Whether you want to muddle produce and herbs
for specialty cocktails, or feel more comfortable picking up a crowd-pleasing
wine or craft beer, there’s no reason to put too much time into trying to
create a summer party plan as a holiday weekend approaches. Don’t stress or search aimlessly
through random Pinterest boards trying to find the ideal presentation . It’s easy
to get buried with too many choices, and it's the season to chill—not
obsess.
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| Just one of the many colorful concoctions found on Sous Style. This Rainier Cherry Muddler was the from another of my favorite recipe-sharing sites, Sprouted Kitchen |
Just like stopping at a small market is faster (and less
headache) than navigating a superstore, limiting your options to 2-3 trusted sources where ideas/guides are at the ready reduces stress. Copy
links to your phone for picking up essentials when at the farm stand or
market, and you’re good to go.
A libations list consistently elevates your host/hostess status
and boosts your cocktail confidence without wasting precious time. When it’s
time to celebrate, you don’t want to be searching for help online or trying to
find an ingredient. Shop and stock up in advance—and focus on soaking up the
sun with friends, cocktail in hand.
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| Impress and refresh your guests while using up herbs from the garden with Food & Wine's Basil Slushie |
SITE SALVATION:
My teachers and trusted advisers for ingredients, serving advice, mistakes to avoid, saving time/money, and evolving recipe options. I've also outlined my HOSTING TIPS guide of all I’ve
collected from others, my own experience and observations from
memorable parties.You'll also see a variation of motivational menus to get you on track on Southern Sophisticate, so I'm hoping you'll put it on the list along with these:
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| Take advantage of unique base ingredients like rhubarb to really impress, just follow simple mixing tips for drinks like this on Maureen's 10 minute happy hour |
A reliable source of recipes by a fun, realistic guru (ps: she’s also founding editor of foodrepublic.com and author
of Cocktail Club). The10 minute happy hour tab is genius. The
Maker Style tab includes appetizer tips, the skinny on buying gin,
shopping shortcuts and Maureen’s take on how to set a table… fast! Best choice for novice entertainers.
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| The raspberry-lemonade smash on Sous Style' happy hour was created by another good go-to, A Beautiful Mess. It's also great in big batches for backyard sipping. |
If you’re idea of a great read is the latest issue of an upscale food mag, you'll lose hours perusing the site. It’s
young, fresh and on trend without being trendy. Think 'grapefruit cucumber
cocktails meets fashion shoot'. Keep the Happy Hour tab bookmarked. It's actually my top choice for inspiration.. and guilty pleasure reading.
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| On Mouth, they do the shopping for you. I am crazy about their Summer Spirit Gift Set. One click, and done! |
Yes, it’s a shopping site for groceries and gift baskets,
but in my opinion, they make sites like Williams Sonoma passé. The blog includes trusted advice on purchases. It’s a great starting point if
you are seeking what bitters to buy at your local store and invaluable for
online gift ordering for your entertaining friends.
Just love this site. It’s current and full of insight on
many things. The cocktails are imaginative without being complicated. Select Bottom's Up-- under the food tab... you won't be sorry.
PS: It's ideal for the calorie-conscious, lots of lighter choices here.
The chef inspired, summer drink pick is on-point, and so easy to follow... and delicious. Throwback- meets-modern recipes like the 'new' daiquiri or their Fourth of July cocktail guide are all smart but simple. It's foodie focused, but the blog often includes cocktail recipes with 3 ingredients, max.
What's your go to site for finding helpful, quick information on cocktail parties. Do dish...as hosting help is always something worth toasting!
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