Cut to the punch: Award-Winning Ideas For Your Viewing Party
Hollywood’s biggest night is right around the corner. Sure, your living room is no Dolby Theatre, but that’s okay. You can have the glitz without the glitterati. Just roll out the red carpet (a stylish rug will do), dress to impress, and give your guests an award-worthy experience. And we know just how to do it.
Shaken, Not Stirred: A Martini to Remember
This year, why not create a buzz by featuring an espresso martini bar? Espresso martinis strike the perfect balance between sophistication and sass, and they’re super trendy right now. What better way to provide the perfect kick that’ll keep your party going all night long?
Stocking an espresso martini bar is easy thanks to our Four Brothers Espresso Martini mix. You’ll also need vodka, ice, and an assortment of fun garnishes for your guests to choose from. Coffee beans are a must but also consider chocolate shavings, cookies, cocoa powder, caramel sauce, and even twists of lemon or orange for a zesty kick.
When you set up your bar, remember to keep things flowing. Place the martini mix and vodka on one end and the garnishes on the other, with the ice and glasses in between. Display a simple recipe to get your guests started. There are hundreds of recipes out there, but that’s the genius of a martini smorgasbord: every guest gets to direct their own masterpiece. Here’s how we like to get it done:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz. of Four Brothers Espresso Martini with 2 oz. of vodka.
- Add plenty of ice.
- Seal the shaker and then shake vigorously.
- Strain the martini into a chilled glass.
- Add garnishes. (Optional- add cream or Irish Cream Liqueur).
Tip: Don't have a cocktail shaker? A spill-proof travel mug or a lidded glass jar works just fine.
Mocktail Mixology
If martinis aren’t your thing, how about a mocktail bar? Sparkling cider makes a great base, though club soda or sparkling wine works too. You’ll also want to supply fruit juices—try peach, apple, orange, cranberry, or lemonade—and an array of clever garnishes. Here are some of our favorites:
- Fruit: berries, cherries, peach slices, orange slices, pomegranate seeds
- Herbs and spices: mint leaves, basil, sage, thyme, ginger
Offer a recipe or two printed out with the ingredients to get the ball rolling. And don’t forget celebratory glasses—wine or champagne glasses help set the scene!
We've got two to get you started:
Sparkling Citrus Mocktail
Combine 1 cup of sparkling water with ½ cup of orange juice and a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Easy Peach Bellini Mocktail
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of peach juice to a champagne flute. Top off the glass with sparkling cider, and then garnish raspberries and mint leaves.
And the winner is...
The ballots are in, and it's no surprise your party swept every category. The only decision you have left is whether to call it a night or continue to celebrate. Afterparty, anyone?