkling wine. Consider serving an aperitif such as Campari or brandy after dinner.
- Be sure to stock still and sparkling waters, diet and regular sodas, and lemons and limes.
- Pour each guest's first drink personally or have pre-poured trays of wine and sparkling water available near the front door.
A modified bar includes vodka, gin, scotch and mixers as well as wine and beer. You can also offer specialty drinks, like Cosmopolitians or Blue Lagoons.
For formal events or a true cocktail party, offer a full bar that includes everything in a Basic or Modified Bar, plus bourbon, tequila, rum, sweet and dry vermouth, mixers and juices.
There is a perfect glass for each and every cocktail. But if stocking 12 different types of glasses is not practical, try a combination of red and white wine glasses and 10 oz. highball glasses, which are appropriate for beer and most cocktails.
Plan on Having:
- Two to three glasses per person
- Three paper napkins per person; nine per person if passing hors d'oeuvres with napkins.
To calculate your wine and liquor needs follow this simple suggestion: a 750ml bottle of wine will pour four to six glasses and a 750ml bottle of spirits will yield about 16 mixed drinks. If you are still wondering how much to serve, ask your liquor store or wine merchant for help.
Stirring up a pitcher of a specialty cocktail is a fun and easy way to quickly serve thirsty guests. Some of your guests will want to take home a copy of the recipe so be sure to have a few extra recipe cards on hand.
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- fresh chopped mint sprigs
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (or lime), fresh
- 1 1/2 ounces light rum
- Club Soda, chilled
In a tall thin glass, crush part of the mint with a fork to coat the inside. Add the sugar and lemon juice and stir thoroughly. Top with ice. Add rum and mix. Top off with the club soda (or seltzer). Add a lemon slice and the remaining mint. Serves one.
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- 10 1/2 oz. vodka
- 2 oz. Cointreau®
- 2 oz. cranberry juice
- 2 oz. fresh lime juice
Shake vigorously and strain into cocktail glasses. Garnish each with a twist of lime.
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- 6 oz. tequila
- 6 oz. fresh lime juice
- 4 oz. Cointreau® or triple sec
Rub the rims of cocktail glasses with a wedge of lime and dip rims in a saucer of fine salt. Place all ingredients into a shaker. Shake and strain into glasses. Garnish each with a wedge of lime on the rim.
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The martini is a very popular drink, traditionally made with gin but today requested more frequently with vodka - an astounding comeback for a cocktail that was thought to be dead only a few years ago.
Whether you prefer gin or vodka, a martini must be served cold, cold, cold.
- Store your vodka or gin in the freezer.
- Chill your martini glasses and pitcher or shaker.
- Shake or stir your martini in ice.
To make the classic martini:
- Pour a splash of dry vermouth in a chilled martini glass and swirl to coat the inside of the glass. Discard excess vermouth.
- In a shaker full of ice, gently swirl or stir 2 ounces gin.
- Strain gin into martini glass.
- Garnish with olive, pearl onion or lemon twist.
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When you serve alcoholic beverages in your home please keep the safety of your guests and others in mind. Make sure that designated drivers have been selected, that alternative transportation is available to guests who choose to imbibe, and make sleeping arrangements available if necessary. Remember: The only successful party is the one from which everyone arrives home safely.
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