"Sway," "Summer Moon," Mas Que Nada," along with the delicate clinks of cubed ice are all sounds that should echo from your Summer cocktail party. Essentially a gathering of friends joining at your humble abode to celebrate a season to laugh, drink, and tan.
Many are concerned at the idea of hosting such a soiree could drain their vodka bottle along with their bank accounts. Keep in mind this shouldn't be a fear. Worry about the sounds from your speakers and making sure you have plenty of ice. Allow your guests to bring their favorite bottle and you should provide a "signature cocktail" that can be served as guests arrive and then crack into the other bottles that were brought. Serve simple things to nosh on. Spiced nuts, and my favorite bar snack, which is served at BarNineteen12 in Beverly Hills, is fresh buffalo mozzarella (Ciliegine) with lime zest and salt. Be creative with small bites that can aide each guests savor their drinks and move onto different conversations. Keep in mind the food is not the focus here, and really the drinks are not either. They are props to enlighten friends to open up and and converse.
You as a host, can start small. Invite 6 friends over and see how things go. Be prepared and allow yourself to be a guest as well. Relax and pour yourself a libation, just be sure to pour another one for the new girl your friend from work brought.
A signature cocktail for this event could be simple as steeping fresh orange slices in vodka overnight and serving with club soda and a splash of Cointreau.
