Guest Author - Melinda Thompson

Do you want to host the perfect cookout and cocktail party? Hosting a cocktail cookout is quite simple. First you plan your cookout just like any other cookout. Prepare your grill, gather your food and start grilling! However, setting up your cocktails may take a little more effort. The cocktail table can turn your plain cookout into a fun, exciting cookout cocktail party. Here is an example of my favorite cookout cocktail party.

Spirit Theme
The easiest way to host a cookout cocktail party is decide on two or three cocktails to serve. Choosing one spirit makes it easier and less expensive when planning the cocktail menu. Vodka is my choice for cookout cocktails. This spirit goes nicely with hamburgers, ribs or chicken. For this cookout cocktail party we are going to make Cosmo’s!

Traditional Cosmopolitan
Ingredients :

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 1 ounce of triple sec liqueur
• 1 ounce of cranberry juice
• Splash of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 wedge of lime for garnish

Preparation :

1. Place 3 ice cubes into a cocktail or martini shaker.
2. Add the Vodka, Triple Sec liqueur, cranberry juice and a splash of fresh lime juice to the cocktail shaker.
3. Shake well for approximately 10 - 15 seconds.
4. Strain into a cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime, orange, lemon or dried cranberries.

Blue Cosmopolitan
Ingredients :

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 1 ounce blue curacao
• 1 ounce of white cranberry juice
• Splash of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 wedge of lime for garnish

Preparation :

1. Place 3 ice cubes into a cocktail or martini shaker.
2. Add the Vodka, Blue Curacao , cranberry juice and a splash of fresh lime juice to the cocktail shaker.
3. Shake well for approximately 10 - 15 seconds.
4. Strain into a cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime, orange, lemon or dried cranberries.

Both the traditional Cosmo and the blue Cosmo look elegant when served in martini glasses.


Color and Table Theme
Choosing a color theme will help make your cocktail table look fun and exciting. My favorite color theme is red and blue. I use a red tablecloth, blue napkins and a few red and blue balloons on the table. I also sprinkle a little confetti on the table to give it a more exciting feel. The red and blue color theme works perfectly with the traditional Cosmo and the Blue Cosmopolitan. The red and blue drinks make the table look absolutely delightful.

Accessories
Use a small chalkboard to write the name of your cocktail and the ingredients you are using to make it. This will make your cocktail table look professional and make you look like a veteran bartender!
Use fun colorful drink markers to mark your guest’s cocktail. These fun tags easily attach to a cocktail glass and are a nice compliment to any cocktail.

Final Touches
Add your ice bucket, shaker, cocktail stirrer and measuring jigger to your table and you are ready to go!