3 Classic Simple Cocktails to Have On Hand for Parties

Serve up 3 classic simple cocktails for simple party planning:  A Manhattan, a Martini, and an Old Fashioned. A close-up of a bartender's hands as they make an Old Fashioned cocktail using classic ingredients - whiskey, bitters, simple syrup, and a twist of orange. The drink is being stirred with a long, twisted stainless steel spoon in a short, sturdy rocks glass. The garnish is a maraschino cherry and an orange peel. This is a perfect example of a classic simple cocktail that you can easily make for your next party. #OldFashioned #SimpleCocktails #PartyPlanning #HostingAParty #WhiskeyCocktails #ClassicCocktails

Planning a party can be a lot of work, and choosing the perfect drinks to serve your guests can be a challenge. With so many different options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we recommend sticking to some classic, simple cocktails that are sure to please any crowd. In this article, we’ll discuss three classic cocktail recipes that you can have on hand for your next party. Our three picks are The Manhattan, The Martini, and The Old Fashioned.

A close-up of a bartender's hands as they make an Old Fashioned cocktail using classic ingredients - whiskey, bitters, simple syrup, and a twist of orange. The drink is being stirred with a long, twisted stainless steel spoon in a short, sturdy rocks glass. The garnish is a maraschino cherry and an orange peel. This is a perfect example of a classic simple cocktail that you can easily make for your next party. #OldFashioned #SimpleCocktails #PartyPlanning #HostingAParty #WhiskeyCocktails #ClassicCocktails

The Manhattan

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that has been around for over a century. It’s a perfect drink for any party, whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or a casual get-together with friends. The recipe is simple:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz rye whiskey
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
  • Orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange peel.
A classic Manhattan cocktail served in a cut glass lowball glass. The drink has a rich amber color and is garnished with a twist of lemon peel. This simple and elegant cocktail is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, and is the perfect addition to any party. The cut glass and lemon twist add a touch of sophistication to the presentation, making it a crowd-pleaser for any event. #ManhattanCocktail #SimpleCocktails #PartyPlanning #HostingAParty #WhiskeyCocktails #ClassicCocktails

The Martini

The martini is a classic cocktail that has been around for over a century. It’s a perfect drink for any party, whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or a casual get-together with friends. The recipe is simple:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz dry vermouth
  • Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the gin and dry vermouth.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist.
 A classic dry martini served in a clear, elegant stemmed martini glass. The drink has a light golden color and is garnished with two green olives on a silver cocktail pick. This simple yet sophisticated cocktail is made with gin, vermouth, and a twist of lemon peel. It's the perfect drink to serve at your next party, and your guests will love the elegant presentation. #DryMartini #SimpleCocktails #PartyPlanning #HostingAParty #GinCocktails #ClassicCocktails

The Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been around for over a century. It’s a perfect drink for any party, whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or a casual get-together with friends. The recipe is simple:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon whiskey (we used Maker’s 46 when we need a gluten-free cocktail)
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Splash of water
  • Orange slice (for garnish)
  • Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass.
  2. Add the Angostura bitters and a splash of water.
  3. Muddle the sugar until it dissolves.
  4. Fill the glass with ice.
  5. Add the bourbon whiskey and stir well.
  6. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
A close-up of a bartender's hands as they make an Old Fashioned cocktail using classic ingredients - whiskey, bitters, simple syrup, and a twist of orange. The drink is being stirred with a long, twisted stainless steel spoon in a short, sturdy rocks glass. The garnish is a maraschino cherry and an orange peel. This is a perfect example of a classic simple cocktail that you can easily make for your next party. #OldFashioned #SimpleCocktails #PartyPlanning #HostingAParty #WhiskeyCocktails #ClassicCocktails

What To Have on Hand: Simple Party Planning List

What kind of bar supplies to always have on hand for a simple cocktail party, and make simple party planning to make these three drinks: The Manhattan, the Martini, the Old Fashioned . Cocktail shaker: A silver cocktail shaker with strainer and cap
Strainer: A sleek silver strainer for removing ice from cocktails
Jigger: A double-sided stainless steel jigger for precise measurements
Mixing spoon: A long, twisted stainless steel spoon for stirring cocktails
Martini glasses: Clear, elegant stemmed glasses for serving martinis
Rocks glasses: Short, sturdy glasses for serving whiskey cocktails
Cocktail napkins: Elegant paper napkins with various designs
Cocktail picks: Silver cocktail picks with decorative toppers
Ice: Clear ice cubes in a glass bowl, ready to be used in cocktails.

If you’re planning on making these three classic simple cocktails for a party of 10 guests for 3 hours, here’s a shopping list of everything you’ll need:

  • 1 bottle of bourbon whiskey (750ml)
  • 1 bottle of rye whiskey (750ml)
  • 1 bottle of vermouth (750ml)
  • 1 bottle of bitters (10oz)
  • 1 bottle of vodka (750ml)
  • 1 bottle of gin (750ml)
  • 1 bottle of simple syrup (16oz)
  • 1 jar of maraschino cherries
  • 1 bottle of Angostura bitters
  • 1 jar of olives
  • 3 oranges
  • 2 lemons (to make lemon twist garnishes)
  • a box of sugar cubes
  • Ice
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Strainer
  • Jigger or measuring cup
  • Mixing spoon or swizzle stick
  • Martini glasses
  • Rocks glasses
  • Cocktail napkins
  • Cocktail picks

It’s also a good idea to have some extra ingredients on hand in case you need to make more cocktails. And don’t forget to plan for non-alcoholic beverages and snacks for your guests as well.

With these ingredients and tools, you’ll be able to make delicious cocktails for your guests and ensure a memorable party experience.

A group of young ladies are standing in a circle, holding their classic simple cocktails, manhattans, martinis, old fashioneds, and clinking their glasses together. The girls are all dressed up and are clearly enjoying each other's company. This picture captures the essence of simple party planning - good drinks, good friends, and good times. It's easy to create a fun and sophisticated atmosphere for your next party with classic cocktails like these. #SimplePartyPlanning #CocktailHour #PartyWithFriends #ClassicCocktails #SimpleCocktails

These three classic cocktails are perfect for any party, no matter what the occasion. They’re simple to make, and they’re sure to impress your guests. So the next time you’re hosting a party, be sure to have the ingredients on hand for a Manhattan, Martini, and Old Fashioned. Your guests will thank you!

In conclusion, having a few classic, simple cocktails on hand for your next party is a great way to ensure that your guests have a great time. These three classic cocktails – the Manhattan, Martini, and Old Fashioned – are perfect for any occasion, and they’re sure to please even the pickiest of drinkers. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or a casual get-together with friends, having these classic cocktails on hand will make your party one to remember.

And when it comes to serving your cocktails, it’s important to have the right glassware and cocktail accessories. At EnFete, we offer an elegant collection of cocktail glasses, as well as a variety of cocktail napkins and picks to help you add a special touch to your party. So, shop our collection today and get everything you need to make your next party a success!

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Carey Greene Owner of EnFete boutique party supplies for all your occasions - read all about her

I’ve always loved to throw a good party. But I always knew, it’s not just a party. Whether it’s a birthday, bridal shower, anniversary or baby shower, a special event is just that—truly special.

Hi, I’m Carey! The Owner and Designer behind EnFete. I was bit by the party planning bug at just six-years-old and haven’t looked back ever since. 

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