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Sean Martin
Dec 01, 2021, Updated Dec 04, 2023
From hot mulled wine and bubbly spritzers to creamy cheese dips and grilled oysters, we’ve gathered up all our favorite co*cktail party essentials. Whether you are hosting a New Year’s bash or simply sipping at home, there is sure to be a drink or a co*cktail party appetizer to please everyone.
So you’ve finished binging your favorite 60’s drama (hellooo Mad Men) and now you’re ready to host your very own co*cktail party. Hooray! We’ve got you covered from the drinks to the best co*cktail party recipe ideas.
Table of Contents
- co*cktail Party Planning
- Wine
- Holiday co*cktail Recipes
- co*cktail Party Appetizers
co*cktail Party Planning
You need to make sure you balance time with guests and time to socialize during the event. So plan your menu with just a couple of each items.
First things first: booze. So that you actually have time to talk to your guests (and not just be the bartender) we recommend choosing 2-3 co*cktails and pre-mixing them in pitchers or carafes. Try picking:
- 1 drink with a light liquor (gin, vodka, light rum)
- 1 with a dark liquor (bourbon or whiskey)
- 1 with bubbles (you can rarely go wrong with bubbles)
That way everyone will have a drink they can jive with. Plan on serving 1 drink per person per hour. Don’t forget to have a non-alcoholic drink option on hand as well.
For co*cktail appetizers plan a combination of co*cktail appetizers you can make in advance and cook during the party. Below we mention portions. That way you can pull some things out of the oven with minimal need to prepare or clean up.
Wine
It goes without saying, having a few well curated wines goes a long way. When it comes to ease and accommodating a wide range of palates, keep the budget around $30 (or less) per bottle. It is a special party. And if you are wondering what styles to have: sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and a red Zinfandel are all great options and very versatile with food (not to mention they cater to a wide variety of palates).
Holiday co*cktail Recipes
Make a pitcher (or crock pot!) of these festive co*cktails so you can spend more time mingling.
5 from 1 vote
Apple Cider Mimosa Recipe
Fresh apple cider plus sparkling wine for the perfect apple cider co*cktail. This will be your go-to fall co*cktail.
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5 from 1 vote
Mulled Wine Recipe
Mulled Wine is a comforting festive drink made from a blend of red wine, spices, and citrus, served warm. This holiday classic recipe is easy to make and is a great co*cktail for winter parties.
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5 from 1 vote
Ginger Pomegranate co*cktail
Ginger Pomegranate Spritz is a loose take on a classic co*cktail. This refreshing drink is made with ginger beer, pomegranate flavored Italian soda, fresh lime, vodka, and some fresh herbs. It's the perfect refreshing holiday co*cktail this season.
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4.60 from 5 votes
Pomegranate Mimosa
A delicious and festive Pomegranate Mimosa made with sparkling wine, Cointreau, and pomegranate juice. The perfect champagne co*cktail recipe for holiday parties!
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4.43 from 83 votes
Bourbon Spiked Hot Apple Cider Recipe
A soothing and comforting spiked apple cider made with Bourbon. Can be served warm or cold over ice.
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5 from 2 votes
Bourbon co*cktail Recipe with Grilled Lemon Simple Syrup
Grilled lemons infused into a simple syrup and mixed with bourbon and bitters. A great summer co*cktail.
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co*cktail Party Appetizers
On to the food! Like with drinks, the name of the game is to do as much as you can in advance. Dips and nuts can be prepared the day before. Meatballs can be kept warm in a crock pot throughout the party.
How many appetizers should you make?
No need to make every recipe on our list. Choose your favorites and try making 3-4 different appetizers with enough for each person to average 12 bites. (Plan on more per person if being served in lieu of a meal.)
5 from 3 votes
Grilled Shrimp co*cktail with Sriracha co*cktail Sauce
Grilled Shrimp co*cktail features a Spicy Sriracha co*cktail Sauce that is easily adaptable. Perfect for cookouts, parties, and holidays!
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5 from 3 votes
Jalapeño Poppers Recipe with Brie and Prosciutto
A cheese board meets jalapeño poppers with creamy brie cheese, savory and salty prosciutto with a touch of cherry jam.
4.80 from 5 votes
Roasted Chestnuts over Open Fire
An easy recipe for roasting chestnuts over an open fire of charcoal or embers.
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5 from 7 votes
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Dates with Honey and Goat Cheese
Stuffed with goat cheese, these dates are then wrapped with bacon and then grilled over direct heat. These dates are finished with a smoked honey glaze and create the very best finger food at any party.
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5 from 1 vote
Smoked Cranberry Meatballs in a Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
A simple, delicious, and elegant appetizer idea for the holidays. Smoked meatballs made with pork and beef, cooked on the smoker, and then braised in a sweet and savory cranberry wine sauce.
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4.49 from 25 votes
Grilled Baked Brie with Wine and Thyme
Grilled brie wheel with white wine and thyme served with grilled crostini.
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4.86 from 7 votes
Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
A delicious appetizer recipe for smoked salmon dip made with salmon cooked on a smoker, then mixed into a creamy indulgent dip. This is a great smoked salmon appetizer for any occasion. Includes wine pairings.
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5 from 3 votes
Smoked Almonds
Roasting almonds using a low and slow method to get an amazing smoky flavor and crunch. We add a touch of extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt to finish.
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4.67 from 9 votes
Smoked Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
An easy and elegant recipe for Smoked Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Smoked sausage adds incredible flavor to this favorite holiday party appetizer.
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5 from 2 votes
Goat Cheese Dip Recipe with Shiitake Mushrooms
Goat Cheese Dip with Shiitake Mushrooms combines cream cheese and goat cheese with savory shiitake mushrooms and is baked and finished with spicy pickled peppers, tomatoes, and more mushrooms. Creamy, savory, and delicious!
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5 from 1 vote
Smoked Candied Nuts Recipe with Bourbon Glaze
A slowly smoked mix of pecans, almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts finished with a sweet and decadent butter, brown sugar, and bourbon glaze.
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4.45 from 18 votes
Grilled Oysters with White Wine Butter Sauce
How to grill oysters in the half shell with a herb wine butter sauce.
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5 from 1 vote
Wine Marinated Beef Skewers
Using a red wine marinade and easy dry rub for these delicious grilled steak skewer recipe.
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Categorized as:
Appetizers, co*cktails, Food, Holidays, Recipes
Vindulge
About Mary
I'm Mary, a wine/food/travel writer, Certified Sommelier, mom of twins, former vegetarian turned BBQ fanatic, runner, founder of Vindulge, and author of Fire + Wine cookbook. Thanks for stopping by!
About Me
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